Mumbai : 14 May 2024

In an effort to bridge cultures and bring cinephiles around the world closer, the National Film Development Corporation of India, the apex body of filmmaking under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, is co-hosting a series of film festivals with Belarus, Argentina, and Sri Lanka. A six-day extravaganza celebrating cinema and culture, where cine-enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the captivating world of films.

The Opening Ceremony of this Multi-Country International Film Festival was held today, at the National Museum of Indian Cinema (NMIC) located at Peddar Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra. This momentous event marked the beginning of a cultural exchange that promises to showcase the best of Indian and international cinema alongside encapsulating the rich legacy of Indian cinema. Following the opening ceremony, each collaborating country will have a dedicated film festival.

The first leg of the event today, featured Belarusian cinema alongside a selection of exceptional Indian films. For the Belarus film festival, NFDC, collaborated with the National Film Studio ‘Belarus film’ which is the leading enterprise in the film industry of Belarus producing more than 650 feature films, 2000 documentaries and 300 animated films over the years.

The event was attended by Mr Aliaksandr Matsukou, the Consulate General of Belarus in Mumbai and Mr Aleksei V. Surovtsev, Consul General of the Russian Federation alongside Mr D Ramakrishnan, General Manager of NFDC and other senior officials from the respective consulates.

Highlighting the importance of the Film Festival, Mr D Ramakrishnan GM, NFDC said, “The NFDC - Belarus Film Festival is the first in a series of film festivals planned with various other countries so as to promote cross cultural bridges through cinema. The uniqueness of this festival is Indian and Belarusian Films are being screened in India together for the very first time. We had an encouraging turnout on the very first day and I am sure that through the next few days the popularity of this festival will only grow.”

Mr Aliaksandr Matsukou, the Consulate General of Belarus said, “For us it is a great pleasure to be the first country representing our films in this film festival in India. My experience with NFDC has been incredible and it shares the same passion for cinema as we do.” He also emphasised that the great atmosphere of NFDC enabled other countries to showcase their movies to the Indian public, also underscoring that cinema is the way to our hearts and our minds.

Actor Shruti Bapana who also featured in the popular Hindi movie, ‘The Lunchbox’ joined as the Guest of honour for the Opening Ceremony. “I am thrilled that ‘The Lunchbox’ has been shortlisted as one of the three Indian films to be screened in the first leg of the film festival. As an actor it feels great to see a platform like this being given to cinema lovers in Mumbai where they can enjoy world cinema”, said Ms Bapna.

The opening ceremony started at 3:30 PM, followed by the film screenings from 4:00 pm onwards. The festival schedule for Belarus is as follows:

• May 11th, 2024: Filmmakers
• May 12th, 2024: Chhaad
• May 13th, 2024: Across the River
• May 14th, 2024: The Lunchbox
• May 15th, 2024: Waiting List
• May 16th, 2024: Salaam Bombay

NFDC has invited all to be a part of this landmark International Film Festival, fostering cultural understanding and appreciation for diverse cinematic voices. The organisation hopes many join for this grand celebration of cinema – a beautiful blend of different cinematic cultures!

Source: NFDC/NJ/PM

 

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