I&B Ministry hosts Academy of Motion Picture Prez

With a vision to explore possibilities of collaboration, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on May 28 organised an interactive session with John Bailey, the president of the US Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in New Delhi. The Academy is a professional honorary organization that seeks to promote the arts and sciences of filmmaking. The organisation, with an international membership of more than 6,000 professionals, is best known globally for its annual Academy Awards, or the Oscars. On the occasion, Mr Bailey talked about the need to increase the membership of Indians in the Academy.

Mr Bailey added that India represents the opportunities, challenges and the unifying power of diversity in cinema. The interaction also covered topics related to the latest filming techniques as well as the understanding of world-class content. Hailing India as a land of story-tellers, he highlighted the need for filmmakers to tell intensely personal stories. He also appreciated the enthusiasm and willingness shown by India towards deeper collaborations with the Academy. Mr Bailey also e-launched the Hindi version of an Academy Publication, “Digital Dilemma”, which will help in the outreach to the film fraternity in India.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting I&B has been actively promoting filmmaking talent across India, as well as film projects in various regional languages. The Government offers incentives to budding filmmakers to promote creativity and innovation in the space. This effort can receive a boost from the association with the Academy that will help showcase the craft of Indian filmmakers all over the world. The Government has also been promoting the democratization of cinema in India through technology and increased outreach. Apart from entertainment, this is a critical tool for generating social awareness.

Indian films have served as a successful tool for bolstering India’s diplomatic and trade ties worldwide. India produces more than 2,000 films annually in over 20 languages – the largest in the world. Apart from new jobs, the sector has allowed new trade and investments, benefitting a cross-section of stakeholders. India’s Media and Entertainment industry is going through its golden phase owing to a rapid expansion in the consumer base, which has attracted collaborations from around the world. The sector, which grew at a CAGR of 18.6 per cent over 2011-2017 to US$22.8 billion, is expected to touch US$37.6 billion by 2021.