Film fest on Jaipal’s China agenda

Under pressure from the Left for failing to bring in changes in the Prasar Bharati Corporation, the Censor Board and the policy governing pr...

Under pressure from the Left for failing to bring in changes in the Prasar Bharati Corporation, the Censor Board and the policy governing print, Information and Broadcasting Minister Jaipal Reddy’s week-long visit to China— beginning tonight— might soothe ruffled feathers.

Reddy has been invited to China in his capacity as Minister of Culture, but films are very much part of his agenda. He is slated to examine the possibilities of holding a festival of Indian films in China.

Reddy is also expected to make a brief stopover at Hong Kong to get first-hand knowledge of the film market there. Anti-piracy laws are expected to figure prominently in the discussion.

After China, a visit to the US is on the cards in November though Reddy is yet to accept the invitation of the Confederation of Indian Industry. A delegation of film producers including Bobby Bedi, Subhash Ghai and Manhohar Shetty is expected to leave for the US. However, the Minister’s trip has not been confirmed yet.