India planning to ink co-production pact with Russia, S Africa

India is planning to sign a film co-production agreement with Russia and South Africa, Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu today said as he stressed on the need for cinema to address issues like terrorism and help in spreading peace.
The Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, who was speaking at the closing ceremony of the first BRICS Film Festival, also proposed a special section for filmmakers from BRICS nations at India International Film Festival (IFFI).
"India is doing co-production with Brazil and China. We are considering signing a co-production agreement with Russia and South Africa. I propose for special a BRICS section to be a part of the India International Film Festival. I hope this will provide a great platform and forum for the filmmakers of BRICS countries to work together, come together and act together," he said.

He said terrorism is a big challenge the world is facing right now and the emerging young talent in cinema should focus on highlighting this issue as well as other socially relevant topics.
"We have challenges like terrorism which has no religion. Terrorism is the enemy of humanity. So, through cinema I hope that we convey the right message to people. The entire world should come together to condemn such heinous crime because the terror is becoming a big problem across the globe. Earlier it was limited to the sub continent but now it's spreading worldwide.
"With the knowledge, talent and technology one should think of ideas of improving the standard of cinema. Enlightenment of the people is major issue, be it family values, religion, culture, be it need of social harmony or be it for peace, cinema should always contain such elements...," he said.

He also invited the BRICS nations to come and explore the possibilities of student exchange.

Highlighting the cultural and natural heritage of India, Naidu said that the country can be an ideal location for shooting films.
"India offers varieties of locale for shooting films. In addition to this India is home to one of the biggest film industries. We have nature's beauty and also accountability in the people of India, who work together for the best results."
He also reminded the filmmaker about the single window clearance facility at the National Film Development Corporation, which can make their shooting experience in the country easy and memorable.

Naidu also asked delegates from BRICS nations to focus more on co-productions and raise the level of filmmaking.
The five-day-long BRICS film festival screened movies from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
The festival that opened with the screening of "Veeram, had Chinese superstar Jackie Chan-starrer "Skiptrace" as the closing film. China will host the next edition of the festival.