Film fraternity demands Cannes-like event

MYSORE: “When the International Film Festival can be held in Cannes, why can’t the government organise a similar event in Mysore during Dasara?” asked noted director and Dasara Film Festival sub-committee chairman Rajendra Singh Babu.He was speaking during the inaugural of the the Dasara Film Festival-2011 at the Kalamandir, here on Friday. He said that Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce will extend all support if the government ever decides to do so. He added that with an investment of over one lakh crore, Indian cinema is the fifth biggest market in the world. He said that movies starring the late M G  Ramachandran, Raj Kapoor, V Shantharam and even Super Star Rajnikanth were filmed in and around Mysore.Meanwhile, veteran actor Ambareesh lit the traditional lamp at the jam-packed auditorium, comprising mostly school and college students, to inaugurate the event.Veteran actresses Leelavathi, Jayanthi and Tara, actors Vinodhraj, Adithya, and actress Shirin, film  producer S R Govind and Film Chamber president Chandrashekar were also present on the occasion. A minute’s silence was observed to mark the death anniversary of actor and director Shankarnag.The committee has selected 75 award-winning movies at the state, national, international level, including 36 movies starring Kannada matinee idols Rajkumar and Vishnuvardan, which will be screened at Lido and Lakshmi theatres in the city.