**Executive Summary**
The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) facilitated Maharashtra's participation at the European Film Market (EFM) 2026, held alongside the Berlin International Film Festival. The Maharashtra delegation, led by Mr. Ashish Shelar, showcased the state's film infrastructure, Marathi cinema, and global co-production opportunities. The aim was to position Maharashtra as a global hub for film production and attract foreign investment.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Event Overview:**
* NFDC facilitated Maharashtra's participation at EFM 2026.
* Maharashtra showcased film city infrastructure, Marathi Cinema, and global co-production opportunities.
* The initiative is part of India's broader cultural outreach at Bharat Parv.
* **Maharashtra's Presentation:**
* Highlighted Maharashtra's film ecosystem and vision to become a global film production hub.
* Showcased Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari – Film City, Mumbai, as a world-class, integrated production hub.
* Emphasized Marathi cinema's creative and commercial potential and its growing international presence.
* Focused on expanding global co-production, talent exchange, and film tourism.
* Presented Maharashtra's policy framework, funding support, and filmmaker-friendly environment to enable international collaboration.
* Highlighted the state's readiness to partner with global stakeholders and attract foreign investment.
* **NFDC's Commitment:**
* NFDC reiterated its commitment to supporting Maharashtra in building international partnerships.
* NFDC will work to strengthen India's footprint across leading global film markets.
**Impact Analysis**
**Maharashtra Film Industry**
* **Impact:** Increased visibility and opportunities for international collaboration, potential for attracting foreign investment and enhancing film production capabilities.
* **Action Required:** Leverage the connections made at EFM to pursue co-production agreements, attract investment, and promote the state as a filming destination.
**Global Film Stakeholders (Producers, Studios, Sales Agents, Decision-Makers)**
* **Impact:** Gained awareness of Maharashtra's film infrastructure, creative talent, and investment opportunities.
* **Action Required:** Evaluate the potential for co-production ventures, film tourism opportunities, and investment in Maharashtra's film industry.
**NFDC**
* **Impact:** Reinforces its role in facilitating international partnerships for the Indian film industry and supporting state-level initiatives.
* **Action Required:** Continue supporting Maharashtra in building international partnerships and promoting Indian cinema on the global stage.
Key Entities Referenced
European Film Market (EFM): A major international platform for film financing, sales, distribution, and co-productions, particularly the 2026 edition.
NFDC: The National Film Development Corporation, facilitating Maharashtra's participation in EFM.
Maharashtra Film Stage & Cultural Development Corporation Ltd.: Promoting Maharashtra's film ecosystem and its vision as a global hub for film production.
Maharashtra: The state showcasing its film infrastructure and opportunities at EFM.
Berlin: Location of the European Film Market where the Maharashtra delegation participated.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
NFDC Facilitates Maharashtra’s Strategic
Industry Outreach at European Film Market 2026
Maharashtra Showcases Film City Infrastructure, Marathi
Cinema and Global Co-Production Opportunities at EFM
Berlin
Posted On: 15 FEB 2026 4:21PM by PIB Delhi
The National Film Development Corporation Ltd. (NFDC), under the Ministry of Information &
Broadcasting, Government of India, facilitated the participation of the Maharashtra delegation at the
European Film Market (EFM) 2026, held alongside the Berlin International Film Festival in Berlin.
The European Film Market (EFM) is among the world’s most influential platforms for film financing,
sales, distribution and international co-productions. EFM brings together leading producers, studios, sales
agents and decision-makers from around the globe. The market provides a high-impact setting for curated
national showcases and strategic industry engagements, enabling meaningful collaborations and global
market access.
The engagement formed part of India’s broader cultural and industry outreach at Bharat Parv, a platform
curated by WAVES Bazaar to showcase India’s creative strengths to global audiences.The Maharashtra delegation was led by Mr. Ashish Shelar, Hon’ble Minister for IT & Cultural Affairs,
Government of Maharashtra. The delegation included Mr. Kiran Kulkarni, Secretary, Cultural Affairs; Mr.
Mahesh Wavhal, Deputy Secretary, Cultural Affairs; Mrs. Swati Mhase Patil, Managing Director,
Maharashtra Film Stage & Cultural Development Corporation Ltd.; Mr. Prashant Sajanikar, Joint
Managing Director; Mrs. Suchitra Deshpande, Officer on Special Duty; Mr. Mangesh Raul, Cultural
Coordinating Officer; and filmmaker Mr. Manoj Kadam.
During the presentation, the Maharashtra Film Stage & Cultural Development Corporation Ltd.
highlighted the state’s vibrant film ecosystem and its vision to position Maharashtra as a global hub for
film production, co-creation and cultural exchange.
A key focus was placed on the world-class infrastructure at Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari – Film City,
Mumbai. It is an integrated production hub designed to support filmmaking end to end, with purpose-built
studios, outdoor sets, post-production facilities and technical infrastructure in one location.The delegation also showcased the creative and commercial potential of Marathi cinema, underscoring its
growing presence on international festival circuits. Discussions centred on expanding global co-
production opportunities, talent exchange and film tourism, while aligning regional storytelling with
evolving global market trends.
Maharashtra’s progressive policy framework, funding support mechanisms and filmmaker-friendly
environment were presented as key enablers for international collaboration. The delegation highlighted the
state’s readiness to partner with global stakeholders and attract foreign investment, backed by strong
institutional support and production-ready infrastructure.
NFDC reiterated its commitment to supporting Maharashtra in building international partnerships and
strengthening India’s footprint across leading global film markets.
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Mahesh Kumar/Vivek Vishwash
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