Pickle May 2023 Edition

We are delighted to share the 16th edition of Cannes Pickle FILMS with attendees at the Cannes Film Festival and Market. Pickle has been in the Cannes trade racks since we began publishing in May 2007. Pickle has grown its digital footprint and knowledge reports on the media and entertainment verticals significantly since its newsletter and print-only origins.

India was the Country of Honour at the 2022 edition of Cannes, and this year too, India has a visible presence at the festival, which will give Indian filmmakers and producers (both mainstream and independent) a platform to market their films and collaborate on co-production initiatives with global studios. Over 80 Indian businesses and 200 delegates will be present in Cannes this year.

The Cannes Film Festival 2023 will feature four Indian films. Anurag Kashyap’s Kennedy, Kanu Behl’s Agra, Ariban Syam Sharma’s Ishanou, and Yudhajit Basu’s Nehemich.

The India Pavilion can be found at 108 Village International in Riviera. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the National Film Development Corporation are focusing on showcasing India’s Creative Economy at Cannes this year. FICCI is the India Pavilion’s Industry Partner in Cannes.

India has signed 16 agreements for audiovisual co-production. Incentives for overseas productions and co-productions in India are close to 35%, which is comparable globally. Different States, too, offer incentives in the form of subsidies

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and tax benefits. Many Indian States have also come up with their own film policies to promote filming. Meet representatives from the Film Facilitation Office at the India Pavilion at the Cannes to know more.

This issue focuses on the ease of filming in Puducherry, Sikkim, and Jammu and Kashmir. These States and UTs are willing to go the extra mile to meet the needs of global producers.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) will participate at the Cannes Film Market at Palais (Stand 24.01) for the 21st year in a row, with exhibitors, B2B meetings, and independent filmmakers.

In the expanding streaming sector, Indian filmmakers and actors have already begun to occupy substantial mental space. Many of the Indian actors who have had their films shown in sidebar sections at the Cannes Film Festival have built an impressive presence on streaming services.

India’s thriving M&E industry offers appealing growth opportunities for both global and domestic businesses, and the government’s initiatives are aimed at maximising this sector’s potential.

Please email your views and suggestions. We will gladly address any inquiries you have about cooperating with Indian media and entertainment companies.

Senior Editor : Vivek Ratnakar

Editorial Coordinators : Maitreyi Vidyasagar, Shruti Sundaranand, Bala, Ram

Design: Jose J Reegan, James, D Sharma

Photo Editor : K K Laskar

IT & Operations : B Rajalakshmi

Email: natvid@gmail.com

Pickle is an ad supported business guide tracking the filmed entertainment business in India. C

PHOTO: DYLAN PATRICK PHOTOGRAPHY INC

CANNES WAtCh

Samet, a young art teacher, is finishing his fourth year of compulsory service in a remote village in Anatolia. After a turn of events he can hardly make sense of, he loses his hopes of escaping the grim life he seems to be stuck in. Will his encounter with Nuray, herself a teacher, help him overcome his angst?

Directed by : Nuri Bilge CEYLAN

Year of production: 2023

Country: Turkey, France, Germany

Duration: 197

International Sales: PLAYTIME info@playtime.group

Bread and Roses offers a powerful look at the seismic impact of women’s living conditions and rights after Kabul fell to the Taliban in 2021. The film follows three women in real time as they struggle to regain their autonomy. Mani captures the resilience and spirit of Afghan women through her intimate and raw portrayal of their heartbreaking suffering.

Directed by: Sahra MANI

Year of production: 2022

Country: Afghanistan, Pakistan

Duration: 90 minutes

International Sales: LBI ENTERTAINMENT cjd@lbient.com

A famous Spanish actor, Julio Arenas, disappears while shooting a film. Although his body is never found, the police conclude that he’s been the victim of an accident by the sea. Many years later, the mystery surrounding his disappearance is brought back into the spotlight by a TV programme outlining his life, and death, and showing exclusive images of the last scenes he filmed, shot by his dear friend, the director Miguel Garay.

Cannes Premiere

Directed by : Victor ERICE

Year of production: 2023

Country: Spain, Argentina

Duration: 169

International Sales: KADOKAWA CORPORATION furutsuki-e@kadokawa.jp

ABOUT DRY GRASSES

CANNES WAtCh

Two solitary people (Alma Pöysti, Jussi Vatanen) meet by chance one night in Helsinki and each tries to find in the other his first, only and last love. Their path to this laudable goal is obscured by the man’s alcoholism, the loss of a telephone number, the ignorance of each other’s name and address. Life tends to put obstacles in the way of those seeking happiness.This tragicomedy tinged with indulgence is the fourth part that was thought to be lost of Aki Kaurismäki’s trilogy (Shadows in paradise, Ariel and The Match Maiden).

Directed by: Aki KAURISMAKI

Year of production: 2023

Country: Finland

Duration: 81 minutes

International Sales: THE MATCH FACTORY info@matchfactory.de

Ishano” by Aribam Syam Sharma is a poignant story of love and loss rooted in the Manipuri culture. The story of Tampha, who responds to the inexorable call of the deity abandons her husband and daughter to join the sect of Maibi priestesses, clarifies the interference of the spiritual world with aspects of ordinary life. Its absorption into the mystical world of the Maibis also reveals the anguish of an alienated mother soon cut off from her child. The simplicity of the director’s approach, the work of the camera and the controlled acting of the actors, combined with the vivid representation of Maibi culture and the use of traditional Manipur music, give documentary authenticity to this ethnographic fiction.

Directed by: Aribam Syam SHARMA

Year of production: 1990

Country: India

Duration: 90 minutes

Based on David Grann’s critically acclaimed best-selling book, the film “Killers of the Flower Moon” is set in Oklahoma in the 20s and traces a case of murders of members of the Osage tribe, which became rich thanks to oil; A series of violent crimes dubbed “the reign of terror”.

Directed by: Martin SCORSESE

Year of production: 2023

Country: United States

Duration: 206 minutes

FALLEn LEAvES

KiLLERS OF ThE FLOwER mOOn

CO mp ET i T i

iShAnOU

CANNES WAtCh

In the 16th century, Japan was tormented by conflicts between rival provincial governors. Among them, Lord Oda Nobunaga, determined to take over the rule, was at war with several clans when one of his generals, Araki Murashige, launched a rebellion before disappearing. Nobunaga then gathered his other vassals, including Mitsuhide and Hideyoshi, and ordered them to capture the fugitive Murashige, promising them that “ the one who works the most will become his successor “.

Directed by: Takeshi KITANO

Year of production: 2023

Country: Japan

Duration: 131 minutes

International Sales: KADOKAWA CORPORATION furutsuki-e@kadokawa.jp

A prominent lawyer jeopardizes her career and threatens to break up her family by having an affair with her 17-year-old stepson.

Directed by: Catherine BREILLAT

Year of production: 2023

Country: France

Duration: 104 minutes amauruc@pyramidefilms.com

The behaviour of young Minato is increasingly worrying. His mother, who has been raising him alone since the death of her husband, decides to confront the educational team of her son’s school. Everything seems to point to Minato’s teacher as responsible for the problems faced by the young boy. But as the story unfolds through the eyes of mother, teacher and child, the truth turns out to be far more complex and nuanced than anyone had originally anticipated...

Directed by: KORE-EDA Hirokazu

Year of production: 2023

Country: Japan

Duration: 126 minutes

International Sales: GOODFELLAS edevos@goodfellas.film

KUBi mOnSTER

C A nn ES pRE mi ERE

LAST SUmmER

CA nn ES CLASS i CS

CANNES WAtCh

The past collides with the disorder of our present in Steve McQueen’s superb documentary Occupied City, which is inspired by the book Atlas of an Occupied City (Amsterdam 1940-1945) by Bianca Stigter. The film offers a cross-portrait: both an immersion in the period of the Nazi occupation that continues to haunt the Dutch capital, the director’s adopted city; and a dizzying exploration of recent years, marked by the pandemic and social movements. The result is a moving experience that celebrates life, a vast meditation on memory, time and our common future.

