Cannes, a city synonymous with cinematic excellence, saw another glistening moment as the first look of Omung Kumar’s much-anticipated production debut, ‘Love in Vietnam,’ was revealed at the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. The unveiling was a grand affair, showcasing a unique collaboration between India and Vietnam which promises to offer viewers a refreshing cinematic experience. The film stars the dynamic Indian actors Shantanu Maheshwari and Avneet Kaur, paired with the renowned Vietnamese actress Kha Ngan.
Avneet Kaur took to Instagram to share the poster of the film with her adoring fans. She expressed her excitement, writing, “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.” Her post was met with an outpouring of support and enthusiasm from her followers.
Directed by Rahhat Shah Kazmi and based on the bestseller ‘Madonna In A Fur Coat,’ ‘Love in Vietnam’ promises to be an intriguing narrative woven through the rich cultural tapestries of both nations. The poster unveiling event saw the presence of key figures, including Shantanu Maheshwari, Avneet Kaur, director Rahhat Shah Kazmi, producer Captain Rahul Bali, and co-producers Tariq Khan and Zeba Sajid, indicating the collaborative efforts and support behind this landmark project.
Additionally, the film has garnered immense backing from prestigious entities such as the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, the Consulate General of Vietnam in Mumbai, and Vietnamese Airlines, paving the way for a seamless cultural exchange and mutual promotion of art and cinema between the two countries.
In another highlight at Cannes, Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, hosted the first-ever Bharat Parva. This grand evening aimed to celebrate India’s rich cultural heritage, diverse cuisine, and its contributions to global cinema. Organized by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) in association with FICCI, this event was lauded as a resounding success. Delegates at Cannes were mesmerized by the evening’s exceptional performances, which beautifully showcased India’s vibrant culture, culinary delights, and cinematic achievements.
.
“Over 250 delegates attended the evening that showcased Indian culture, cuisine, and cinema on a global platform,” said a press release. The event included the unveiling of posters for the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and a save-the-date poster for the inaugural World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES), setting the stage for future cinematic milestones.
The Bharat Pavilion, inaugurated on May 15 by Sanjay Jaju and Jawed Ashraf, Ambassador of India to France, stood as a token of India’s unwavering commitment to its cinematic art. The event saw attendance from illustrious guests such as Tholoana Rose Ncheke, Chairperson of the National Film and Video Foundation (South Africa), Christian Jeune, Director of Films Department Cannes Film Festival, and the celebrated filmmaker Richie Mehta, among others.
Every year, the prestigious Cannes Film Festival hosts the Bharat Pavilion, organized by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, Government of India, with NFDC as the nodal agency and FICCI as the industry partner. This pavilion serves as a homage to India’s rich cinematic legacy and aims to foster international collaborations between the global film fraternity. This year, several Indian states and union territories, including Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra, are present at the Cannes Film Market, offering a diverse representation of India’s regional cinema.
India’s continued presence and commitment at Cannes highlight its intent to showcase its cultural treasures and expand its cinematic collaborations worldwide. The elaborate celebration of India’s cinema, cuisine, and culture not only strengthens its ties with the global film community but also underscores the significance of cultural heritage in cinema.
‘Love in Vietnam,’ with its promising narrative and collaboration, stands as a testament to the power of international cinematic partnership. The unveiling at Cannes has set high expectations, with audiences eagerly waiting to experience this unique storytelling venture that binds India and Vietnam through the art of cinema. The film’s success will not only signify a new high for Indian and Vietnamese cinema but will also open doors for future cross-border collaborations fostering cultural unity through the universal language of film.
