Welcome Remarks for the inauguration ceremony of the Indian Film Festival @ Caracas on 7-8 March 2025
Namaskar!
H.E. Mr. Ernesto Villegas, Minister of People's Power for Culture
H.E. Ms. Coromoto Godoy, Minister of People's Power for Foreign Trade
H.E. Ms. Tatiana Pugh, Vice-Minister for Asia, Middle East and Oceania
H.E. Mr. Sergio Arria, Vice-Minister of Audiovisual Culture
H.E. Ms. Mary Penjeam, Vice-Minister of Image Arts and Space
Ms. Liliana Gamboa, General Director of Protocol of the Ministry of People's Power for Foreign Affairs
Mr. Vladimir Sosa, President of the National Cinematheque
Members of the diplomatic corps, film lovers, friends from media, and ladies and gentlemen,
It gives me immense pleasure to welcome all of you to this ceremony to inaugurate the first Indian Film Festival at Caracas.
Indian cinema has a rich and vibrant history that spans over a century. It is one of the largest film industries in the world, producing around 1,500 to 2,000 films per year in over 20 languages – more than any other country.
The Indian film industry traces its roots back to the early 20th century. The first feature film, Raja Harishchandra was released in 1913, marking the beginning of a new era. Initially, Indian movies were heavily influenced by Western storytelling techniques, but they gradually developed a distinct identity, incorporating elements of Indian culture, mythology, music, and dance.
The term Bollywood emerged in the 1970s, referring to the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai. This period witnessed the rise of commercial cinema, with big stars dominating the silver screen. Masala films, characterized by a mix of action, romance, comedy, and melodrama, became the hallmark of Bollywood movies.
Apart from Bollywood, India has a diverse regional cinema landscape. Regional film industries, such as Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, and Bengali, have produced outstanding movies with their unique storytelling styles.
Indian cinema has played a pivotal role in shaping and reflecting our culture. They often touch upon social issues, family values, and historical events, creating a platform for dialogue and introspection. Iconic films like Lagaan, Dangal and Baahubali have not only entertained but also inspired generations, leaving a lasting impact on our society.
Indian cinema has gained significant recognition on the global stage today. Films like Slumdog Millionaire and RRR received international accolades, including Academy Awards. Indian actors have also made successful forays into international movie industries, expanding the global footprint of Indian cinema. Similarly, we also witness the increasing interest among foreign creators and technicians to work in Indian productions.
Our film industry has witnessed remarkable technological advancements in the last decade. From the advent of sound in the 1930s to the introduction of colour in the 1960s and the digital revolution in recent years, technological innovations have enhanced the visual and auditory experience for the audience. India's video effects and animation industry has also grown exponentially, contributing to the grandeur and visual effects in the movies. This has accelerated the international appeal of our films and is one of the biggest reasons for its increasing revenues from foreign markets.
From its humble beginnings to its global recognition, Indian movies have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. I strongly believe films build bridges between nations. They can foster cultural exchanges, creating an enabling environment for different cultures to accommodate their differences. Film festivals like these promote cross-cultural understanding and inspire new ideas.
I personally wish days are not away when Indian films would be shot in picturesque locations in Venezuela like Angel falls, Mochima or in pristine beaches of Los Roques and more.
Through this festival, the Embassy is glad to bring a slice of award-winning films to the audience in Caracas. I hope all of you will enjoy and appreciate the India you will witness through these films.
I express my deepest gratitude to the Hon’ble Minister of Culture, to Ms. Jinan Al-Shereidah, Director of International Relations at the Ministry of People’s Power for Culture and the organizing team for their cooperation at all levels for hosting this event.
I welcome all of you once again. Thank You!
***
