The 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival has become a historic stage for the unveiling of ‘Love in Vietnam’, the first production of Omung Kumar. This landmark film is a collaboration between India and Vietnam, featuring Shantanu Maheshwari and Avneet Kaur in the lead roles, alongside prominent Vietnamese actress Kha Ngan.
Avneet Kaur took to Instagram to share this milestone with her followers. “Proud to launch the first look of ‘#LoveInVietnam’ at Cannes! This is the first India-Vietnam collaboration and I couldn’t be happier sharing this with you all,” she expressed in her post.
The film, directed by Rahhat Shah Kazmi, draws its narrative from the acclaimed bestseller, “Madonna In A Fur Coat”. Present at the grand unveiling were the film’s leads, Shantanu Maheshwari and Avneet Kaur, along with director Rahhat Shah Kazmi, producer Captain Rahul Bali, and co-producers Tariq Khan and Zeba Sajid. The project has notable support from the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, the Consulate General of Vietnam in Mumbai, and Vietnam Airlines, showcasing a strong foundation of international collaboration.
Meanwhile, Cannes also witnessed another major event hosted by Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The first-ever Bharat Parva, an evening dedicated to celebrating the vibrant culture, cuisine, and handicrafts of India, along with Indian cinema, took place against the stunning backdrop of the French Riviera. Organized by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), the evening was a resounding success. A release stated that over 250 delegates immersed themselves in exceptional performances and an extraordinary fusion of cuisines.
Among the highlights of Bharat Parva were the unveiling of posters for the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and the save-the-date poster for the inaugural World Audio-Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES). The Bharat Pavillion, inaugurated by Secretary Sanjay Jaju and Ambassador of India to France Jawed Ashraf on May 15, drew notable attendees including Tholoana Rose Ncheke, Chairperson of the National Film and Video Foundation (South Africa); Christian Jeune, Director of Films Department; and filmmaker Richie Mehta.
The Bharat Pavilion, a joint venture by NFDC and FICCI at the Cannes Film Festival 2024, symbolizes India’s consistent efforts to promote its vast cinematic heritage and foster cross-border collaborations.
. This year, representatives from numerous Indian states and union territories, including Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra, are showcasing at the Cannes Film Market.
Avneet Kaur’s Instagram post featuring the first look of ‘Love in Vietnam’ generated significant buzz. Her caption, “Proud to launch the first look of ‘#LoveInVietnam’ at Cannes! This is the first India-Vietnam collaboration and I couldn’t be happier sharing this with you all,” articulates her excitement and optimism surrounding this unprecedented collaboration.
Rahhat Shah Kazmi’s direction is anticipated to breathe new life into the storyline of “Madonna In A Fur Coat.” The unveiling at Cannes was a celebratory moment for the entire team of ‘Love in Vietnam’, with key players Shantanu Maheshwari, Avneet Kaur, Rahhat Shah Kazmi, producer Captain Rahul Bali, and co-producers Tariq Khan and Zeba Sajid present. The project’s support from the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City, the Consulate General of Vietnam in Mumbai, and Vietnam Airlines has paved the way for a robust cultural exchange.
In addition to ‘Love in Vietnam’, Cannes attendees also experienced the inaugural Bharat Parva, an evening that showcased India’s rich cultural tapestry through music, dance, and culinary arts. Organized by NFDC alongside FICCI, under the oversight of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the event successfully highlighted India’s global cinematic presence. The evening culminated in the unveiling of posters for the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and the upcoming World Audio-Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES), slated to be pivotal events promoting Indian cinema on the world stage.
The inauguration of the Bharat Pavilion saw notable figures such as Secretary Sanjay Jaju, Ambassador of India to France Jawed Ashraf, Tholoana Rose Ncheke from South Africa’s National Film and Video Foundation, Christian Jeune, and filmmaker Richie Mehta, among many others. The Pavilion’s establishment at the Cannes Film Festival, a collaboration between NFDC and FICCI, symbolizes India’s ongoing commitment to international cultural exchange and cinematic collaborations. Representatives from various Indian states, including Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra, are using this platform to present their unique cinematic offerings to the global film fraternity.
The Betsy-Wave Pavilion organized each year at Cannes involves full support from NFDC and FICCI, paralleling India’s consistent participation. This year’s impactful events solidify India’s role in promoting cultural diplomacy and enhancing its cinematic footprint globally.
