Covering Bollywood and the Hindi Cinema

In the past few years Bollywood became a  hot favourite in the annual Locarno film festival. It all started with a movie which we call ‘Lagaan’ and after its super success, every director worth his salt was frequenting the Swiss countryside. However it’s quite surprising that this time  no Bollywood maker will showcase his movie in the festival and everyone is surprised to be snubbed by the organizers of the show. Many feel that the film-makers switching their loyalties to the Toronto Film Festival is one of the main reason.

Here is what filmmaker Sunil Doshi whose "Mixed Doubles" won the 'German Star Of India' award at the Stuttgart Film Festival had to say:

“A more likely reason why we've zero-representation at Locarno this year is because there's been a change of management at their festival. The new people behind the festival are yet to come to grips with Bollywood's growing merit and impact,"

"Just see how lavishly we are represented at the Toronto. The festival is trying to build a reputation as North America's equivalent to Cannes. To that extent it's a very important festival for Bollywood."

So looks like Bollywood has found greener pasture and it’s only a matter of time they‘ll get over the Toronto Festival phase!

MSN