Beefed up India Pavilion opens in Cannes

If ever evidence was needed that cinema has become a crucial part of India's "diplomatic armoury", it is provided by the country's large pavilion at the 60th Cannes Film Festival.

The India Pavilion, double the size it was last year, has been designed as a hub for the concerted promotion of the country's films on the French Riviera all through the duration of the event.

Inaugurating the seafront pavilion this afternoon, Indias ambassador to France Ranjan Mathai said: "I am delighted to have India represented in such a huge way in Cannes."

"The Indian economy is booming and, therefore, worldwide interest in our films has grown rapidly. Cinema has indeed become an important part of our diplomatic armoury."

The India Pavilion occupies 150 square metres in the film festival's International Village and represents over 150 films made and promoted by more than 80 companies. Last year, the pavilion had only 75 square meters of space.

More than 20 Indian exhibitors, under the aegis of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), have set up booths in the Palais. India, as a partner country, is promoting 35 new films in the Cannes Film Market this year.