Directed by: Steve MCQUEEN

Year of production: 2023

Country: Netherlands, United Kingdom

Duration: 262 minutes

International Sales: A24 joe@a24films.com

Hirayama works on the maintenance of Tokyo’s public toilets. He thrives in a simple life, and a very structured daily life. He has a passion for music, books, and trees that he loves to photograph. His past will resurface according to unexpected encounters. A moving and poetic reflection on the search for beauty in everyday life.

Directed by: Wim WENDERS

Year of production: 2023

Country: Japan

Duration: 123 minutes

International Sales: THE MATCH FACTORY info@matchfactory.de

The large cinemas of downtown Recife from the 20th century are mostly gone. This area of the city is now an archaeological site that reveals now lost aspects of life in society. And that’s only part of the story.

Directed by: Kleber MENDONÇA FILHO

Year of production: 2023

Country: Brazil

Duration: 93 minutes

International Sales: URBAN SALES frederic@urbangroup.biz

CANNES WAtCh

In 1858, in the Jewish quarter of Bologna, the Pope’s soldiers burst into the home of the Mortara family. On the cardinal’s orders, they came to take Edgardo, their seven-year-old son. The child would have been baptized in secret by his nurse as a baby and the pontifical law is indisputable: he must receive a Catholic education. Edgardo’s parents, upset, will do everything to get their son back. Supported by the public opinion of liberal Italy and international Jewry, the Mortaras’ struggle quickly took on a political dimension. But the Church and the Pope refuse to return the child, to establish an increasingly wavering power...

Directed by: Marco BELLOCCHIO

Year of production: 2023

Country: Italy, France, Germany

Duration: 125 minutes

International Sales: THE MATCH FACTORY info@matchfactory.de

Terrestrial Verses follows everyday people from all walks of life as they navigate the cultural, religious, and institutional constraints imposed on them by various social authorities, from school teachers to bureaucrats. These stirring vignettes, humorous and affecting, capture the spirit and determination of people amidst adversity, offering a nuanced portrait of a complex society.

Directed by : Ali ASGARI, Alireza KHATAMI

Year of production: 2023

Country: Iran

Duration: 77

FILMS BOUTIQUE

contact@filmsboutique.com

Through his child’s eyes, Patpro will travel through three eras in the history of his indigenous people, in the heart of the Brazilian forest. Tirelessly persecuted, but guided by their ancestral rites, their love of nature and their fight to preserve their freedom, the Krahô are constantly inventing new forms of resistance.

Directed by: João SALAVIZA, Renée NADER MESSORA

Year of production: 2023

Country: Portugal, Brazil

Duration: 123 minutes

FILMS BOUTIQUE contact@filmsboutique.com

RApiTO

ThE BURiTi FLOwER

CO mp ET i T i O n

U n CERTA in REGARD

TERRESTRiAL vERSES

U n CERTA in REGARD

CANNES WAtCh

A tissue of family lies and a young woman in search of the truth.

Through her own voice, Asmae, daughter and filmmaker, oscillates between national history and personal history to tell the story of the bread riots in 1981 and show how this event is connected to contemporary Moroccan society.

Directed by: Asmae EL MOUDIR

Year of production: 2023

Countries: Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt

Duration: 96 minutes

International Sales: AUTLOOK FILMSALES salma@autlookfilms.com

TJ Ballantyne is the owner of the “Old Oak”, a pub located in a small town in the north of England. He serves daily the same idle regulars for whom the place has become the last place to meet. The arrival of Syrian refugees will create tensions in the village. TJ will, however, become friends with Yara, a young migrant passionate about photography. Together, they will try to revive the local community by developing a canteen for the poorest, whatever their origins.

Directed by: Ken LOACH

Year of production: 2023

Country: United Kingdom, France, Belgium

Duration: 113 minutes

International Sales: GOODFELLAS ecastro@goodfellas.film

Tierra del Fuego, Republic of Chile, 1901. An immense, fertile territory that the white aristocracy seeks to “civilize”. Three horsemen are hired by a wealthy landowner, José Menendez, to dispossess the indigenous populations of their lands and open a route to the Atlantic. Under the orders of Lieutenant MacLennan, a British soldier, and an American mercenary, the young Chilean mestizo, Segundo, discovers the price of building a young nation, that of blood and lies.

Directed by: Felipe GALVEZ

Year of production: 2023

Countries: Chile, Argentina, France, Denmark, United Kingdom

Duration: 97 minutes

MK2 MOVIES intlsales@mk2.com

ThE mOThER OF ALL LiES

U n CERTA in REGARD

ThE OLD OAK

CO mp ET i T i O n

IndIa aT Cannes

At this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Four Indian films will be screened, including Anurag Kashyap’s Kennedy (Produced by Zee Studios and Good Bad Films), Kanu Behl’s Agra (Saregama India Ltd, UFO Production, 028 Films), Nehemich by Yudhajit Basu (Film and Television Institute of India) and Ishanou directed by Ariban Syam Sharma.

KE nn EDY

OUT OF CO mp ET i T i O n

Director: Anurag Kashyap

Hindi, Action, Crime, Drama

India, 144 min

Produced by: Zee Studios and Good Bad Films

Kennedy is an insomniac ex-cop, long thought to be dead... still operating for the corrupt system, while looking for redemtion

CA

i S h A n OU

nn ES CLASS i CS

Director: Ariban Syam Sharma

Drama, India, 91 minutes

The harmony of Tampha’s family, her husband and children in the Manipur Valley is disrupted by her sudden transformation from a gentle, young wife into a violent woman prone to fits of wild visions. Tampha leaves her family in search of the Maibi Guru, whom she thinks has chosen her to be initiated into the matriarchal religious sect of Maibis.

AGRA

D i RECTOR’S FORT ni G h T

Director: Kanu Behl

Hindi, Drama, 122 min

Produced by: Saregama India Ltd, UFO Production, 028 Films India France

The story of a family and an exploration of space in an increasingly crowded world. It follows the quest for a sexual odyssey of an individual.

Directed by: Yudhajit Basu

Banished from the village to a dilapidated hut for the duration of her period, a young girl hopes to elope with her lover. She belongs to an erstwhile village of nomads believing that the dead return in the form of the most beloved one.

Year of production: 2023

Country: India

Duration: 23 minutes

PRODUCTION: FILM AND TELEVISION INSTITUTE OF INDIA (FTII) India

Unleashing indian Cinema’s Powers

india is a cinematic powerhouse, and when combined with the growing strength of india’s economy, the possibilities for filmed entertainment are immense, says Veteran indian film industry leader ravi Kottarakara, Producer Ganesh Pictures, President, film federation of india and South indian film Chamber of Commerce, as he highlights the dynamic nature of the indian film industry and the direction of its growth

India as a cinema nation is occupying a significant space in the domestic and global mind. Not only is India’s economy growing strong, the filmed entertainment space is exciting. The Indian film industry is a key target on the government’s radar for increasing its soft power internationally. This year, India’s theme at the Cannes Film Festival and Market is showcasing the country’s creative economy.

For the first time in our recent history, we have recognised Indian cinema as a separate genre with a national audience. There are many cinemas of India, made in filmmaking centres across the country.

