Indian Cinema on a Global Journey at Berlinale / European Film Market

The Indian delegation at Berlinale and European Film Market had several fruitful interactions with global counterparts positioning India cinema's new narrative and desire to collaborate internationally not only in filmmaking but also in post-production and digital services.

The India delegation to Berlinale and European Film Market 2018 is led by prominent producer and director Karan Johar of Dharma Productions. The other delegation members include Vani Tripathi Tikoo, actress, producer and director, Shaji N Karun, director, Jahnu Barua, director  and Bhumi Pednekar, actress.

"The objective is to boost the profile of Indian films, facilitate business to business meetings, production services and Indian locales to the world," says Mr Karan Johar, leader of the India delegation at Berlin.

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, in association with Confederation of Indian Industry, is participating in the 68th Berlin International Film Festival and European Film Market, to project Indian cinema, facilitate to syndicate,  market Indian films, shooting locales and film services in India.

The prominent activities of the delegation included a high level interaction and panel discussion at Indian Embassy on Friday (Feb 16). Indian Cinema : New Narrative and global footprint. A large of directors of international film festivals, eclectic audience comprising lovers of Indian cinema fruitfully interacted with the panel exploring new avenues of international film collaborations. National Award winning film Neerja was screened at the Indian Embassy for Berlinale delegates.

On Saturday delegation members participated in a seminar on efficacy of film coproduction agreements and its future potential to fuel global partnerships. Currently India has active bilateral treaties with Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Israel, Korea, New Zealand, Poland, Spain and UK.  production agreement with 13  Countries. Over 70 producers and creative heads from across Europe participated in this interaction. A State of the Indian Film Industry presentation was made at the EFM Producers Club.

Mr Ashok Parmar JS (Films) MIB spoke about the highly liberal policy environment in the country for investments in film sector, establishment of FFO as a single window clearance for film shooting across India and the ease of doing business which has become the mantra in the country makes India a very attractive destination for film business.

"We have created a Film Facilitation Office (FFO) which acts as a facilitation point for filmmakers in assisting them to get single window permission. FFO also disseminate information on shooting locations as well as the talent, resources and facilities available for production and post production. It proactively works closely with various Central and State Government Agencies to create a film friendly environment in India. FFO accepts application for shooting of feature films, reality TV shows and commercial television series in India," said Mr Parmar.

The delegation members have extended   invitation to international producers, directors and film fraternities to join for the International Film Festival of India, Goa this November. IFFI will be celebrating  50 years in 2019.

Some of the significant meetings that the delegation had  include Mr Dieter Kosslick, Berlin Film Festival Director,  Mr Cameron Bailey, Artistic Director, TIFF, Mr Jerome Paillard, Executive Director, Marche Du Films (Cannes Film  Market), Mr Matthijs Wouter Knol, Director, European Film Market, Mr Mathias Schwerbrock, Founder, Film Base Berlin GmbH and Producer & Director, Ms Nadia Dresti, Deputy Artistic Director, Head of International, Locarno Festival, South African women delegation among others.

Over 50 Indian companies are at Berlin during this year’s European Film Market. Senior representatives of the filmed entertainment companies are at Berlin with their library catalogue, films in production and offshore services.