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European Film Commission Network and Film France in partnership with Golden Bird Entertainment and peacefulfish will make film productions easier between Europe and India

Film France Pavilion, International Village, Pantiero
Cannes International Film Festival

On the occasion of 100 years of Indian Cinema at Cannes, these partners launch a first-of-its-kind high-level panel discussion on combining European financing opportunities with Indian production, financing, and distribution power.

The Cannes panel discussion will have a keynote speech from Mr. Uday Kumar Varma, Secretary, Indian Information and Broadcasting Ministry, who will guide on the much simplified "Single window clearance for international shoots and co-production treaties". Producer Johannes Rexin of Heimatfilm, Germany will share his experiences on the first official German-Indian co-production "Qissa" starring Irrfan Khan (The Namesake, Slumdog Millionaire, Life of Pi). The European Film Commission Network and Franck Priot, COO, Film France will focus on their mission and objectives which have helped them to work with Indian and French production companies and films in France and India. Juliane Schulze, Senior Partner, peacefulfish will provide invaluable guidance on European tax incentives, subsidies, and co-financing opportunities. The panel will be moderated by Mohinder Walia, Managing Director, Golden Bird Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. (Former MD, Twentieth Century Fox Studios India) and he will share his deep insight on production, financing, and global distribution from an Indian perspective.

This high-level panel discussion addresses the most effective ways for European and Indian film producers to form lasting working relationships and benefit from the different financing landscapes of both territories. Representatives from the European Film Commission Network, Golden Bird Entertainment, peacefulfish, and Film France will offer their industry expertise on how to cultivate more productions between Europe and India.

Driven by the passion to bring European and Indian productions closer, Mohinder Walia of Golden Bird Entertainment said: "I see large possibilities of partnerships in film shoots and co-productions as both India and Europe increasingly expand their horizons to attract such films to their shores. With an ever-increasing international audience for these mainstream and independent films, India is thrilled and committed to such partnerships with its production, distribution, and funding power".

Sharing her vision behind the panel, peacefulfish's Juliane Schulze commented: "This is the right moment to support more productions between Europe and India, to help producers finally unlock the full financing potential that Europe's various tax incentives and subsidies offer on the one hand and the potential equity investment that India offers on the other."

About Golden Bird Entertainment (www.goldenbirdentertainment.com)

Golden Bird Entertainment, with its global Film and Television expertise and strong international partnerships including Hollywood studios, is uniquely positioned to offer "One-stop Shop" services for worldwide production, distribution, and funding services for Indian and International Film and TV projects. The company, in 2013, will commence operations of "MUMBAI MEDIA CITY", India's largest and first-of-its-kind Hollywood-benchmarked studio and media education facilities right in the heart of Mumbai city. The company also consults Indian and global media and entertainment companies for business development and market expansion in India and global markets including finding joint venture partners, investors, and facilitating M & A deals.

About European Film Commission Network (EUFCN) (www.eufcn.com)

EUFCN is a non-profit association which supports and promotes the European film industry and culture. Its main goals are to create a network of the most active European Film Commissions; to promote the exchange of information between members; to sustain the development of location searches and shooting opportunities; and to carry out professional and educational activities for members. Furthermore, it is also involved in promoting Film Commission activities with Public Institutions, the European Community and the film industry; conducting projects funded by the European Union; supporting the film industry; organizing seminars and conferences; analyzing the needs of producers of films and TV dramas and meeting these needs.

About Film France (www.filmfrance.net)

Film France is the first stop for foreign production companies and individuals preparing to film in France. A network of 40 local film commissions throughout the country offers free information on locations, crews, labour rates and facilities.

Film France provides assistance with contacting appropriate agencies regarding immigration/work permits and filming permits, as well as information regarding labour rates, studio facilities, post-production facilities and suppliers. Nowhere else in Europe will you find such a large diversity of locations combined with a highly skilled workforce.

About peacefulfish (www.peacefiulfish.com)

Created in 2000, peacefulfish is a Berlin based strategic financing consultancy for the creative industries with a strong focus on film and content financing and on developing innovative financial instruments for fundraising for films and digital content. peacefulfish clients include independent producers from around the world as well as public institutions, to support regional development through tailor-made financing tools or financial incentives for films. Its main expertise is rooted within the fields of conceptual analyses, qualitative research, market intelligence, training, and project management.