Our films have received recognition and acclaim not only in India but also among audiences worldwide. Films such as RRR, KGF, Kantara, Baahubali, PS1,2, and, most recently, Pathan are clear examples. Our regional films are not only the new national, but also a global phenomenon.

Ravi Kottarakara, President, film federation of india and South indian film Chamber of Commerce, Producer Kottarakara films & Ganesh Pictures

Industry Voice

This is the changing face of Indian cinema and it is clearly visible. This would not only assist Indian cinema grow its global footprint and increase its international film business, but it would also benefit Indian businesses and the Indian brand globally. The Indian film industry has effectively recovered from the COVID pandemic and is strategically positioned to assist India’s economy in reaching $5 trillion by 2025.

This was our thought when the Film Federation of India and the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Spanish Film Commission. To link and expand collaboration between Indian and Spanish producers, filmmakers, talents, and professionals. We would be the connecting point for filmmakers and producers to meet, greet, network, and do business. India has inked co-production treaties with 16 nations, and the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between FFI, SIFCCI, and the Spanish Film Commission is the first step in expanding our footprint in new areas and enabling ease of doing business. The country of focus for Cannes Film Market 2023 is Spain. We will deepen our engagement with Spain

at Cannes this year.

On all major streaming services, Indian programming reaches over 100 nations. This is only the top of the iceberg, which is expected to grow in the coming years. After Hollywood, Indian cinema has the greatest worldwide reach (in terms of film distribution), reaching over 100 territories. India’s strength is emotional content: conveying human stories that resonate around the world, regardless of language barrier. In the world, the Indian cinema business is fairly unusual. Along with America and China, the country is one of the few that can support its industry domestically.

What is unique is that you can make a film just for India, or even one region within India and still make it successful everywhere.

(Ravi Kottarakara, film industry veteran of 40-years, is a champion for the growth and development of the Indian film industry. He is President of India’s leading film industry body Film Federation of India (FFI) and also President, South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce (SIFCCI).

India’s strength is emotional content: conveying human stories that resonate around the world, regardless of language barrier

Our films have gained recognition and appreciation throughout India, not only among the diaspora but also among local audiences worldwide. Films such as RRR, KGF, Kantara, Baahubali, PS1,2, and, most recently, Pathan are clear examples

Li G h TS, C Am ERA, i n D i A!

WelCOMe TO INDIA A R ED C AR p ET

India’s Media and entertainment industry is a perfect example of VasudhaivaKutumbakam, where talent and technology from different parts of the world come together to achieve a common objective of telling perfect stories that entertain and enrich people’s lives. As India is eyeing a leadership position in the global audio-visual industry, the red carpet has been laid out for foreign filmmakers to take advantage of its investment-friendly policies, talented resources, post-production facilities and affordable data costs and affordable data costs.

By Vivek Ratnakar

The media and entertainment industry in India has grown dramatically in recent years, mainly to international collaboration and government efforts to promote the sector. This industry is a perfect example of the axiom VasudhaivaKutumbakam, i.e., the World is One Family, where talent and technology from all over the world can come together to achieve the common goal of telling that perfect story, entertaining, and making people’s lives that much better, and the theme of India’s G20 presidency is perfectly aligned with this.

Meet representatives of the Film Facilitation Office at India Pavilion 108, Village International, Riviera, Cannes

Contact:

ib.project@investindia.org.in

Showcasing India’s Creative Economy

India has the potential to lead the globe through its audio-visual industry owing to investment-friendly and business-friendly accessibility to skilled resources and expertise, affordable data cost, and the largest ever population of young people with shifting consumption habits.

inCEnTivES TO pROmOTE GROw Th

The effort is to attract more productions and have a healthy mix of both big budget and independent projects coming to India

India has announced a scheme of incentives for foreign films and official audio visual co-productions with foreign countries

The incentives include reimbursement of 30% of Qualifying Production Expenditure (QPE) incurred in India subject to a cap of Rs 20 Million (approx.US$ 244,000).

The Scheme encourages film production in India including Animation, Post Production and Visual Effects.

India has bilateral Audio Visual Co-Production treaties with 16 countries including Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Israel,Korea, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, and United Kingdom.

Substantial incentives are being offered by the States in India. Incentive amounts of some states include Rs ₹ 30 mn by Delhi, ₹ 10 mn by Sikkim, ₹20 mn by UP,₹25 mn by Karnataka and ₹15 mn by Uttarakhand.

The functions of the FFO have been taken over by Invest India which is India’s Investment Promotion Organisation from 1st January 2023. Invest India has a global footprint working with Indian missions, works with a wide range of foreign embassies and also have connect with the states to facilitate investment conversations.

The foreign film producer based outside India need not be liable for GST under provisions of Section 13(2) of the IGST Act, 2017.

Typically for a $ 1.2 mn spend in India, the incentives can be from $ 0.3 mn to even reaching upto $ 0.8 mn

The government is making efforts to attract Marquee projects which fall under the medium to big budget category.

The government is working on the recommendations of the AVGC task force and many initiatives have been announced in regard to promoting the AVGC Sector ecosystem.

As the first point of contact for global companies, Invest India helps in generating leads through its world wide network and for providing handholding support for companies desirous of investing in India’s media and entertainment sector.

The FFO web portal is being revamped for integrated online facilitations, permissions and incentives processes for the National Level as well as state level. The existing online mechanisms will be onboarded and states would be provided sandbox to customise and adopt the online processes. This would truly unravel the experience of customised single window clearance for the film facilitation. AVGC Task Force report has been accepted at the Ministry level and it is being taken to the cabinet. The gaming industry, whose world-wide worth is $300 billion, has a huge scope in India for growth in content creation and innovation. A lot of content is getting created in India and incentives will be given for the animation and visual effects industry and the postproduction done in India.

“The media and entertainment sector in India showcases India’s fast expanding creative economy, and as the industry’s partner and facilitator the Information & Broadcasting Ministry continues to undertake efforts to grow the sector to reach the target of US $70 billion by the year 2030 from its current size of US $30 billion as of today. Digital technology, specifically gaming, OTT and digital advertising have a critical role to play as drivers and are expected to contribute to 2/3rd of this growth,” said Union Information & Broadcasting Minister and Youth Affairs & Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur.

“India is already a hub for film postproduction works and the country should now try to become a hub for global content creation. We have everything to become a content creation hub,” he added.

India’s Information & Broadcasting Ministry continues to undertake efforts to grow the media and entertainment sector. Various initiatives have been taken in the past few years to invite filmmakers from across the world to come to India and collaborate with Indian filmmakers.

The government’s policies and initiatives have played a significant role in the growth of the sector, making it one of the fastest-growing industries in India. India is also committed to ensuring ease of doing business in the sector.

“The idea is to support and grow innovation and production capabilities of our people so that the Indian film industry can expand beyond borders and cause ripples in world cinema,” said Thakur. “The Indian film industry produces the highest number of films in the world and we should work together for India to become the content hub of the world,” the minister added as he underscored the government’s vision for the Indian audio-visual sector.

Collaboration for Global Stories

India has been entering into Audio-Visual Coproduction Agreements (AVCAs) with many of the leading film producing countries and markets since 2005 with the first bilateral AVCA signed between India and Italy. Since then, India has signed AVCAs with 16 countries, including 10 G20 nations such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United Kingdom. These agreements have enabled filmmakers and professionals from different countries to collaborate, share resources, and access incentives schemes. India has granted official coproduction status to 14 films in the past seven years, including the Indo-French treaty co-production, ‘lunchbox,’ which was a critical and commercial success.

The Film Facilitation Office (FFO) has been set up to act as a single point of contact for anything related to filming permissions and facilitations.

