India section kicks off at Cannes

The India Focus section at the Cannes film festival kicked off to a bright start here with a top festival official describing it as a "treasure trove of cultural diversity, democracy and modernity in the new India".

The India Focus Films began Friday in the Tous Les Cinemas Du Monde (All Cinemas of the World) section.

Seven Indian movies are screened as part of the package and the interest among the world cinema lovers was visible as a large number of people lined up to watch Malayalam movie "Saira", directed by Biju.

The country's presence at Cannes is visible with over 20 Indian showbiz companies exhibiting their projects and products at the India Pavilion and exhibition area Palais organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) with the support of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Over 80 companies from India, including 40 independent filmmakers, are at Cannes and have over 150 films, mainly for the market.

Cannes Film Festival honcho Catherine Demier formally opened the India Focus section in the presence of Asha Swarup, secretary, ministry of information and broadcasting, and Serge Sobczynski, head of the Cinema of the World Section.

The seven directors of the India Focus movies were present during the occasion.

Demier said the India Focus section was a "treasure trove of cultural diversity, democracy and modernity in the new India".

Swarup said there is a steady rise in the dynamism and confidence of the India business sector and the Indian filmed entertainment space was bubbling with new growth prospects and showing visible signs of maturity.

Over 1,000 people attended the inauguration at the Majestic Beach.