<span style="color: #222222;">Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mr. Anurag Thakur on Friday said that there is nothing like regional, national or international film, adding that if content is powerful, it can cross boundaries and connect with the audiences. Addressing a press conference ahead of the inauguration of the SCO Film Festival in Mumbai on Friday evening, Mr. Thakur said 2023 is a special year as India holds the G20 Presidency along with the Chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization – SCO.<br />''<br />''The minister informed that India has a long, historical and cultural partnership with the SCO countries, which becomes more evident with the kind of reception Indian films get in this region. Stating that such festivals are a platform to engage and collaborate with other film industries in the region, Mr. Thakur said time has come to collaborate and co-produce films that showcase common history, culture, traditions and civilizations.<br />''<br />''Mr. Thakur said the SCO Film Festival this year boasts the largest ever participation with a lineup of 58 movies from 14 countries. The festival will run till 31st January with the award ceremony scheduled on that day. The screenings will take place at Films Division Complex at Peddar Road and NFDC Theater at Worli.<br />''<br />''Meanwhile, the Opening Ceremony will be held at Jamshed Bhabha Theatre. Veteran director Priyadarshan's Tamil film 'Appatha' will be the opening film of the festival. Along with Mr. Thakur, Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Meenakshi Lekhi, renowned actress and Lok Sabha MP Hema Malini, director Priyadarshan and actress Urvashi will grace the occasion. </span><br />