“Co-Producing films can help not only bring together talent and technology, but they also give access to finances, better stories and last but not the least better access to markets. India has been entering into AVCAs with many of the leading film producing countries and markets since 2005 with the first bilateral AVCA signed between India and Italy. Since then we have entered into agreements with 16 countries the latest being Australia,” said Apurva Chandra, Secretary, I&B, Government of India.

The Film Bazaar, which is the Film Market associated with the annual International Film Festival of India held in Goa has a CoProduction market which give a platform to Indian producers to find suitable international co-producers for their projects in the form of financial assistance, location support, or post-production facilities. The CPM which started in 2007 has become one of the main attractions of Film Bazaar and many major international projects have come as a result of the Co Production Market at Film Bazaar.

India is in negotiations with many leading countries both with a vibrant film industry as well as with developed markets and interest for films to conclude bilateral AVCAs so that the scope of collaboration for our young and diverse talent is that much widened.

Incentivizing Creativity

It has been almost a year since the government of India announced the scheme of Incentives for Production of Foreign Films in India as well as Incentives for Audio Visual Co-Productions with Foreign Countries. All qualifying Co productions are eligible to claim a reimbursement of upto 30% of their qualifying expenditure in India apart from the tax credits of the GST. Similar incentives exist in the other co-producing country.

The post production incentives (also 30%) available include post production spends including creation using animation and visual effects, besides the incentives for film shooting in India.

Since announcement of the scheme in May 2023, one incentive application has been disbursed, 3 projects have been given interim approval of which one is being audited and the other two are awaiting final documents. Two other applications are under various stages of approval.

Substantial incentives are being offered by the States in India. Incentive amounts of some states include Rs ₹ 30 mn by Delhi, ₹ 10 mn by Sikkim, ₹20 mn by UP, ₹25 mn by Karnataka and ₹15 mn by Uttarakhand. Moreover, if the foreign film producer is based outside India, they need not be liable for GST under provisions of Section 13(2) of the IGST Act, 2017.

The post production incentives (also 30%) available include post production spends including creation using animation and visual effects, besides the incentives for film shooting in India.

Policy and Regulatory Support

The government’s policies and initiatives have played a significant role in the growth of the sector, making it one of the fastestgrowing industries in India. India is also committed to ensuring ease of doing business in the sector. The Film Facilitation Office (FFO) has been set up to act as a single point of contact for anything related to filming permissions and facilitations.

“FFO serves as a one-stop shop for getting filming clearances across India’s stunning landscapes, in keeping with the Indian government’s ‘ease of doing business’ strategy. India has become an appealing option for international partners seeking endless expansion prospects by having top-tier creative talent and manufacturing facilities readily available,” said Dr. l Murugan, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

The functions of the FFO have been taken over by Invest India which is India’s investment promotion organisation from January 1, 2023. Invest India has a global footprint working with Indian missions, works with a wide range of foreign embassies and also have connect with the states to facilitate investment conversations.

Since its inception, the FFO has facilitated more than 170 foreign productions directly of which 14 are official co-productions.

The average time taken for shooting permissions has been 21 days, substantially better than the policy commitment of1 month. Further, with invest India, the FFO webportal is being revamped for integrated online facilitations, permissions and incentives processes for the National level as well as state level.

AVGC - Opportunity Next

India has emerged as one of the focal points of the world Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comics (AVGC) industry, and the government is taking steps to promote this sector further. An AVGC Task force was formed in April last year, and its recommendations will instill growth in this sector in India, making it a global hub of AVGC.

The government is also exploring ways to incorporate the Post-Production, Digital, and Video Effects sector under the scope of AV Coproduction Agreements, as well as looking at ways for this sector to benefit from collaborations through bilateral treaties.

The government is also looking at tweaking the incentives scheme to attract marquee projects and bigbudget productions.

The government’s policy and regulatory support to the Media and Entertainment industry have been pivotal in its growth. The government is committed to working alongside the industry to set up more institutes to bring more manpower into the sector.

The government is also exploring ways to introduce AVGC in school curricula so that students are exposed to this growing and exciting sector from an early age. The establishment of a National Centre for Excellence in Mumbai next year is a testament to the government’s commitment to making India a global leader in the AVGC industry.

Keeping in mind the demands of the stakeholders in the industry, the government has come up with the Cinematograph Act 2023 as per the best international practices to keep a check on piracy. The Act is expected to be passed by the Parliamentvery soon.

The average time taken for shooting permissions has been 21 days, substantially better than the policy commitment of one month

Sikkim A rare Paradise for filmmakers

India’s North East region is the focus of India at the Cannes Film Festival and Market in 2023. In an exclusive interview, Pooja Sharma, Chairperson of the Sikkim Film Promotion Board, shares her vision for promoting Sikkim as a filming and natural tourism destination. Read on to find out more about the potential of Sikkim as a filming location and how the government is encouraging international filmmakers to explore the beauty of this unexplored state

In2023, the North East will be the focus of India at the Cannes Film Festival and Cannes Film market. Tell us about the emergence of North East and, in particular, Sikkim’s potential as a filming location.

The Seven Sister States and the Himalayan state of Sikkim are included in the North East. We have been awarded the opportunity to participate in the Cannes Film Festival 2023 this year by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. There are 14 of us who will be representing

Prem Singh Tamang-Golay Chief Minister, Sikkim

We were named the ‘Most Film Friendly State’ in the 67th National Film Awards. This recognition has aided in laying the groundwork for films to become a vital part of Sikkim’s culture and to provide a platform for our brilliant people, particularly the youth, to demonstrate their skills in a variety of roles. We welcome international and national filmmakers who seek to shoot their films in Sikkim with generous cash and kind subsidies in accordance with our film policy

our respective States. Sikkim has attained a significant level of popularity both domestically and internationally as a filming location. Sikkim has been making a reputation for itself in this industry under the energetic leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister ShriPrem Singh Tamang, and our State has earned the most filmfriendly State award at the 67th National Film Award.

What are you hoping to achieve by courting international film producers this year at the Cannes Film market?

We will promote the state as a filming and natural tourism destination, highlighting its 100 shooting locations. Mr Samten Bhutia and I would be dressed in traditional Sikkimese ethnic clothes to promote our state and its culture. There will be a “Sikkim Day” at the India Pavilion, during which we will distribute Sikkimese goods and Temi tea. Sikkim’s culinary joy is on display at the Cannes Film Festival. All of this is done to give a snapshot of Sikkim, and our main goal is to reach out to worldwide audiences and invite at least a few film directors and producers from around the world.

What steps are being taken by the Government to bring global filmmakers and production houses to Sikkim?

Aside from its natural beauty, Sikkim also has an appealing Subsidy scheme for filmmakers. Locals, nationals, and internationals are all welcome. We have the Sikkim Film Promotion Board, which serves as a film facilitation office. All permits are handled by the Film Section, the IPR Department, and the Film Board. As a result, many Nepalese filmmakers and production houses are turning up in Sikkim, and many Nepalese films have been shot in the state. We are now attempting to reach out to other countries as well.

What are the salient features of Sikkim Film Policy? Combined with the incentives offered by Government of India’s Film Facilitation Office, what benefits can be derived by filmmakers?

The government has a financial subsidy scheme for national and international filmmakers in Sikkim. For national filmmakers, the subsidy amount depends on the budget of the film - up to 10% for a film with a budget of up to 5 crore, up to 1 crore for a film with a budget from 5-10 crore, and more than 1 crore for a film with a budget over 10 crore. To be eligible for the subsidy, three criteria must be met: 75% of the film must be shot in Sikkim, 50% of the cast and crew must be from Sikkim, and a CBFC certificate must be produced to the Sikkim Film Board.

For international filmmakers, the same criteria apply plus an additional subsidy of up to 2.5 crore by NFDC.

