Bharat Pavilion Shines at 78th Cannes Film Festival – Anupam Kher, Shekhar Kapur Lead India’s Grand Global Cinema Moment!
India’s cinematic spirit took center stage at the 78th Cannes Film Festival with the grand inauguration of the Bharat Pavilion, symbolizing a celebration of cinema, culture, and international collaboration.
The vibrant ceremony was graced by top dignitaries, including acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, veteran actor Anupam Kher, and French diplomat Anne-Louise Mésadieu, marking a significant moment in India’s expanding influence on the global film scene.
Addressing the gathering, Anne-Louise Mésadieu extended a warm welcome to the Bharat Pavilion, praising India’s storytelling legacy and expressing France’s openness to co-productions with Indian filmmakers. She emphasized how cinema can be a powerful bridge for diplomacy and cross-cultural understanding.
Shekhar Kapur highlighted India’s emergence as a global creative hub, underlining the transformational power of cinema and the importance of technological innovation in storytelling.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the IFFI 2025 Poster and Trailer. Gautam Bhanot, General Manager of Film Promotion (NFDC India), revealed the new poster, calling it a “convergence of creativity and technology,” and reaffirmed India’s commitment to leading the global content creation space.
Another key moment was the release of the India Film Guide, a comprehensive tool showcasing India’s diverse filming locations, production incentives, and creative talent—an open invitation to the world for co-productions and collaborations.
Delivering a heartfelt speech, Anupam Kher reflected on Indian cinema’s growth and his own journey. “I’m eight years younger than my country, and we’ve grown together. This is my first time in Cannes, and I’m thrilled to be here at the Mahakumbh of cinema,” he said.
The event also saw participation from Rupjyoti Brahma Karjee, Consul General of India (Marseille), Sreerag Mukundan, OSD, Ministry of I&B, and Ravi Kottarakara, President of the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce—further reinforcing India’s strong diplomatic and cultural ties with France.
Organized by NFDC and FICCI under the aegis of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, the Bharat Pavilion continues to be a dynamic platform that amplifies the voice of Indian cinema on a global stage.
As the festival unfolds, India’s presence at Cannes 2025 is poised to be a beacon of creative excellence, cinematic diplomacy, and global collaboration.
