Respected Indian filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker is set to receive the prestigious 'Medal of St. Tropez' at the forthcoming second edition of the NIRVANA Indian Culture & Cinema festival. Taking place from May 31 to June 2, 2024, in the picturesque town of Saint Tropez, the festival aims to bring together luminaries from the Indian film industry, offering screenings, roundtable discussions, book launches, a food festival, yoga sessions, and more.
Gowariker, celebrated for his impactful contributions to Bollywood, will be acknowledged for his significant influence on world cinema. The festival will spotlight his acclaimed film "Swades," starring Shah Rukh Khan. The 'Medal of St. Tropez' stands as a recognition of Gowariker's pivotal role in shaping the global cinematic landscape, notably with his Academy Award-nominated film "Lagaan" (2001) and other grand productions like "Jodhaa Akbar" (2008), "Mohenjo Daro" (2016), and "Panipat" (2019).
Expressing his gratitude, Gowariker remarked, "I want to thank Ms. Sylvie Siri, Mayor of Saint-Tropez, for this honor, and I look forward to contributing towards strengthening the bond between the cultural and cinema industries of France and India. Screening 'Swades' at NIRVANA will be an absolute pleasure, and I am eager to interact with cinema enthusiasts in the beautiful city of Saint-Tropez."
The festival's lineup also includes noteworthy films such as "Parched," directed by Leena Yadav, and "Everyone is a Hero" (India's entry at the Oscars 2023), directed by Jude Anthany Joseph.
NIRVANA, in its inaugural edition, presented a diverse array of Indian films, cultural performances, and discussions on the future of Indo-French cinema. Ms. Sylvie Siri, the Mayor of Saint-Tropez, underscored the festival's mission to fortify cultural and cinematic ties between France and India while positioning Saint-Tropez as a premier destination for filmmaking, travel, family holidays, and weddings.
Save the dates for the second edition of NIRVANA Festival de la Culture et du Cinema Indiens from May 31 to June 2, 2024, promising an immersive celebration of Indian culture and cinema set against the enchanting backdrop of Saint Tropez.