The state and central government provide not only financial assistance but also facilitate single window permit clearance, liaison work, and assistance in finding shooting locations.

What are the advantages of getting a film shot in Sikkim?

Sikkim is a beautiful state with many natural landscapes, making it a great location for filmmakers. Some of the advantages of shooting a film in Sikkim include the cost-effectiveness of filming due to the abundance of natural locations that do not require sets to be built. This makes the shooting process more efficient and less expensive.

Moreover, Sikkim is a relatively unexplored state, and its natural beauty is still untouched, making it perfect for the camera. The state’s scenic beauty is diverse, ranging from snow-capped mountains to lush green forests, waterfalls, and lakes. Therefore, filmmakers can choose from a variety of stunning backdrops to create their desired visual effects.

Another advantage of shooting a film in Sikkim is the subsidies and rebates provided by the government to national and international filmmakers. The subsidy is determined based on the DPR (Detailed Project Report) and is at the discretion of the government. The locals in Sikkim are friendly and accommodating, making it easier for filmmakers to work in the state.

All these advantages make Sikkim an attractive location for filmmakers.

In the 67th National Film a wards (2021), Sikkim was named the most film-friendly state. What difference has it made to the destination?

Many Indian and Nepalese filmmakers are shooting in Sikkim. Hilly locales are being used in Bengali and South Indian films. TV commercials and shows are also finding a home here.

It is not just a tourist hotspot, but also a quiet getaway for many people who want respite from the monotony of city life. The

Pooja Sharma Chairperson, Sikkim Film Promotion Board

destination, highlighting its 100 shooting locations

destination is expanding its scope in terms of developing its own film industry.

Do you get local talent to help out domestic filmmakers?

Gangtok is fortunate to have the National School of Drama. It generates extremely talented artists all year. Sikkim has many local talents; we assist them by informing and distributing audition data, we hold seminars for film fans, and we are presently looking for ways to train technicians as well. We provide financial assistance to domestic filmmakers after the film’s release.

We are attempting to incorporate documentaries and short films into the

policy as well. As of now, the assistance is limited to feature films.

Do you have a redressal mechanism in place for film producers to contact when they face problem during a film shoot?

We are still a budding State in this regards. But we want to incorporate a redressal mechanism during the phase of shooting and productions (for pre and post production it’s not yet possible).

What other initiatives do you have in store for the creative industry and filmmakers to engage with the film tourism?

Sikkim is creating its own film city in Yangyang, South Sikkim, called the EcoHeritage Film Village. It will take some time as we await central aid. Sikkim Global Film Festival 2020 had an excellent turnout, but 2021 was postponed, and we have yet to organise it this year. We are establishing a visual and graphics studio in the heart of town with the assistance of the Industries Department. Filmmakers can shoot nature, mountain city life, rural and organic life, fantastical and genuine great storylines, and shoot here that have yet to be seen by the rest of the world.

AdvAntAge Sikkim

 The state has excellent connectivity with the rest of India.There are numerous routes from Delhi to the region for an international film producer.

 Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal is the closest airport to Sikkim, located roughly 124 kilometres from the state capital, Gangtok. Major airlines operate many daily flights from Delhi to Bagdogra. The flight from Delhi to Bagdogra takes roughly 2.5 hours.Taxis or cabs can be hired from Bagdogra to get to Gangtok.

 It is important to note that Sikkim is a protected area and requires a special permit for non-Indian citizens to enter the State. Foreign producers should ensure that they obtain the necessary permits and follow all rules and

regulations before traveling to Sikkim.

 Sikkim has a pleasant climate throughout the year, with moderate temperatures in the lower altitude regions and sub-alpine climate in the higher altitude regions.

 Monsoon season begins in June and lasts till September, bringing heavy rainfall to the region. The autumn season begins in October and lasts till November, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 10°C. Winters, from December to March, are harsh, with temperatures dropping to as low as -20°C.

 Sikkim has a rich and diverse cultural landscape, with a mix of different traditions and customs.

At Cannes, we will promote the Sikkim as a filming and natural tourism

Sikkim is indeed a paradise for nature lovers and offers a variety of stunning landscapes that can make for a perfect setting for filming. The state boasts of stunning valleys, snow-capped mountains, sparkling lakes, lush green forests, waterfalls, rivers, and notable biodiversity with flowers like orchids, rhododendrons, and primulas. The Khangchendzonga National Park, which is a UNESCO Heritage Site, and also the second highest bridge in Asia, Singshore Bridge, are located in Sikkim.

In addition to these advantages, there are several other reasons to visit Sikkim. Some of the things that one can cherish in Sikkim are:

A walk at MG Marg: MG Marg is a popular street in Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. It is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes and is a great place to relish local cuisines and shop for souvenirs.

Visit to Changu Lake:Changu Lake is a beautiful glacial lake located in East Sikkim. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is a popular tourist destination. One can also enjoy a Yak ride at the lake.

Trips to North, West and South Sikkim: Sikkim is divided into six districts, each with its own unique attractions. A trip to North Sikkim can take you to Yumthang Valley, which is known for its natural hot springs and stunning landscapes. A trip to West Sikkim can take you to Pelling, which is home to the famous Pemayangtse Monastery and offers breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchendzonga. A trip to South Sikkim can take you to Temi Tea Estate, which is known for its organic tea and scenic beauty.

What is unique about Sikkim? What are the three things that one can cherish in Sikkim which is rare in other places?

POndiCHeRRY

An indiAn City With A frenCh tWiSt

Nestled on the eastern seaboard of South India, Pondicherry’s scenic sea-front, heritage landmarks, and unique Indo-French identity make it a must-visit destination for domestic and international travelers alike. The city’s old-world charm has captured the attention of filmmakers who have featured it in multiple Bollywood and international films, including the award-winning “Life of Pi”. By

Jyothi

With its scenic sea-front by the Bay of Bengal, an ensemble of heritage landmarks along the Promenade, a string of backwaters and a Boulevard of criss-crossing rues, the port-city of Pondicherry on the eastern seaboard of South India, exerts an irresistible charm to the domestic and international visitor.

The city-State, that presents a veritable mosaic of colourful visuals and a melting pot of cultures, can also resemble, in the eyes of film-makers and cinematographers, as a turn-key mise en scène curated to perfection by Nature.

It’s almost as if all of nature’s bounty has been compressed into a roughly 2 sq km

downtown zone---a dream locale from a film-making perspective.

Extraordinarily pretty, considering the high aesthetic standards nature seems to have set for the southern region, Pondicherry has a unique identity that sets it apart from any other city in India. Its Indo-French legacy has been shaped by a host of diverse influences over the course of history.

The port town was home to a once-thriving maritime trade link with Greece and Rome, dating back to the 2nd Century BCE, and is mentioned in the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, an anonymous Greco-Roman text of the 1st Century CE, and in Ptolemy’s atlas Geographia in the mid-1st Century CE.

After being under the reign of various dynasties of the region in the pre-colonial era, erstwhile Pondicherry saw the first wave of colonial traders begin with the arrival of the Portuguese around 1521, and the Dutch and the Danes during the 17th century. The possession of the port town would often change hands in a succession of wars involving the French, the British and Dutch forces.

Puducherry presents a veritable mosaic of unique architecture, scenic beaches and backwaters, spiritual spaces, etc, which attract both film makers and tourists alike. It is a melting pot of cultures, resulting from diverse influences over the course of its history- making it a dream locale from a film-making perspective. Film tourism can be a win-win for both the tourism and film industries, as well as for travelers who can get experience the magic of their favorite movies and TV shows in person

Puducherry is a small city in India entwined with Indo-French Culture and has a rich historical heritage architecture. I personally feel that the true potential in tourism sector is still untapped. The film makers of this universe can make use of the untapped potential of Puducherry and showcase the unique architectural buildings, Indo-French culture and make use of the local talent. Puducherry is the ‘the most welcoming region’ in India and is one of the best places to visit

N.Rangasamy

Chief Minister of Puducherry

K.Lakshminarayanan Minister for Tourism, Puducherry.

