Need to harness creativity of our technicians; integrate the spirit of nation building in each citizen of all BRICS nations: Anurag Singh Thakur, Minister of I&B

by Suman Gupta

BRICS Film Technology Symposium to open avenues for cooperation and growth in the film business

NEW DELHI, September 2021: Mr Anurag Singh Thakur, Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Sports & Youth Affairs, Govt of India today said that India is a pivotal power in Asia and as member of the BRICS consortium, we would like to play a crucial role to strengthen ties between the member countries. “Organizing the first ever BRICS Film Technology Symposium is a step in this direction to bring the people from all member states together. Through the medium of films, art and culture we have also open avenues for cooperation which will be supporting development and growth in the film business,” he added.

Addressing the virtual inaugural of ‘BRICS Film Technology Symposium’, organized by FICCI, jointly with the Ministry of I&B and FTII, the Minister said, “India takes pride in organizing first ever BRICS Film Technology Symposium as a part of the special event planned in the run-up to BRICS summit to be held in India.”

Under the chairmanship of India, we aim to promote institution building to further deepen, sustain and institutionalize BRICS cooperation, he added. “It is important to win the hearts and minds of the people from all BRICS nations and a film symposium is an event which brings together one and all through the medium of cinema technology. The idea of celebrating excellence in film technology by the BRICS nation in India was mooted by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India during 11th BRICS summit held in Brazil,” noted Mr Thakur.

“The focus of the BRICS Film Technology symposium is to acknowledge the service sector and technicians working for the film industry and by the end of two days I am sure the symposium will create opportunities for the working professionals in the field of film technology of all BRICS nations to explore the world of cinema with a new perspective and vision,” added Mr Thakur.

Mr Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Ministry of I&B, Govt of India said that this symposium is ideal platform to celebrate the multicultural diversity of people across the globe. The symposium intends to form partnerships and provide platform for technological companies and organizations promoting films and bring the film community together for better communication, cooperation and collaboration.

“BRICS countries are significant players in the field of VFX animation, computer generated imagery and media outsourcing. There is a great potential for collaborating with each other to enhance the technology in film production and cinematic experiences for the world of entertainment. The BRICS Film Festival which we will be organizing along with the 52nd International Film Festival of India will provide us another opportunity to interact and share the best of our Cinemas,” added Mr Chandra.

Mr Mario Frias, Special Secretary for Culture, Federal Government of Brazil said that it is important that we keep working to promote the cooperation of the BRCIS members helping the cultural sector doing the recovery. “These actions will help to mitigate the fact that restrictive measures have had on the cultural economy. The relevance of audio-visual cooperation between BRICS countries is one of the possibilities of market exploration and cultural diffusion,” he added.

Ms Neerja Sekhar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of I&B, Govt of India delivered the vote of thanks and Mr Dilip Chenoy, Secretary General, FICCI moderated the session.

The event is spread over two-days with sessions conducted by eminent speakers from all the BRICS countries and a virtual exhibition is being held as well.