India's free jute bags fail to lure film critics at Cannes

So far, this year has been one of the best American shows at the 61st Cannes Film Festival with a large number of their films competing against each other and the best of Europe but, for India, perhaps, one of the worst as disappointments continue despite free jute bags' give away, writes Rakesh Mathur from Cannes for iefilmi.com.

Officials at the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) pavilion in Cannes gave free jute bags to those who attended their press conference yesterday, but couldn't offer even a cup of tea, observed many of the participants. Normally it doesn't matter, but in this city of Champagne you can't get away with this sort of hospitality. A French speaking receptionist at the CII pavilion couldn't help if you asked her about any thing that had to with the Indian film industry. Most of the posters displayed were of Incredible India!. India's free jute bags fail to lure film critics at Cannes

This year, more than 8,000 buyers and sellers from 93 countries are in full force. Indian film companies too have a large presence. But films? Don't ask them.

America dominates this year's Cannes. "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," the new film by Woody Allen is set to premiere here. Other American directors include Clint Eastwood., "Chaneling", Steven Soderbergh, 4-hour-and-28-minute, two-part biography of "Che"; Charlie Kaufman's directorial debut, "Synecdoche, New York"; James Gray's film "Two Lovers", Barry Levinson's "What Just Happened?" and "Kung Fu Panda," the latest from DreamWorks Animation.

Despite the absence of Indian films in the main categories, India's independent filmmakers are determined to make their presence felt by talking about the business of Indian cinema. Some of them get upset if you dare to ask them why India remains unrepresented in the competitive categories. A filmmaker told me 'actually there's nothing wrong with our cinema, but it's definitely the Cannes selection procedure that needs to change!'

Uday Kumar Verma, additional secretary, Information and Broadcasting Ministry of India, looked buoyant. "Among Asian nations, India's presence is among the biggest. We are behind only Japan and Korea," he boasted. Accepted Mr. Verma, but what about the films?

On the sidelines of the festival, director Ketan Mehta was seen promoting his film 'Rang Rasiya', a period drama about the relationship between legendary painter Raja Ravi Varma and his muse.

Director Jagmohan Mundhra, helped by his producer Aron Govil, briefed press about their film 'Shoot on Sight' before a private screening.

The producer of 'Karma: Crime, Passion, Reincarnation', Vivek Singhania, along with film's director M Shahjehan and actress Claudia Ciesla were busy organising their private screening as well.

Cheers to private screenings!