I&B Minister and Chinese Information Minister inaugurate Chinese Film Festival

I&B Minister and Chinese Information Minister inaugurate Chinese Film Festival

India and China to enhance Bilateral Cooperation in Films and Broadcasting Sector

Six day Festival to be held from 18^th-23^rd June

China to be Accorded Principle Guest Country Status in IFFI 2014

Jackie Chan’s latest film “Chinese Zodiac” – opening film of the Festival

The Minister for Information & Broadcasting Shri Manish Tewari and Chinese Minister of State Administration for Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Televison Mr.Cai Fuchao today jointly inaugurated the six day Chinese Film Festival at Sirifort.   

Speaking on this occasion Shri Manish Tewari said, the time seems to be ripe for intensive sharing of films as a potent medium of exchange. “I believe that considering the popularity of Indian films in China, that there would be more exposure for Indian films in China in the future, and vice-versa. I am confident that this interaction with the Chinese counterparts would prove to be fruitful and the two countries look forward to agreement on co production in films, as also cooperation in the fields of radio and television An audio visual agreement would not only promote our shooting locations, but will also boost film related tourism between the two countries and hence pave for a more vibrant people to people contact” he added. Speaking earlier, the Chinese Information Minister said, Chinese movies would offer an opportunity for Indian audiences to be acquainted with Chinese landscape, Arts, Music and culture. He further added that this would also enable citizens of both nations to view Indo-China relationship from a broader perspective.

Earlier during the day the two Ministers had delegation level talks covering a wide range of subjects in the Information and Broadcasting sector. During the discussions, it was proposed to accord the status of Principle Guest Country to China during IFFI 2014. The decision was taken in view of the Year 2014 being observed as the ‘Year of Exchanges’ between India and China. This is being observed to commemorate the 60^th anniversary of the enunciation of Panchsheel or the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

During the discussions, it was also agreed that China could consider sending classical films for IFFI 2013 and at the same time explore the possibility of sending a Chinese delegation to this year’s festival. During the meeting between the two Ministers, it was also agreed to outline a roadmap to enhance bilateral cooperation in critical sectors of the Films and Broadcasting. It was reiterated that such a roadmap would enable enhancing people to people contact between the two countries.

During the discussions Shri Tewari and Mr. Cai Fuchao were assisted by senior officials belonging to the Information & Broadcasting and SAPPRFT from the Chinese side. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation and capacity building between personnel of the public broadcasters in both countries, strengthen cultural exchange programmes related to convening of Film Festivals and enhance exchange between the private film industries of both countries. One of the key highlights of the discussion was the decision to enhance student exchange programme between Film Institutes of India and the Beijing Films School. Both sides agreed that the hosting of the Chinese Film Festival in Delhi from today was an important step to enhance the role and relevance of films between the people of both countries. Both sides also agreed to work out the modalities for strengthening capacity building of technical personnel of Broadcasting Sector. Another critical area of discussion pertained to exploring the possibility of Co-production agreements between India and China in the audio visual sector.

The International Film Festival of India is scheduled to be held from 20^th to 30^th November, 2013. The Chinese side may consider facilitating participation of prominent Chinese films with film personalities in the ‘Competition’ and “Cinemas of the World” sections of the festival. Both sides could consider cooperation between Film & Television Institutes of the two countries through exchange programmes of students and faculty”. He added.
Courtesy: pib.nic.in (Press Information Bureau)