Indian films like "Chennai Express" and "Gangs of Wasseypur" have wowed the moviegoers in France in the past and independent French producer Deborah Benattar says people of her country want to see more movies made in India.
There was a time when Indian films were alien to French people. Now, most of them are not only familiar with Indian films, but also appreciate them, she said.
"There are many Indians residing in France and most of them are from Tamil Nadu. So, first Tamil films released then Bollywood entered the market. This was followed by independent Indian films," Benattar, who has been staying in Mumbai for the past four years, told IANS after the session on 'Remakes - creative and financial viability' at the ongoing Film Bazaar here.
"But there are non-Indian communities too who love watching Indian films. They are interested in Bollywood. For instance, when Aamir Khan's 'Lagaan' released in France, it was a great success. People love Indian films for their vibrancy," she added.
Asked what's her choice when it comes to Indian cinema, she said: "I love Marathi films. They have great writers and storytellers."
For the past two years, France is turning out to be a good market for Indian films and she gives some credit to film festivals.
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"There are many distributors who are always on the lookout. They pick Indian movies from various international film festivals," she said.
Benattar, who is the founder of La Fabrique Films, facilitates the sale of foreign remake rights to Indian producers and undertakes line production for international films. And she is happy that Indian filmmakers are remaking French films.
"It is interesting to see French movies remade in India. For instance, 'Nautanki Saala!' is a remake of the French film 'Apres Vous'. But the remake is fresh. It is not copied scene by scene though the concept is the same," she said.
The Film Bazaar, held alongside the annual International Film Festival of India (IFFI), has in the eighth edition packed an array of events for writers, producers, directors and more talents from across the world.
It is organised by the National Film Development Corporation, which aims at fostering excellence in cinema and promoting the diversity of its culture by supporting and encouraging films made in various Indian languages.