A film crew shooting a TV commercial on Rue de Bussy, one of the charming bylanes of Pondicherry

© Pondicherry Tourism

Director Mani Ratnam on the sets of his Blockbuster Epic Ponniyin Pondicherry (Locations: Arikemedu Archeological site & Veeramp

Director

iyin Selvan in mpatinam beach)

Ang Lee

Multiple Oscar winning Taiwanese American Director (Life of Pi, Brokeback Mountain, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Sense & Sensibility

Ang Lee’s Oscar winning film “Life of Pi” was partly filmed in Pondicherry. The Zoo sequences for example were shot in the Botanical Garden. This film put Pondicherry on the global filmmakers map

Eventually, the port town would become a prized possession of the French Empire in 1814, a period coinciding with the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte, and continue to be under French rule till accession to the nascent Indian Union in 1954.

The historical ties with France have earned a range of epithets for Pondicherry-“A Window to French Culture”, the “French Riviera of the East”, “Paris of the East” and “Little France”. It still has the reputation of the most “Francophone” of all cities in India, with a sizeable French-speaking population, and is home to the French Consulate and Asia’s oldest Alliance Francaise chapter.

It is a tribute to the heritage conservation efforts of government, and a robust civil society, that down-town areas of the city, especially the French and Tamil Quarter precincts that flank the Grand Canal, retain an old-world charm.

A stroll along the streetscapes within the Boulevard can turn the clock back to the 16th century, with its cobbled pathways, with Bougainvillea vines peeping out of yellow-tinted French villas, tree-lined avenues, and yes, even ancient rickshaw carts that still transport visitors around.

The sea-facing Goubert Avenue is dotted with symbols of vintage, from the nowrenovated Hotel de Ville, once the town hall and Mayoral seat, the Old Lighthouse, the French War Memorial or the marble statue of Jeanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc), a garden centrepiece of the Church of Our Lady of the Angels.

“It's a filmmakers dream to shoot in Puducherry”

Director Ang Lee on the Pondicherry sets of Oscar winning film “Life of Pi”

© Mary Ellen Mark

The place is also renowned for its spiritual vibes thanks to its association with yogis through history, and relatively more recently, as home to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a site of spiritual learning related to the philosopher-yogi Sri Aurobindo and his associate Mirra Alfassa, or The Mother to her followers across the world, who founded the universal township of Auroville as an experiment in human unity in 1968.

There is more diversity on the plate a few hours of travel away. The city-State also governs three enclaves that are at the centre of three others States---Karaikal (Tamil Nadu), which is home to Tranquebar, a former Danish settlement with a stillstanding Fort Dansborg of 1620 vintage, Mahe (Kerala) where a riverside artisanal village, the Le Domaine De Pres, is a chief attraction, and Yanam (Andhra Pradesh) defined by its landmark obelisk tower modelled on the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Pondicherry’s romance with cinema has been an organically evolving story with the city featuring frequently in Bollywood and regional cinema. Among the prominent directors who have cast the city in the storyline or simply set fabulously choreographed song sequences against the scenic backdrop are multiple national award-winners like Mani Ratnam and Sachin Kundalkar, whose Marathi fulllength feature “Pondicherry” was shot entirely on an iPhone.

However, the city truly shot to global fame when it served as the setting for the “Life of Pi”, both in its literary form and cinematic adaptation. Yann Martel’s arrival in the city around 2001 with the idea for a novel is part of lore. The author would complete the work after spending days writing at the Indian Coffee House—turning the place into a mustsee spot on the bucket-list of tourists.

QuiCk tRAvel tiPS

 By Road, Pondicherry is a three-hour drive from the nearest International Airport in Chennai. The other international airports are Tiruchirappalli (203 kms) and Bengaluru (307 kms)

 By Air Pondicherry domestic airport has daily flights connecting Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

 By Train, Pondicherry is connected to Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai via the railway hub of Villipuram

 Luxury cruises/passenger ferries to the Ports in Pondicherry and Karaikal are in the offing.

A few years down the line, Ang Lee would raise the stature of the city to a global scale when he shot several initial scenes in the movie in the city while translating his cinematic vision for the Booker Prizewinning novel. The film would go on to bag multiple Oscars in 2013.

While several notable French film-makers such as Jean-Pierre Jeunet and M. Night Shyamalan (Hollywood) scouted the locale for projects, some ventures have made it to the big screen, others have not due to various reasons.

Though Pondicherry and the cinema are a seemingly natural fit—with the city’s tryst with “Life of Pi” perfectly encapsulating the city’s singular ease to bring together local experience and a global appeal—it is only in recent times that the government has woken up to the potential of turning the city into an international film-making hub.

The Tourism Department has now been engaged in developing several other smaller beaches—all a short distance away from the city proper. Among them is the Eden Beach, which got the coveted “Blue Flag” certification of Denmark-based Foundation for Environment Education (FEE) for its eco-friendly standards. The Chunnambar boathouse and Paradise Beach are crowdpulling attractions while a short drive away takes one to the Serenity Beach, a surfer hangout,

As part of its commitment to extend all support to film-makers who choose the city as a locale and driven by its aspiration to turn into a cinema production hub, the

More than 500 feature films short films, music videos as well as TV Commercials in French, English, German, Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali have been shot in Pondicherry

This beachside town has a certain mystique and magic to it. It is unlike any other place in India. Its ecclectic mix of indian and western culture, as well as it’s architecture and food leaves an unique impression on both tourists as well as filmmakers. Its streets are full of character and are easy to navigate because of the size and structure of the town. Dotted with some lovely boutique hotels, Pondicherry has also a calming spiritual side to it.

Sachin Kundalkar Director

I shot our Marathi feature film “Pondicherry” in 2019 entirely on an Iphone with a great support and welcoming spirit of the townsfolk, friends and the government administration. Every morning the sublime and magical visuals and sound of this lovely town used to greet me with warmth and enthusiasm. The ease of getting local support and the care of the local crew made my filming days a very memorable experience. Now I call myself a friend of Pondicherry.

government is formulating a film tourism policy. From offering a host of incentives and tax breaks to facilitation, the film policy will be dovetailed into a proposed master plan that takes a holistic view of tourism and balances growth with environmental conservation.

The city seems to pack an X factor that draws a large number of repeat visitors. One reason could be that in addition to being a retreat to unwind, the welcoming and hospitable nature of the city and its folk, seem to make them want to return, again and again. Added to this is the presence of hotels to suit every budget, from luxury properties and boutique inns to backpacker lodgings. And, of course, the sheer variety of the gastronomy experience that spans Continental, Mediterranean, Creole and typically Indian cuisines.

For the Pondicherry government, there could be no better occasion to showcase the present, and a future vision, than the 76th edition of the hallowed Cannes Film Festival. As it prepares to roll out the red carpet for film crews from across the globe, the place can be quite the pampering host leaving no stone unturned in ensuring ensure that every short stay or business trip blossoms into a life-long association!

