The 15th Edition of the Mumbai Film Festival unfolded yesterday with an aimed at showcasing the best of world cinema and to provide a platform to fuel the business of films.

Inaugurated for business on the 18th of October, the MFM was formally declared open by the internationally renowned actor, Nandita Das along with Susana De La Sierra, Director General, ICAA, (Institute of Cinematography and Audio-visual Arts) Spain. Also present at the occasion, addressing the Mart attendees were President of the Film and Television Producers Guild, Mr. Mukesh Bhatt, Managing Director of MPAA, Mr. Uday Singh, President, Indian Council for IMPEX of Films & TV programmes, Mr. Ganesh Jain. Kulmeet Makkar, CEO, Film & Television Producers Guild of India and Mr. Amit Khanna, Founder Trustee of MAMI and ex-President FTPJ and ex-Chairman of Reliance Entertainment, Sonakshi Sinha, Kamal Haasan amongst others.

Speaking on this occasion Nandita Das said, "Mumbai Film Mart gives a great platform for independent film makers; allowing them to connect with other people and talking about traditional and non-traditional films... She further discussed a few details on her Spanish film Traces of Sandal wood currently being shot and highlighted cultural references between India and Spain giving her a chance to be associated with Mumbai Film Mart."

Acknowledging all, Mr. Mukesh Bhatt, Managing Director, MPAA said, "Mumbai Film Mart gives an opportunity to us all, especially to the young film makers to showcase their talent and expertise and also brings to us the talent from all over the world; mutually benefitting all."

The event also marked a grand introduction of the official Spanish co-production delegation led by Ms Susanne De La sierra, Director General, ICAA, Spain who mentioned, "The Mumbai Film Mart has given us the opportunity to share our culture and talent with you, adding another dimension with the production focus." "At the MFM, we strongly believe in the collective endeavour to promote Indian Cinema beyond our shores and value the active participation by all the major film studios, production companies and film industry associations," said Ms Rashmi Lamba, Manager, Mumbai Film Mart.

Gracing the occasion of the mart opening were also representatives from UniFrance, UniJapan, German consulates, producers, filmmakers and studio heads in addition to the MFM Delegates.