Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore inaugurates India Pavilion at Cannes

Cannes: Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore inaugurated the India Pavilion at the 68th Cannes Films Festival today in France.

Speaking at the packed inaugural session of the India Pavilion, Rathore said, "India has already signed co-production agreements with a slew of countries. In the last one year five co-productions have been undertaken with France alone. We need to take these partnerships to the next level now."

The session also saw unveiling of the 46th IFFI, 2015 regulations and 'India Film Guide' by the Minister.

The session was attended by Dr Mohan Kumar, Ambassador of India to France, filmmaker Bobby Bedi, actress-director Nandita Das, Roshan Baig, among others.

The festival kick-started yesterday with the screening of French director Emmanuelle Bercot's "Standing Tall". A total of 19 films are competing for the Golden Palm awards this year.

India will be represented by Neeraj Ghaywan's "Masaan" and Gurvinder Singh's "Chauthi Koot", which will screen in the Un Certain Regard section.

Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif walked the red carpet of the festival on th opening day and Sonam Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Mallika Sherawat are set to appear during the 12-day event.