To enhance the cultural partnership between Israel and India, distinguished figures from the Israeli and Indian film industries are interacting to explore mutual synergies and collaboration. As an important step in this direction, a top film delegation from India arrived in Tel Aviv on Sunday on a trip organized by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Indian delegation, comprising noted filmmaker-actor and branding specialist Rahul Mittra, CEO of Producers Guild of India Nitin Tej Ahuja, comprising head honchos of VFX and film exhibition companies, and others. Over a six-day trip, the Indian side will interact with Israeli filmmakers, actors, local media, AI specialists, and government authorities, as well as visit filming locations in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa.
According to Nurit Tinari, Head of Bureau for Cultural Diplomacy, Israel “ This is a landmark step in the direction of people-to-people connection between Israel and India. Indian cinema enjoys popularity in Israel, while Israeli series like Fauda has also gained a dedicated fan following in India. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to both ancient civilizations coming closer which will further strengthen our friendship.”
Rahul Mittra who has led multiple Indian film delegations across the globe said, “Cinema has a remarkable potential to engage and with the Indian film industry poised to captivate the world, we are constantly on the lookout for new locations & fresh stories. Israel & India share historical and cultural similarities and we are elated to travel to Israel to enhance cultural exchange & explore collaboration in the arts.” Leading Israeli Filmmakers Alon Gur Arye & Elad Peleg, Shai Shimshon, owner of Movieland Cinema Chain and Bollywood TV Channels, popular TV & film actor and star of widely watched Netflix series Fauda, Tsahi Halevi, Indian diplomats Garcia Tejeswar and Sayali, Head of the Indian Cultural Center in Israel, Micha Ronen, former Head of India Bureau and Haifa Mayor Yonah Yahav are some of the prominent names interacting with the visiting Indian delegates on financial incentives for Indian productions in Israel, apart from exploring other synergies.
A culinary tour of Israel’s traditional dishes followed by lunch at Eucalyptus Restaurant in Tel Aviv, specializing in local produce inspired by Biblical cuisine, a visit to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum & a guided tour of Jerusalem’s Old City will be some of the highlights during the Indian delegation’s visit.