This is a great time for regional Indian films: Manasi Parekh on taking Gujarati cinema to the Cannes Film Festival

After winning the National Award for Best Actress for her performance in Kutch Express, Manasi Parekh is now taking Gujarati cinema to the Cannes Film Festival. The actress-producer says, “I am thrilled and honoured to represent Gujarati cinema on such a prestigious global platform. I am here along with the team and as accredited producers, we will be showcasing a diverse range of Gujarati films to international buyers, highlighting the creativity, storytelling strength and cultural depth our industry has to offer.”Manasi is also looking forward to speaking at the Bharat Pavilion at Cannes. “I will talk about the remarkable growth of regional cinema in India and how it is gaining increasing recognition worldwide. I’m also looking forward to engaging with international collaborators and exploring meaningful opportunities for future projects that can take Gujarati storytelling to a global audience. I believe authentic local stories carry a universal emotional appeal. This is a great time for regional Indian films, which are increasingly resonating with global audiences."Her Cannes presence marks yet another milestone in a journey that has steadily redefined Gujarati cinema’s visibility and ambition. Known for backing content-driven films and emotionally resonant storytelling, Manasi has emerged as one of the prominent faces pushing Gujarati cinema beyond regional boundaries. The team is carrying a catalogue of 35 Gujarati films with the intention of introducing them to global buyers and distributors, while also presenting an upcoming slate of 12 films to potential collaborators looking to partner on future projects.