Policy Update
Bavleen Kaur
Background
While India and France have a deep cultural association, the film alliance between them has only clearly formed over the recent decades. What began as an occasional exchange of films between film societies in the 1950s culminated in a formal relationship when the two governments signed an audiovisual co-production agreement in 1985. As film technology, distribution methods, and independent filmmaking rapidly shifted, the agreement was updated in 2010 to better suit modern cross-border productions.
The main purpose of the partnership is straightforward: to help filmmakers in both countries come together, share resources, and reach more significant audiences. As a result of the agreement, an Indo-French film becomes a “national film” in both countries after approval. This status would provide access to local funding, tax benefits, and distribution channels that are difficult for independent filmmakers to reach.
This collaboration has become increasingly significant in the last ten years. Global streaming platforms are looking for diversity in storytelling, and the audience is more accepting of films that amalgamate elements of different cultures. From The Lunchbox to more recent documentaries, several Indo-French projects have shown that these collaborations facilitate Indian films’ entry into European markets, while at the same time enabling French filmmakers to engage with the vibrant Indian cinema scene. The growing emphasis on cultural diplomacy from the Indian government and strong film financing support systems in France further render this partnership strategic.
Functioning
The co-production system works through a collaborative approach between the agencies of the two countries. In India, the proposals are examined by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the National Film Development Corporation, and the Film Facilitation Office. For France, the Centre National du Cinéma et de l’Image Animée performs the said tasks.
A typical co-production requires the approval of a script, transparent financing schemes, and proof that both sides make significant contributions to both the creative and technical processes. Each partner is obliged to contribute a minimum participation share, usually in the region of 20-25 percent. Once a film gains approval, benefits accrue, such as NFDC support, CNC subsidies, and, importantly in some contexts, easier access to locations and festivals.
However, the ecosystem does not exist merely on paper. Many co-productions start organically when filmmakers meet at festivals like Cannes, IFFI Goa, Locarno, or film markets where producers pitch ideas over cups of coffee. And now, with OTT platforms increasingly investing in global stories, the scope of co-productions has expanded even further.
Despite the supportive infrastructure, problems remain. Filmmakers commonly cite lengthy approval times, increasing harmonization of legal contracts across borders, and inconsistent interpretation of intellectual property regulations. The subject of better procedures and more crew training according to international production standards often emerges in industry discussions and consultancies with the FFO.
Performance
Over recent years, the Indo-French co-productions have been on a steady upsurge. NFDC data from 2021 to 2024 provides that India cleared approximately 18 international co-productions. France is amongst the most active partners, while CNC’s annual review also noted an increasing interest of Indian filmmakers, particularly in independent cinema and documentaries.
French programs like the Aide aux Cinémas du Monde (ACM) have supported several Indian films in recent years, enabling these projects to secure slots at major festivals. Between 2020 and 2024, at least six Indian projects received ACM assistance; this collaboration was not symbolic but financially important.
The rise of digital platforms has also had an impact on performance. Co-produced films tend to have more stable audiences globally since they often have multilingual appeal and are marketed through networks in both countries. French crews have been filming more often in India, with Rajasthan, Puducherry, and Mumbai becoming preferred locations.
Still, not all expectations have been met. Although the agreement provided for big commercial co-productions, most of them remain within the independent and arthouse area. Marketing costs are often shared more by Indian producers, while bureaucratic timeline differences are affecting production timelines. The theatrical market has been unforgiving in India for co-produced films, usually catering to niche audiences.
Impact
Even with its limitations, the collaboration has produced some striking cultural and economic impacts. Indian filmmakers have pursued narrative styles inspired by European cinema, while French teams have been informed by India’s considerable storytelling traditions and filming locations.
The deal has opened the gates to European and francophone markets, which are normally very difficult to access for first-time or independent filmmakers in India. The visibility at festivals, normally a strong point of the films supported by France, provides credibility and visibility for Indian projects. In return, the partnership gives France access to the world’s largest film-producing nation at a time when European industries are eager to diversify their audiences.
Beyond films, the collaboration has fostered skill development. Joint workshops, film labs, and mentorship programs associated with festivals like Cannes and NFDC’s Film Bazaar have helped young Indian writers, cinematographers, and editors learn global production standards.
However, the benefits have not been equitably distributed. Hindi and Malayalam cinema have been much more prolific in Indo-French collaborations than other regional industries in India. While the films do very well on festival circuits and online platforms, they more often than not struggle in India’s mainstream theaters, which tend to favor more mainstream genres of films.
Emerging Issues
- Few large-scale collaborations: big-budget mainstream films are still largely absent.
- Slow approvals: Clearance processes in both countries can delay production stages.
- Imbalances in financing: Indian partners often experience higher marketing and distribution costs.
- Distribution challenges: chains of cinemas in France do not often give priority to Indian films unless these have received awards.
- Contractual complexities: Disputes over rights can arise from different legal interpretations.
- Skill gaps: Most Indian production units need more training in international compliance.
Possible solutions:
- Establish a single-window clearance system that is jointly managed by FFO and CNC.
- Provide stronger financial incentives for mid- and large-scale productions.
- Establish an Indo-French film development fund for developing screenplays and pre-production.
- Encourage greater involvement from regional Indian film industries.
- Strengthen distribution partnerships to enhance theatrical release opportunities in Europe.
Way Forward
Co-producing films is not just a cultural exchange; it has become a tool of soft power and one for creating economic opportunities. India and France are likely to take their collaboration to the next level, especially in genres that are in demand around the world, such as animation, thrillers, documentaries, and historical narratives.
With streaming platforms on the prowl for multilingual content, Indo-French partnerships become essential in telling these stories. In the future, better coordination at the institutional level, more flexible funding, and deeper collaboration with regional industry players will be required. If these steps are taken seriously, the partnership can serve as a model for how countries can work together creatively in an increasingly connected entertainment landscape.
References
About the Contributor:
Bavleen, Research Intern at IMPRI, pursuing Economics Honors from Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce, Delhi University.
Acknowledgment: The author extends his sincere gratitude to the IMPRI team and Ms. Aasthaba Jadeja for her invaluable guidance throughout the process.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
Read More at IMPRI:
SIM-Binding: A Tool for Security That Demands a Foundation of Trust
India–Brazil: Biofuels and Sustainable Aviation Fuel Cooperation
