FICCI FRAMES 2013: Language of 'Cinema' to bring SAARC together

Cinema is the only language right across the borders which will bring the entire SAARC region together said Dr. Keheliya Rambukhwella, Minister of Mass Media and Information, Sri Lanka. He was speaking at FICCI Frames session on “The SAARC Ministers’ Panel – Forging Enduring Ties”. He added that cinema has a language of its own which can connect 1.5 billion hearts in this region.

Raj Kishore Yadav, Minister, Information and Communication, Nepal said, “It is the right time to work together to take the SAARC film industry into the global space. He also added that Indian cinema is liked by everyone in Nepal.” Din Mohammad Mobariz Rashidi, Deputy Minister for Information and Culture, Afghanistan, present at the function today said that he was happy to be at FICCI FRAMES 2013 and look forward for more support from SAARC nations.

With increasing number of entries going for Oscars from the SAARC region today, the world is looking at this region for films which connects to the global audience with a region specific flavour, said Mukesh Bhatt, President, Film and TV Producers Guild, who was present during the session.  Mukesh Bhatt added that when it comes to talent and content, SAARC cinema caters to a global audience.

Vikramjit Singh Sahani, President, Chambers of Commerce & Industry of SAARC, held that, “Media and entertainment can connect the South Asian countries in a way which even the governments of these countries cannot. Media and entertainment can bridge the trust deficit between these nations creating a conducive environment in this region.”

Mukesh Bhatt further added that what is stopping cross border exchange of talent in this fraternity are the government policies within the SAARC nations. “When the Berlin Wall can come down, why not boundaries between SAARC nations be brought down’’ added Mukesh.

Bijay Khemka, President, Film Federation of India supported Mukesh Bhatt on the government policies when it comes to exchange of movies across regional borders. He mentioned that cross border dilemma faced by West Bengal and Bangladesh in the East and Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka in the South, with regard to films are entangled in government red tape.

Lastly, concluding the session, Mukesh Bhatt added that Bollywood as an elder brother should support younger brothers in the SAARC region, bringing down the barriers and promoting cultural exchange benefitting the region at large.