Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday said India’s focus is on developing the economy of content creators, showcasing the country’s rich heritage and culture and diversity of languages ​​and literature.

In his video address at the inaugural ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) here, Mr Vaishnav said that with the development of technology and ecosystem of creators, India can play a major role in the media and entertainment sector globally.

“We are very focused on growing the economy of content creators in India at the moment. We have a very vibrant creators’ economy where people are creating very interesting content showcasing some of the very rich heritage of India, the cuisine here. Coming up with innovative content about India, Indian culture and gems of Indian language and literature,” he said.

The 55th edition of IFFI began with a grand opening ceremony at the Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium.

In an article, Mr Vaishnav said India’s creative economy has emerged as a $30 billion industry, contributing about 2.5% to the GDP and providing livelihood to eight% of the workforce.

“With an impressive influencer marketing sector worth Rs 3,375 crore and over 2,00,000 full-time content creators, the industry is a dynamic force driving India’s global aspirations,” he said.

Shri Vaishnav said that many cities like Guwahati, Kochi and Indore are becoming creative hubs, promoting a decentralized creative revolution.

India’s 110 crore internet users and 70 crore social media users are driving the democratization of creativity.

Mr Vaishnav said the creative economy has a deep impact that extends far beyond GDP growth and has significantly impacted various sectors including tourism, hospitality and technology by supporting supporting industries.

“Additionally, digital platforms empower marginalized voices, promote social inclusion, diversity and preservation of cultural heritage,” he said.

‘Masoom’ director says ‘telling stories’ can stop global conflict

Amid ongoing conflicts in some parts of the world, veteran filmmaker Shekhar Kapur on Wednesday (November 20, 2024) stressed that conflicts between countries can be stopped if they start telling their stories to each other. Are.

Mr Kapoor, director of the 55th edition of IFFI, which began in Goa, said the country’s film industry is the largest content producer in the world, and also its largest consumer.

In his brief interaction during the inauguration of IFFI, the 78-year-old filmmaker said that in this polarized world, within nations, within communities, “the only way we can talk to each other is to tell each other our stories”. .

“Stories are how we connect, stories are how we understand each other and that’s what we need to move forward,” he said during a formal ceremony held at the Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium in Bambolim near Panaji.

Mr Kapoor is known for Hindi films like Innocent, mr indiaAnd bandit queenSaid that the Indian film industry is the world’s largest content producer and added that “we are the world’s largest content consumers”.

“So, for this festival, I urge everyone to celebrate, not just the filmmakers but the audience too. Let’s celebrate the audience,” he said.

“Let us tell our stories. Stop all this, fighting everywhere, missiles, the only way to stop it is when each of us get together and tell our stories and that is the most important thing to do,” Kapoor said.

Famous directors who successfully broke into Hollywood with an Oscar-nominated period drama elizabeth, four wingsAnd Elizabeth: the golden ageSaid that film festivals are not just about winning awards.

The renowned filmmaker said, “The job should be to organize the best festival in the world, not to win awards, but to come together and tell our stories so that we can understand each other.”

The 55th edition of IFFI, which began on November 20, will conclude on November 28.