Jyothi is a Pondicherry-based freelance writer with a vast and varied experience in the entertainment space. She is currently the founder-Director of the HR Consultancy firm “Risen HR (P) Ltd”

Samir Sarkar Producer, Magic Hour Films

Our Lady of Angels Church (also called Église Notre-Dame des Anges)

Favourite shooting Locales of Pondicherry

Archeological Site

Arikemedu Roman Archeological Site

Beaches

Eden Beach (one of 13 Blue Flag beaches in India) plus 5 other distinct beaches

Mangrove

Murugambakkam mangrove forests

Streetscapes

Charming, quaint streets

Unique Architecture

A perfect blend of Tamil & French architecture

Botanical Garden

Featured as “the zoo” in the “Life of Pi Places of Worship

Temples, Churches and Mosques & The Matrimandir

kASHmiR Beacons Filmmakers

for BusiNess Now opeN for BusiNess

kASHmiR Now opeN

Jammu and Kashmir has been a paradise for film shooting for its mesmerizing natural beauty and unparalleled scenic landscapes.

With the new J&K Film Policy 2021 in place, which ensures a host of fiscal incentives and world-class facilities, the state is reviving its halcyon days of being a cinematographer’s delight

Jammu and Kashmir has been a paradise for film shooting for its mesmerizing natural beauty and unparalleled scenic landscapes, and together with Jammu and Ladakh regions, the state remains a filmmaker’s delight for new locales.

To further promote the film industry in Jammu and Kashmir, a holistic Film Policy - J&K Film Policy 2021 - has been formulated based on the suggestions received from the film fraternity and studying the film policies

of several states in India. The policy aims to attract greater investment in the film sector and make Jammu and Kashmir a choicest destination for film shooting of both national and international filmmakers.

“Jammu & Kashmir’s New Film Policy will transform Jammu & Kashmir into the most preferred destination for the entertainment industry, reviving its halcyon days of being a cinematographer’s delight and bringing back the golden era of film shooting in the region.

Filmmakers

The government has set up single-window clearance mechanism; prepared equipment, location and talent directories besides offering fiscal incentives for filmmakers coming to the UT. I invite filmmakers from across the world to come to Jammu and Kashmir and capture its pristine beauty through their lens. And, also avail the host of fiscal incentives, world-class facilities offered by the Jammu and Kashmir government,” says Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha.

Jammu and Kashmir

Lt Governor Manoj Sinha

Jammu & Kashmir’s New Film Policy will the UT into the most preferred destination for the entertainment industry. I invite filmmakers from across the world to come to Jammu and Kashmir and capture its pristine beauty

Whether it is adventure tourism or leisure tourism, or our focus areas of film tourism and MICE tourism, we are working to attract the attention of the world and this G20 event in Srinagar is a major opportunity to promote it at the global scale

Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, J&K Tourism Secretary

Jammu & Kashmir has a long and cherished tradition of film shooting, and its breath-taking locales, a large number of religious and heritage sites, dense forests, waterfalls, and a film-exposed manpower make the area an attractive site for film shooting and its development. The Dal Lake dotted with innumerable houseboats and the distant snowcovered mountains, along with Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Pahalgam at higher levels, add unique colors to the surroundings.

The Government of Jammu & Kashmir is making the best possible efforts towards the creation of a vibrant film ecosystem in the UT. The policy sets the vision up till 2026, with the aim of maximizing the potential of both the Jammu & Kashmir film servicing industry as well as the promising local film sector. The Jammu & Kashmir Film Development Council (JKFDC) has been constituted to achieve the objectives of the Film Policy and transform Jammu & Kashmir into a unique film destination.

Speaking at the trailer launch of the movie “Welcome to Kashmir”, Tourism Secretary Syed AbidRasheed Shah said the department has identified 300 new destinations for film shootings and will facilitate production houses.

The third G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting is scheduled in Srinagar from May 21 to 23. “Whether it is adventure tourism or leisure tourism, or our focus areas of film tourism and MICE tourism, we are

Fiscal incentives

 The government of Jammu & Kashmir has accorded the status of industry to the film sector. To encourage and support the film industry in the UT, the government is offering subsidies for film production.

 For the first film, a subsidy ranging from INR 10 million to INR 15 million or 25% of the total Cost of Production (COP) will be provided, provided that 50% to 75% of the shooting takes place in the UT. For the second film, the subsidy ranges from INR 12.5 million to INR 1.75 million or 25% of the total COP, with the same shooting requirements as the first film. For the third film, the subsidy ranges from INR 15 million to INR 20 million or 25% of the total COP, with the same shooting requirements as the first two films.

 Additionally, if the film is produced by an award-winning producer or director, the subsidy ranges from INR 17.5 million to INR 32.5 million , depending on the number of days the film has been shot in the UT. These subsidies are intended to incentivize filmmakers to shoot their films in Jammu & Kashmir and promote the development of the local film industry.

working to attract the attention of the world and this event is a major opportunity to promote it at the global scale. The event will show the world that Jammu and Kashmir is a wonderful destination for all to come and enjoy,” Shah added.

Efforts are being made to create nationally competitive infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir, renovate and upgrade the existing infrastructure, and provide administrative assistance to ease film making in the Jammu & Kashmir by setting up a Single Window Cell to grant permission for shooting films, preferably within 2 to 4 weeks. Attractive packages of assistance and schemes/systems of financial support required in the appropriate cases will also be provided. Non-government organizations associated with

the publicity of cinema will also be promoted.

The film industry in Jammu and Kashmir continues to hold immense potential, and the government’s efforts to promote it are ongoing. With the right support and infrastructure, the state could become a major film destination, attracting filmmakers from all over the world and boosting tourism in the region.

The Dal Lake dotted with innumerable houseboats and the distant snowcovered mountains, along with Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Pahalgam at higher levels, add unique colors to the surroundings

PARAdiSe SAFe FOR Filming

Due to its breath-taking natural beauty and unmatched picturesque vistas, Jammu and Kashmir has been a paradise for filming. Veteran line producer Rashmmi Menon discusses her experience filming in Kashmir in this exclusive interview, emphasising that foreign filmmakers can proceed with a recce provided their script matches the screen and location of Kashmir, which is regarded as a secure location to shoot

What about shooting in Kashmir fascinates you as a line producer. What are the benefits of having a movie made in Kashmir?

I have had the opportunity to explore the length and breadth of the region, and I was struck by the beauty of the area. Everywhere I looked, there was stunning natural scenery to behold. I was particularly drawn to the rawness and ruggedness of nature in the region, which gave me a sense of adventure and exploration.

As I travelled to the interior areas of Kashmir, I noticed that there weren’t many people around. This allowed me to appreciate the solitude and quietness of the area.

Rashmmi Menon Producer, A Su Re Production

What made my experience in Kashmir truly special was the hospitality and warmth of the people. While taking a stroll in nature, random people would invite me to their homes for a meal or a cup of tea after striking a conversation with me. This allowed me to immerse myself in the local culture and connect with the people of Kashmir on a deeper level.

How do you introduce Kashmir to a foreign filmmaker... if there is a script that meets the screen and the location is in Kashmir, can they go ahead and

Facilitating Film Shooting

 A simple process for grant of permissions through a single-window mechanism to the production houses for film making in Jammu and Kashmir has been set upto incentivize and boost domestic and international film production in Jammu and Kashmir.

 Film makers can apply online through the J&K Single Window portal jkfilm.jk.gov.in. All the necessary documents and relevant details required can be uploaded on the portal such as location information, script etc.

 For permission of locations and script screening two separate appraisal committees have been constituted: Location Permission Committee and Script Screening Committee.

 The appraisal committees facilitate coordination with UT/Union Government bodies such as Airport Authority of India, Archaeological Survey of India, etc with regard to their jurisdiction. The final permission accorded contains the details of Nodal Administrative Officer and Nodal Security Officer.

 The Nodal Administrative Officer is responsible for facilitating the shooting from administrative point of view, while Nodal Security Officer from the Police Department facilitates the film shooting in matters related to security and police.

