The 77th edition of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival turned a new page in international film collaboration as the first look of Omung Kumar’s production debut, ‘Love in Vietnam’, was unveiled. This unique India-Vietnam co-production stars Shantanu Maheshwari and Avneet Kaur alongside prominent Vietnamese actress Kha Ngan, creating a cultural bridge through cinema.
Rahhat Shah Kazmi has directed the film, which draws its narrative essence from the bestseller “Madonna In A Fur Coat”. The unveiling event at Cannes saw the presence of the film’s main cast including Shantanu Maheshwari and Avneet Kaur, along with producer Captain Rahul Bali and co-producers Tariq Khan and Zeba Sajid. The support for the film extends to significant institutions such as the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, the Consulate General of Vietnam in Mumbai, and Vietnam Airlines.
Adding to the excitement around the film, Avneet Kaur took to Instagram to share the poster with her global fanbase, expressing her happiness and pride. “Proud to launch the first look of ‘#LoveInVietnam’ at Cannes! This is the first India-Vietnam collaboration and I couldn’t be happier sharing this with you all,” she wrote, generating a buzz across social media platforms.
In the midst of this high-profile film revelation, another significant event was celebrated at the French Riviera. Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, hosted the first-ever Bharat Parva—an evening dedicated to the rich culture, cuisine, and handicrafts of India, synchronized with the grandeur of Indian cinema. The event, organized by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), was spearheaded by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
The evening was a resounding success as over 250 delegates fully immersed themselves in various cultural performances and indulged in a delightful array of fusion cuisine. The event not only showcased Indian culture but also served a strategic platform for Indian cinema on the global stage. One highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the posters for the upcoming 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and the announcement of the inaugural World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES).
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On May 15, alongside the glamor of film posters and tantalizing cuisine, the Bharat Pavilion was inaugurated by Sanjay Jaju and Ambassador of India to France, Jawed Ashraf. The inauguration ceremony was graced by notable personalities such as Tholoana Rose Ncheke, Chairperson of National Film and Video Foundation (South Africa), Christian Jeune, Director of Films Department, and filmmaker Richie Mehta. The pavilion’s creation marks yet another landmark achievement in bringing Indian cinema to a global audience through rigorous and engaging collaborations.
The Bharat Pavilion, orchestrated by NFDC in collaboration with industry partner FICCI, continues to be a core participant at the Cannes Film Festival every year. This pavilion truly symbolizes India’s forward stride in showcasing its rich cinematic legacy and proposing new collaborations within the international film fraternity. Importantly, the pavilion has representatives from various Indian states and union territories like Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra, each promoting their unique cinematic attributes and fostering potential co-productions.
Tying back to ‘Love in Vietnam’, the film exemplifies the spirit of international teamwork and artistic synergy. Rahhat Shah Kazmi, directing this cross-cultural narrative, aligns his vision with the source material, “Madonna In A Fur Coat”, potentially giving the story a rich, layered interpretation. With its thematic depth and multicultural framework, the film has the potential to gain significant traction in both the Indian and Vietnamese film markets and beyond.
Bharat Parva and the launch of ‘Love in Vietnam’ at Cannes are part of a larger narrative that sees India significantly bolstering its presence on the global cinematic map. The Bharat Pavilion, with over 250 delegates and supported by strategic cultural events like Bharat Parva, serves as a testament to India’s commitment to fostering cinematic dialogues and cultural exchange on a global platform.
In conclusion, as the 77th Cannes Film Festival continues to dazzle the globe, ‘Love in Vietnam’ stands out as a shining example of cross-border creativity and collaboration, enriching the narrative of both Indian and Vietnamese cinemas. With influential figures and institutions backing such endeavors, the future of international co-productions looks bright and promising.
