INDIA-ITALY TO SIGN AGREEMENT ON
FILM CO-PRODUCTION
India and Italy would
sign the Film Co-Production and Co-Distribution Agreement during
the forthcoming visit of the Italian Prime Minister, Mr. Silvio
Berlusconi during the EU/Italy-India Summit on 28-29 November
2003. The Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Shri Ravi
Shankar Prasad who left for Italy today is likely to finalize
the agreement and also sign a Memorandum of Understanding with
his counterpart, Mr. Giuliano Urbani, Minister for Heritage &
Cultural Activities in the Government of Italy.
For some time now
there has been discussion between Italy and India for the signing
of a co-production agreement between the two countries. In line
with the Government’s approach to facilitate the Indian film industry’s
outreach as also to promote cultural exchanges between India and
Italy, the Italian interest in a co-production agreement with
India has been welcomed.
Some discussions
have already taken place at the official level on the proposed
co-production agreement. The Indian Minister’s visit will aim
at promoting a better understanding to facilitate the early signing
of the proposed agreement.
The Indian Minister’s
three-day visit will coincide with the Venice Film Festival where
Shri Gautam Ghose’s "Abar Aranye" is an official entry
in the Festival. The Secretary, Ministry of Information &
Broadcasting, Shri Pawan Chopra is also accompanying the Minister.
