Heartland International Film Festival, USA, to explore “Special Focus on India”

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : The Indian Delegation met prominent representatives from the International Film Fraternity on the third day of Toronto International Film Festival 2019. The discussions were wide ranging which included participation at the Golden Jubilee Edition of IFFI, possibility of taking forward Government thrust of “Ease of filming in India”, recent initiatives to promote film facilitation in the form of single window clearance, and the growth potential of different verticals under the M&E Sector of India.

In the discussions, Ms Hannah Fisher, Programming Head of Heartland International Film Festival of USA, suggested that there could be a special focus on India for the Festival commencing from October 10, 2019, under the ‘Foreign Language Category. Fisher said that this would help in enhancing the positioning of Golden Jubilee Edition of IFFI 2019 among the participants and international audience at the Festival.

The Indian Delegation met CEO / Co-founder of Newport Beach Film Festival Gregg Schwenk. The meeting  discussed the possibility of enhancing presence of Indian film across North America continent along with exploring business opportunities and collaboration ventures to ensure growth of M&E sector.

The discussion with senior representatives from the Global-gate Entertainment – William Pfeiffer and Ms Meg Thompson – focused on the policy framework of films under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India – especially in the context of ease of filming in India. While appreciating the Government of India’s initiatives on ease of shooting, Pfeiffer suggested if the process of incentivisation could be fast-tracked, it would provide value to the structure and framework, which would help boost film-making in India. They also agreed to sensitise participants about IFFI 2019 and suggested to provide names of eminent directors, film-makers, producers and actors who can be invited to IFFI this year, according to a PIB release.

Ms Philippa Mossman, Head of International Screen Attraction, New Zealand Film Commission, and representatives from the Israel film fund discussed possibilities of collaborations on convening Festivals; India being the “focus country” in both the festivals and fast-tracking of co-production agreements.  The Indian Delegation also met with Thomas Rado, President/ CEO, Gibraltar & Palme, and Ms Dilani Rabindran, with whom the prospect of participation in the 50th Edition of IFFI was discussed.