The Bharat Pavilion at the 77th Cannes Film Festival has become a vibrant display of India’s rich cultural heritage, showcasing a diverse range of handcrafted souvenirs that offer a glimpse into the country’s artistic diversity. Each item reflects India’s traditional craftsmanship and artistic excellence, showcasing items from various regions across the country.
Highlighted items include silk stoles, ties, and pocket squares featuring Mashru weaving and Ajrakh block printing from Gujarat, crafted by award-winning artisans from Patan and Ajarakhpur. These pieces reflect the intricate artistry of the region. The pavilion also features handcrafted keychains representing the North, South, East, and West of India, including Kashmiri papier-mache from Kashmir, Banaras wooden toys from Uttar Pradesh, and bell metal crafts from Gujarat.
Experience India’s cultural mosaic at the Cannes 2024, Bharat Pavilion!#Cannes2024 #IndiaAtCannes
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— PIB India (@PIB_India) May 16, 2024
Other exhibits include handwoven Kullu shawls from Himachal Pradesh, palm leaf engravings from Odisha, hand-blocked peacocks from Uttar Pradesh, and framed folk art from Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.
Jammu and Kashmir made its debut at the Cannes Film Market within the Bharat Pavilion, with dignitaries such as Jawed Ashraf, Ambassador of India to France, and Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, inaugurating the booth. Representatives from Jammu and Kashmir, including Rehana Batul, Secretary of Information, and Jatin Kishore, Director of Information and Public Relations, highlighted the region’s cinematic allure, aiming to attract international filmmakers with its picturesque landscapes.
The Cannes Film Market also provided a platform to unveil the new Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy 2024, aimed at streamlining filmmaking processes and offering incentives to filmmakers. With over 300 films and documentaries shot in recent years, Jammu and Kashmir is experiencing a cultural renaissance.
Sanjay Jaju emphasized the importance of such platforms in fostering international collaborations and elevating the visibility of Indian cinema. Filmmaker Richie Mehta praised India’s growing presence in global cinema, acknowledging the impact of film festivals in promoting regional cinema internationally.
The Bharat Pavilion, with its diverse exhibits and the inclusion of the Jammu and Kashmir Booth, highlights India’s commitment to showcasing its cinematic and cultural prowess on the global stage, marking a significant step in promoting regional cinema internationally.