Apart from showcasing R. Madhavan-produced ‘Rocketry’, a biopic on a scientist of Indian space agency ISRO who was falsely accused of espionage, at the 75th edition of Cannes Film Festival and other content-related initiatives, India will pitch itself as the ‘content hub of the world’.

Outlining the Indian initiatives at Cannes Film Festival this year, Minister for Information & Broadcasting Anurag Thakur on Wednesday said that at the  dedicated India Forum, an hour-long conference will be organised at the Main Stage, comprising the leaders of the entertainment sector and would position “India as the content hub of the World”.

The India Forum would be attended by hundreds of guests and would be live streamed from France.

Speaking on the features of India Pavilion, the Minister said the pavilion will have the sole focus of branding India as the “content hub”. The pavilion would be inaugurated on the morning of May 18.

It will showcase Indian cinema across linguistic, cultural, and regional diversities of the country and will serve as a networking platform for delegates from across the global community, aiming to establish international partnerships in film shooting, distribution, production, script development, technology, promoting film sales and syndication.

The Minister said India will be the official Country of Honour at the upcoming Marche’ Du Film, organized alongside the 75th edition of Cannes Film Festival, in France.

“It is the first time the Marché du Film has an official Country of Honour, and this special focus will continue annually with different nations in the spotlight at future editions,” he observed.

Notably France and India are marking 75 years of their diplomatic ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Paris and meeting with French President Macron gets significant in this context. It is in this significant diplomatic backdrop that India has been chosen as the ‘Country of Honour’ at Marche’ Du Film at the Cannes Film Festival.

Elaborating on the announcement, Thakur said that the Country of Honour Status thereby ensured India’s presence as Focus Country at the Opening Night of Marche Du Films being organised at the Majestic Beach with spotlight on India, its cinema, its culture and heritage. Adding Indian flavour to this night would be special performances by Indian Choir bands along with folk music and fireworks. The cuisine served would be Indian as well as French.

According to Thakur, India is also a Country of Honour at the Cannes Next, under which five new startups would be given an opportunity to pitch to the global audio-visual industry. Ten professionals will participate in the Animation Day networking.

India’s celebration of centenary of Satyajit Ray continues at Cannes as a remastered classic of Satyajit Ray classic ‘Pratidwandi’ will be screened at the Cannes Classic section Cinéma de la plage.