Mumbai, 20 June 2024

The 18th Edition of the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) hosted an engaging panel discussion on "From Script to Screen: The Challenges and Triumphs of International Co-Production" today. The discussion delved into the intricate process of collaborating across borders to bring a film from screenplay to screen, addressing the complexities and obstacles encountered in foreign co-productions.

The panel featured prominent speakers including Prithul Kumar, Festival Director & Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India; Nila Madhab Panda, Pamdashree awardee and Award-winning documentary maker; Golda Sellam, Film Consultant, Programmer, and Producer based in France; Nilotpal Majumdar, President of Documentary Resource Initiative; and Yuri Aleksei, Director General, Belarusfilm. The session was moderated by Arfi Lamba, Actor & Producer.

Nila Madhab Panda emphasized the importance of Indian filmmakers identifying stories that can be marketed internationally. He highlighted the availability of funding from the Western world but noted the lengthy process involved. Panda advised filmmakers to participate in renowned film festivals like Cannes to attract global attention.

Golda Sellam pointed out the significant market ready to fund competitive and unique documentaries. She stressed that a compelling story is essential for a film to transcend borders and achieve international success.

Nilotpal Majumdar illuminated the challenges faced by independent filmmakers, particularly in securing funding. He called on the Indian government to support young, talented filmmakers to help them realize their creative visions.

Prithul Kumar outlined the Indian government's efforts to create a supportive ecosystem for Indian filmmakers through various initiatives. He announced the inaugural doc-film-bazaar at MIFF, where filmmakers can meet top producers and pitch their films and ideas. Kumar reiterated the government's commitment to documentary filmmaking, emphasizing its importance on the government agenda.

Yuri Aleksei discussed the initiatives of the Republic of Belarus to support filmmakers. He shared that the Belarusian government is working on an action plan to facilitate collaborative efforts and is keen to work with Indian filmmakers.

The panel concluded with a consensus on the immense benefits of international collaboration, including access to a diverse talent pool, financial options, and global distribution channels. The speakers collectively underscored the necessity of fostering an environment that supports and nurtures international co-productions for the growth and enrichment of the global film industry.

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PIB Team MIFF | Gautam/ Harshal/ Darshana | 53

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