India has a rich and diverse linguistic heritage and should be an example to the world by preserving it, said Philippe Queau, general delegate, International Council for Film, Television and Audiovisual Communication (ICFT), here on Saturday.
Speaking at the media centre of the 46th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Mr. Queau emphasised the need to preserve all types of cultural heritage.
The IFFI 2015, in collaboration with the ICFT, Paris, will present a special ICFT prize consisting of the UNESCO Fellini Medal, awarded to a film that reflects the ideals promoted by the United Nations agency at the closing ceremony of the festival on Monday. Ms. Lola Poggi Goujon, Secretary General, ICFT, underscored the important role of cinema in promoting intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding and peace.
Charles Vallerand, General Secretary, International Federation of Coalitions for Cultural Diversity highlighted the contribution of film festivals such as the IFFI towards promoting film culture, noting that market forces alone are inadequate in preserving and promoting India’s cultural heritage.
Sharada Ramanathan, a member of the international pool of experts at the UNESCO, appreciated the role of the organisation in promoting global cinematic heritage. She noted that the Fellini award was a strategically appropriate move for the UNESCO to forge such partnerships in order to best tap into the changing tastes and preferences of global audiences.
Five films have been shortlisted from the official selection of the IFFI following the recommendations of the Film Preview Committee constituted by the Directorate of the Film Festivals.
The Fellini medal, first unveiled at the Cannes Film Festival in May 1995, holds a double significance — to honour the director’s tremendous contribution to the film field.
