The Power of Universal Content at SIFFCY Panel on India-Global Cinematic Collaboration

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Feb, 16, 2025. New Delhi – Emmy-nominated Indian-American filmmaker Tirlok Malik was among the distinguished panelists at the Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFFCY) 2025. Organized by Smile Foundation in partnership with the European Union, the festival hosted a thought-provoking discussion on “The Cinematic Bridges: Fostering India-Global Collaboration and Opportunities in Cinema” at Siri Fort Auditorium.

The panel featured prominent voices from the global film industry, including Andrea Anastasio, Director of the Italian Embassy Cultural Centre; Stephan Ottenbruch, Festival Director of IndoGerman Film Week; Ketki Parikh, Co-Founder of the Chicago South Asian Film Festival (CSFF); and Lichtkoppler Elisabeth, Director of the Vienna International Children’s Film Festival. Moderated by noted Indian film critic and journalist Murtaza Ali Khan, the discussion explored the evolving role of India in the global cinematic landscape.

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Malik emphasized the importance of high-quality, universal content in breaking cultural and geographical barriers. Reflecting on his early work, including his acclaimed film Lonely in America, he noted the transformation of the industry with the advent of digital platforms. “When I started in the 1990s, cinema was different. Today, digital streaming has democratized the industry, offering immense opportunities for storytellers to connect globally,” he remarked.

He further stressed that storytelling should resonate with a universal audience, regardless of technological advances. “A good story, told well, will always find its audience,” Malik added.

The panelists highlighted India’s appeal as a hub for international co-productions, with its diverse cinematic heritage and expanding market. Ottenbruch pointed to the rising presence of Indian films in European festivals, citing growing interest in India’s storytelling tradition. Parikh spoke about the demand for South Asian narratives in the U.S. and the role of festivals like CSFF in bridging cultural gaps. Elisabeth underscored the significance of children’s films in fostering global empathy, stating that Indian cinema has a crucial role to play in this space.

The discussion also addressed the challenge of balancing artistic integrity with commercial viability in international collaborations. Malik noted that while independent filmmakers often struggle with funding, success lies in creating content that is both artistically fulfilling and commercially viable. He praised SIFFCY for providing a vital platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work.

Anastasio contributed by discussing the programming lineup of the Italian Embassy Cultural Centre, including the Marcello Mastroianni centenary celebrations and the screening of a restored version of The Apu Trilogy at the 2025 Habitat International Film Festival. He also highlighted the importance of co-production treaties in strengthening international film partnerships.

Malik expressed gratitude to SIFFCY for fostering meaningful discussions that shape the future of cinema. “Platforms like SIFFCY play a crucial role in bringing filmmakers, industry experts, and young audiences together. It is an honor to be part of this conversation,” he stated.

The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where aspiring filmmakers and students interacted with the panelists. The discussion reinforced the growing global influence of Indian cinema and the role of storytelling in building cultural bridges. As the industry continues to evolve, forums like SIFFCY serve as essential catalysts for collaboration and cross-border cinematic growth.

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