Film festivals should encourage cross-cultural interaction, says Mani Ratnam

Mani Ratnam is a self-confessed film festival aficionado. His films have traveled film festivals across the globe and so has he. Now, the auteur is looking forward to attend the third edition of the Ladakh International Film Festival(LIFF), which is scheduled between June 27 and 29. “Film festivals should not only celebrate cinema and its masters but should also encourage cross-cultural interaction. It’s an opportunity to see how films in some other countries are made versus our very own. It’s a platform to rub shoulders with talent from all over,” says Mani Ratnam.

He is still working on the script of his untitled flick which is expected to feature Mahesh Babu, Akkineni Nagarjuna and Aishwarya Rai. “Nothing has been finalised. I’m still writing and only when I complete it, will I be able to confirm my cast,” adds Mani.