Panaji, Nov 25 (IANS): India and South Africa collaborating in the field of cinema could be of great significance for the art of filmmaking, a South African director said here Monday.

Elaborating this point to reporters at the 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), South African writer and director Andrew Worsdale said both countries shared history and culture, which could be a nice business platform for Indian film makers in South Africa.

The foundations of close bilateral relations have been laid by India's historic support for the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa, and the way his South African sojourn had shaped Mahatma Gandhi, the tallest leader of Indian nationalism.

Complimenting the Indian film industry for producing a wide variety of films, Worsdale said this was an opportune time for collaborations as the South African film industry is in the growing stage.

Worsdale's film "Durban Poison" being screened at IFFI, is a tragic romance story set amongst the marginalized white underclass in his country

Worsdale has made several shorts and produced documentaries, including the cult underground feature-film "Shot Down", which was banned in South Africa.