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After
the honour of walking the red carpet at Cannes, Brand India continued
to make its presence felt at the film festival with Bollywood icon
Amitabh Bachchan promoting his latest release "Cheeni Kum", which was
premiered here.
There
were several other eminent filmmakers present, including Mani Ratnam,
Shankar, Prakashraj, Rituparno Ghosh, Raju Hirani, adding to the Indian
touch Monday. Ashutosh Gowarikar's historical "Jodha Akbar" as well as
"Goal" were launched at the festival.
The India Pavilion was abuzz with a lot of networking and activity.
IDream
Independent Pictures held several screenings of the films it has
brought to market and were reported to be doing brisk business.
Shemarro Entertainment is marketing its animation film "Ghatothkach",
which has also fetched several market enquiries.
"There is a
huge India interest now. I can say with confidence that Cannes is not
fun, but serious business," said Ajay Khanna, deputy director general,
Confederation of Indian Industry.
India was the partner
country at the opening night of the Cannes Market Party on May 17. The
next day was the India Focus party, attended by over 1,000 guests. Over
the next two days seven Indian films were screened, in addition to the
Indian delegation being given the honour of walking the Red Carpet on
May 19.
On Monday, Amitabh Bachchan became India's brand
ambassador walking the Cannes croissette when his "Cheeni Kum" was
premiered at the Cannes Market. A group of independent Indian
filmmakers held a grand party at the Carlton beach projecting India's
presence. India was also the spotlight country at the producers network
organised by National Film Development Corporation Tuesday.
Over
20 Indian showbiz companies have exhibited their projects and products
at the India Pavilion and exhibition area Palais. It has been organised
by the Confederation of Indian Industry with the support of the
ministry of information and broadcasting. Over 80 companies from India,
including 40 independent filmmakers, are at Cannes and they have over
150 films to showcase.
Indo-Asian News Service
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