.
The Open Forum session was inaugurated by Chaitanya Prasad,
Festival Director. Kiran Shantaram,
President, Federation of Film Societies of India, AK Bir, Filmmaker and
Chairman of Technical Committee, Alexey Govorukhin, Executive Producer,
Kinoreporter Magazine, Russia and Marianne Borgo, actress from France graced
the occasion..
In his opening remarks Prakash Reddy, Convener of the Open Forum,
spoke about the history of the Federation over the years. He said that Open
Forum was started as an ‘experiment’ in 1988 and it has been a regular event
since then. “It is a common ground for filmmakers to interact with fellow film
makers, researchers and encourages writers to release their books,” he said.Shantaram
in his opening remarks expressed that the Open Forum is a platform to create
new audience. He also requested the DFF to extend the number of days of the
Open Forum to seven instead of three.
Festival Director, Chaitanya Prasad appreciated the work done by
the Open Forum and said “It floats new ideas, new concepts for cinema to move
ahead. It’s a forum that has a tradition and legacy for itself. It is one of
the leading lights as far as IFFI is concerned.” he added.
Alexey thanked the Government of India and the DFF for the
opportunity to showcase films from Russia. Highlighting the co-production in
place between Russia and India. “The Government will offer 40 percent rebate
for films shot there,” he mentioned. Adding further information about the
Russian industry he stated that there are 15 Film Commissions that can assist
in finding partners, help foreign film makers to make films in Russia. The
country makes 150 big screen movies a year. On the special effects used in
Abigail, one of the movies in the Russian Focus this year, he said the country
was well-equipped to produce CGI films and has all the facilities for film
making. They are also trying to involve foreign talents in Russian movies to
spread Russian movies across the world. “We welcome Indian talents to
participate in Russian movies as well,” he said. Marianne Borgo, who has been a
regular at IFFI for the past 10 years has observed its growth for the good.
“I’m thankful to India and we love Indian movies and we can build more bridges
between India, France and Russia.” He said on a concluding note.
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