Bollywood Buzz February 2005 - Indian Filmmakers visit South Africa

Indian Filmmakers visit South Africa


The much-talked about and long awaited visit by film producers from India, which has the largest film industry in the world, has finally materialised.

A delegation of high profile producers led by Amit Khanna, the chairman of the Film and Television Producers Guild of India, arrived in South Africa last Sunday with Cape Town being it’s first stop before visiting Durban and Johannesburg.

Indian film producers have shot in the Cape since 1996, primarily using our scenic locations for the popular song and dance sequences that proliferate many a Bollywood production. However, as Bollywood becomes a global force, its producers are keen to promote co-productions with foreign film companies.

Apart from Khanna the delegation comprises Manmohan Shetty - chairman of Adlabs Films, Pravin Nischol – CEO of Entertainment One, producer/director Ramesh Sippy of Sippy Films, producer Shabbir Boxwala of Sahara One and production executive Uday Singh of Cinevistaa.

Shetty is highly regarded in the Indian film industry. He started the concept of multiplex cinemas in India, owns the largest film laboratory, Adlabs, as well as the world’s largest Imax Dome cinema which is situated in Mumbai.

Nischol is based at Entertainment One, a production company formed by Shetty at the end of 2003 with the launch of ten films, each to be directed by a leading Bollywood filmmaker. One of the biggest films is Marigold. Starring Bollywood heartthrob Salman Khan opposite Hollywood actress Ali Larter (Final Destination 1 and 2), it is an Indian American co-production to be directed by Carroll Ballard (The Black Stallion).

Sippy has the distinction of directing Sholay, the longest running Bollywood film ever made. Produced in 1975, it is still playing in Bollywood cinemas today. He has launched four films this year, one of which will mark his return to directing after ten years.

Boxwala is the only one who has worked in Cape Town. A significant portion of his film, Dil Ka Rishta, was shot in various outdoor and indoor locations in the city. A great supporter of the city, he intends shooting his next film here as well.

Singh’s company is a family run business headed by his father and uncle. Their main focus is commercials, but they have produced two feature films. Their second venture, Garv, was a big hit last year.

The handling of this visit, organised by the South African High Consul in Mumbai, South African Airways, South African Tourism and the various film commissions, certainly leaves a lot to be desired. A week prior to their arrival, this writer wasn’t able to get any information about who the final list of delegates were, their itinerary or program during their stay in Cape Town. Phone calls to the organisers proved fruitless and Jennifer Mphylala of SA Tourism is yet to return a call placed two weeks ago.

According to Boxwala, he received his invitation a week prior to the departure date. This is unacceptable when dealing with such high profile industry leaders. Surely more thought could have gone into the planning of the trip. At this stage it’s not clear at whose feet the blame should be placed.

The arrival last Sunday at Cape Town International Airport was a comedy of errors. A lone Cape Film Commission official armed with a poorly marked signboard welcomed the obviously tired travellers who had to cart their own luggage battling through the hordes of other passengers. Did anyone think of arranging the VIP lounge and a welcome in keeping with our guest’s stature in the film industry? And the cherry on top? Being bundled into a Kombi with some having to keep their luggage on their laps!

When you only have one opportunity to make a lasting impression, then this is not the way to go about it.

Full credit to Cape Film Commission Marketing Manager, Bianca Mpahlaza, for playing the perfect hostess and ensuring that the rest of their stay was hassle free, although they were perpetually carted around in the Kombi.

Unfortunately a planned meeting with Premier Ebrahim Rasool, himself a strong supporter of the city’s film sector, never took place. But the delegation met his economic advisor, Tahir Salie, who assured them that their visit was appreciated by the Premier and he will reciprocate by visiting Bollywood when he goes to India later this year. Salie also said that the Premier will assist in any way possible to ensure that Bollywood filmmakers enjoy a memorable experience when filming in the Cape. These sentiments were echoed by the chairman of the Cape Film Commission, Laurence Mitchell, who seems keen to maximise the opportunities that Bollywood offers.

The most important aspect of the trip for the Indian delegates is creating business opportunity. While they enjoyed the city tours they were more interested in discussing potential co-productions and investment opportunities. In the words of Nischol, “ We are prepared to put up 50% of a mutually beneficial project. Bring us your 50% and let’s make movies.” These producers are serious about their industry and have the financial clout to make things happen. They are keen to effect change in our industry by working with filmmakers from the disadvantaged communities on Bollywood productions that will appeal to a global audience.