FILM BAZAAR
2002 OFF TO A RESOUNDING START
A market section,
'Film Bazaar 2002', organized as part of the on-going International
Film Festival of India (IFFI) got off to a resounding start following
its inauguration by the Health Minister, Shri Shatrughan Sinha.
The Information and Broadcasting Minister, Smt. Sushma Swaraj
and Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Shri Ramesh
Bais were present alongwith representatives of FICCI, CII and
other film organizations, producers and distributors. The market
will run upto 9th October, 2002. Film Bazaar is the result of
the joint efforts of the National Film Development Corporation
Ltd. (NFDC), Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and the
Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
This market is being
organized in recognition of the clear cross over appeal of Indian
films, with growing overseas audiences. The entertainment industry
has recorded a steady growth despite an overall slowdown in the
economy - according to industry estimates film and animation software
exports were in excess of Rs.900 crores in 2001-02 as compared
to just Rs. 250 crores two years back. The market is also an opportunity
to showcase facilities and locations for filming in India. A market
catalogue was also released on the occasion.Shri Shatrughan Sinha
said that the Bazaar would go a long way in popularizing the Indian
films, shooting locations and other products and facilities. Smt.
Swaraj said that for the first time the Market is being held on
a large scale and the response is very encouraging. She said all
the 16 stalls have been occupied and there are more demands. A
large number of foreign delegates are visiting
the Bazaar and making querries. Delegates from China, South Africa,
Sri Lanka, USA, UAE and Nigeria have arrived to participate in
the market, Smt. Swaraj said. Prominent participants in Film Bazaar
include Yash Raj Films, Ramoji Film City, NFDC, CA Films, Eros
Multimedia, KINFRA, Narendra Hirawat & Co., Kaleidoscope Ent.
Pvt. Ltd., Indian Film Exporters Association, CII, Wizworks Multimedia
Ltd. and others. Three interactive sessions are scheduled on:
the Indian animation industry in the global context, co-production
opportunities and marketing of Indian films overseas. Market screenings
are being held in Siri Fort Auditorium III. A 'Video Room' has
also been readied for screening of films on DVDs and VCDs.
The Market represents
milestone in a year, which has witnessed an increased visibility
for Indian cinema in the Cannes Film Festival and Market, the
Indian retrospective called 'Indian Summer' in the Locarno Film
Festival, the tremendous reception of Bombay Dreams in the U.K.
and the nomination of Lagaan for the Oscar Awards.
