Abhay Sinha, the President of the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPAA), has been unanimously elected Vice President of the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) during its annual general meeting at the 78th Cannes Film Festival.
The prestigious body represents film producers from over 30 countries and plays a crucial role in regulating international film festivals.
FIAPF also announced that Sinha will serve as Vice President of its Brussels-based headquarters, ASBL.
This marks a significant milestone for Indian cinema on the global stage, underlining its rising influence and growing participation in international film markets.
Booster For Bhojpuri Cinema
Sinha, a prominent Bhojpuri and Hindi film producer, has produced around 150 films and over 5,000 episodes of television serials.
He is also the founder of the International Bhojpuri Film Awards (IBFA), which he launched to give Bhojpuri cinema a global platform.
The awards are held annually in different countries and have significantly boosted the visibility of Bhojpuri films abroad.
Speaking after his appointment, Sinha said, “This is not just a personal honour but a recognition of Indian cinema on a global platform. IMPAA’s active participation in the Cannes Film Market for the second consecutive year has helped our filmmakers gain international exposure.”
India Makes Presence Felt At Cannes Film Market
This year, nearly 40 Indian film producers participated in the Cannes Film Market, showcasing Indian cinema globally.
For the first time, IMPAA independently set up a pavilion at the market, which veteran actor Anupam Kher inaugurated.
“I feel proud and delighted to inaugurate IMPAA’s stall at Cannes. This step will benefit Indian filmmakers immensely,” Kher said.
FIAPF Membership And Oscar Entry Debate During Cannes
Sinha also revealed that FIAPF had offered membership to IMPAA during last year’s Cannes event, which IMPAA accepted.
FIAPF, recognised by UNESCO, grants accreditation to leading international film festivals like Cannes, Berlin, Toronto, and Venice. In India, only four festivals — in Goa, Kerala, Bengaluru, and Kolkata — hold FIAPF recognition.
Highlighting issues with India’s Oscar entries, Sinha questioned why only three Indian films — Mother India, Salaam Bombay, and Lagaan — reached the final stage of the Academy Awards over the last 97 years.
He suggested that IMPAA, now a FIAPF member, should be entrusted with sending official Oscar entries from India.
“This is a matter of national prestige, and we must handle it with the utmost care,” he said.
Expanding Opportunities For Independent Filmmakers
IMPAA Vice President Atul Patel said large producers often manage to screen their films abroad, but thousands of small producers lack such platforms.
“With IMPAA’s presence at Cannes, these producers now have a chance to reach international audiences,” he asserted.
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