China could feature as focus country in Kolkata international film fest

Discussions are on to feature China as the focus country in the 22nd edition of the Kolkata International Film Festival in November this year, a diplomat said here on Friday.

"We are working on it (on China being selected as the focus country). The response from Beijing is that we would be most happy to participate," Chinese Consul General in Kolkata Ma Zhanwu told the media here.

"We didn't have any Chinese delegation last year at the fest," he added.

KIFF Director Yadab Mandal said discussions are on but nothing has been finalised yet.

According to consul Li Suyun, the roster of films to be screened and delegation members will be decided soon.

The diplomats said Indian film market is about one third the size of the Chinese market and the Chinese have great respect for Indian film producers.

"In recent years, China has imported Indian movies like 'PK', 'Three Idiots' and 'Baahubali'. Indian stars like Aishwarya Rai, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and others are well-known in our country," said Ma.

Chinese viewers are moved by Indian movies that contain beautiful scenes and thought-provoking philosophy, he said.

--IANS

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