The Indian Panorama Section of International Film Festival of India 1998 which inculdes twelve outstanding feature films and twenty-one non-feature films was inaugurated here today by the noted film personality Shri Mrinal Sen in the presence of Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Shri Jaipal Reddy.

    Speaking on the occasion the Minister for Information and Broadcasting called for a vigorous examination and introspection by the film makers to ensure that the flavour of rich and diverse culture of the nation is truly reflected in the cinema. He said India had a feast of themes readily available for the mass communicators to shape outstanding films. Shri Reddy said transcend all barriers and geographical limitations and if executed intelligence, sensitivity, sincerity and artistic brilliance, they can provide vieweers an experience and message which no other art form can match.

    Shri Mrinal Sen said that the Indian Panorma section is the mirror of Indian Cinema. There was thus a definite need to be cautious while deciding composition of the Jury as it has a bearing on the selection of the outstanding films of the year. He said though India is the largest producer of films, there is a room for improvement in the quality. Ms. A. Patil Chairperson of All India Selection Panel for non-feature films said short and animation films give a true reflection of various social aspects of the society. She said the government should provide infrastructure for the growth of documentary movement in the country. Shri Vasudevan Nair Chairman of tha All India Selection Panel for feature films could not participate in the function. The inaugural function was followed by the screening of "Hypnothesis"- a non-feature film in the section and "Dahan" from the feature film section.