 Appropriate security and safety arrangements are made available free of cost to enable the filmmakers to complete shooting. Permission to shoot includes police clearance and is granted within one month of receiving application from the applicant.

plan a recce? Is it a safe place to film?

Yes. Their script will include a location breakdown, and after reading the synopsis and their requirements, I will be able to pinpoint and specify exactly where they can film.

Is Kashmir a safe area to film?

Yes, it is completely safe. I went there on a recce as a lady for the first time and kept returning. Not only does the Indian army do an excellent job of securing its borders, but the people of Kashmir take hospitality extremely seriously and look after tourists properly because it is their livelihood.

What role and contribution will you make as a line producer in making the film shoot in Kashmir?

Organising sites and obtaining the necessary approvals.

What kind of incentives does Kashmir provide?

25% of total money spent or INR 10 million, whichever is less.

What kinds of scripts do you think might work well in Kashmir?

Music videos, action shows, and romance, of course. It’s all about love in Kashmir. Which according you are the top 10

shooting locales in Kashmir? Srinagar, Doodhpatri, Sonmarg, Gulmarg, Chatpal, Aharbal, Gurez Valley, BangusValley ,Drung, Botapathri, and Tangmarg

Give some examples of the work that you have done in Kashmir?

I have done a couple of local music videos and a shoot for a series for a prime entertainment channel. Also a feature film work in progress.

Tell us about your distribution services offered by your company

A Su Re Production based out of Mumbai are a distribution company for all your major Bollywood films (now branching into South Indian blockbusters). The partner company based out of Rotterdam is called Lax Cinema .

We distribute our films all over Mainland Europe and our absolute recent releases are: Kerala Story, Fawad Khan’s film MoneyBack Guarantee, Salman Khan’s Kisi KaBhai Kisi KaJaan, Norway vsChatterjee, etc.

A SuRe Production also buys and sells non-theatrical rights for major satellite and OTT platforms as well.

HOw ARE tHE KIdS?

Children’S filmS in the PubliC indiAn film induStry

By PIERRE aSSOuLINE

When I was learning the skills of production years ago as the international sales agent for director-driven films by legendary directors, my catalogue counted a UNICEF-sponsored sixfilm anthology, “How are the kids?”, depicting childhood abuse around the world. One of the films was by Jerry Lewis and another by Jean-Luc Godard. While Jerry Lewis, whose caritative generosity was known to all, refused the UNICEF offered fee, Jean-Luc Godard, whose greediness was known to insiders, came up with a demanding budget and fee far in excess of the ones allotted to the other directors.

Are we here falling into the trendy debate on whetherthe work can be dissociated from its author? Both

the Lewis film and the Godard one were impactfully illustrating their respective UNICEF Child Right. Would it have made sense to shelve the Godard film because of his poor ethics at that time?

The need to nurture the nation’s children not only by material comforts, but through curiosity, emotions, and empathy has never dimmed

Similarly, is it not hypocritical to boycott Polanski’s last film “The Palace” because of his atoned-forsexual-abuse 46 years ago? Why does Thierry Frémaux exclude this movie gem for the current 2023 Official Selection? Not a philosophical questioning: his self-censorship seems solely motivated by fear of loosing his prestigious seat under the threat of cancel-culture brainless activists.

Indian genuine spiritual culture shows no room for that man-workdifferentiation as the authorpreceptor is an acharya, one who teaches by example and whose life embodies his oeuvre.

Back to the kids! In India, Nehru’s insightful 1955 initiative, the Children’s Film Society (CFSI), set the hope that indigenous and exclusive cinema for Indian children would stimulate their creativity, compassion, and critical thinking. That recognition of cinema as a unique educational and cultural medium for the upliftment of children

by India’s first Prime Minister should be remembered and supported today.

CFSI was able to build a fabulous catalogue including films by some of the brightest talents – Mrinal Sen, Satyen Bose, Tapan Sinha, K Abbas, Shyam Benegal, Santosh Sivan, Rituparno Ghosh, among others. 114 feature films, 45 short animations, and 52 documentaries in ten different languages were produced over the years. Part of CFSI, the Golden Elephant has been a biennial festival bringing imaginative national and international children’s cinema to young audiences in India. As a jury member of the 2017 edition, I have had the privilege of witnessing a magical event, beautifully master-minded by Dr Shravan Kumar: the school kids festival goers were placed at the center of everything, the screenings, the debates, the discussions around a snack. They happily mingled with the adults they outnumbered, directors, actors, producers, teachers, jury members. The joy and passion given rise by the discovery of films and cultures from around the world were brightening all little faces.

Unfortunately, last year, CFSI was merged into NFDC (the national body supporting Indian cinema) officially “to reduce the overlap of various activities”. So successful was this merger that CFSI, including its festival and its mission have disappeared! In Vedic understanding, merging into the Whole is illusory, and the concealed individuals are bound to manifest again with their distinct attributes. Let’s hope CFSI

Live-action children’s films are astonishingly scarce though they meet with wide success whenever released

Kids on stage, kids watching, the heart of a lively festival grand opening

in whatever garb or labelling will unmerge sometime soon as the need to nurture the nation’s children not only by material comforts, but through curiosity, emotions, and empathy has never dimmed.

Live-action children’s films are astonishingly scarce though they meet with wide success whenever released. When asked what was the last Indian live-actionchildren’s film they’ve seen or remember, people often still mention “Taare Zameen Par”, which is already15 years old!“Taare Zameen Par” was produced for a less than 13Cr budget and it grossed 115Cr at

the Indian Box Office. A very limited release in the US and UK resulted in an additional 22Cr BO.

Today’s children mature earlier. They are practically born with ascreen addiction. They can resent being treated as kids. Appealing to the sentiments of these new generations creates an exciting challenge for filmmakers:producing films at the children’s eye level,never infantilising nor lecturing them.Just answering what holds children’sknown interest is no more adequate.The newwave children’s films will have to offer a break from the social-media Manichean space by arousing unsuspected multiple diversified interests.

Pierre Assouline is a producer in France and India with Selections and Awards including Competition in Venice, Competition and Jury Award in Locarno, Competition in Toronto, Official Selection in Cannes, National Award in India. Pierre Assouline currently works at establishing “The Uplifting Cinema Project”, a production slate of universal and uplifting films conveying India’s beauty to the world.

WhatsApp +33613215900

pierre@theupliftingcinemaproject.com

The new-wave children’s films will have to offer a break from the socialmedia Manichean space by arousing unsuspected multiple diversified interests

Schoolkids festivalgoers flock to promising screening halls

HOSTING INDIA PARTY AT Cannes

FOR FIVE DECADES...

The Hinduja brothers have been throwing lavish parties at their villa during the Cannes Film Festival. Their contribution to Indian cinema goes beyond just social events. As one of the first families to buy a house in Cannes in the early 70s, the Hindujas played a significant role in spreading the culture of Indian cinema expanding Indian showbiz to the rest of the world

Sunstone Entertainment’s San jay Jumani with French-Iranian Filmmakers at Hinduja Party

Celebrating Indian cinema near the poolside

Jerome Paillard, former Executive Director of Cannes Film Market and Sanjay Jumani

Gopichand P Hinduja addressing Cannes delegates

Sanjay Jumani, Ranchor Jumani (Metro Pictures), Prakash P Hinduja (the face of Hindujas at Cannes)

Overlooking the Bay of Cannes, it is the best spot for snaps

Best Pick: Dev Anand was honoured at the Hinduja Party. Dev Anand (Left), Srichand P Hinduja, Chairman Hinduja Group (middle) Mrs Shanti Jumani (right) elder sister of Srichand

Hinduja

Hinduja Party is known for its Indian vegetarian snack, sweets and dinner