Cannes, May 22 :  Director Nila Madhab Panda, remembered for " I Am Kalam", showcased his new feature film "Jalpari: The Desert Mermaid" at Marche du Cannes (Cannes Film Market) at the ongoing 65th Cannes International Film Festival. The film is said to have received a positive response.

Producer Sushilkumar Agrawal of Ultra Distributors Pvt Ltd is delighted with the response to the film from buyers and other participants at the fest after its screening May 17.

" Jalpari: The Desert Mermaid", which focuses on female foeticide, will once again be showcased at the gala Wednesday.

"The story of 'Jalpari' is largely based on the issue of female foeticide, but it has been treated as an adventure thriller and journey film," Agrawal said in a statement.

"Indian children's cinema is now attracting a lot of interest in foreign markets, and like ' I Am Kalam', Panda's 'Jalpari' will also surely be a great success," he added.

Panda says the movie's first screening at Cannes itself has helped them get invitations from other international extravaganzas too.

"As the film was not complete earlier, I could not send it for official selection in Cannes, but we brought it to the market and got a fantastic response here. We have got invites from many festivals already," Panda said.

The film features child actors Lehar Khan and Krishang Trivedi as protagonists along with " I Am Kalam" child star Harsh Mayar.

It also features Parvin Dabas, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Rahul Singh, Suhasini Mulay and V.M. Badola.

© IANS