Industry rejoices as India is Cannes’ Country of Honour

The Indian film industry has a major reason to be proud. In a first, India will be the Country of Honour at the Marché du Film, at the 75th Cannes Film Festival, which will be held from May 17 to 28. As one of the highlights of India’s status as the Country of Honour, a special screening of the restored Satyajit Ray film Pratidwandi (1970) is planned in the Cannes Classics selection. Another highlight would be the world premiere of the film, Rocketry produced by R Madhavan, who has also acted in it.

Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal notes that an association with a film festival like Cannes is a big honour. Producer Pritish Nandy concurs and adds, “I think a few issues need attention. The film industry employs a number of talented people, many of whom are not even matriculate or graduate, and come from remote areas. The government must pay attention to this industry to make it stronger.”

Filmmaker Onir says, “The focus on Indian cinema would be nice, as the awareness about it is not as much as world cinema.”

ANURAG THAKUR, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister

SHYAM BENEGAL, Filmmaker