Indian Film Festival Of Los Angeles (IFFLA) Announces Galas & A stellar Line-up
The 14 edition of the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) to be held at ArcLight, Hollywood in Los Angeles, California from 6th Apr, 2016 to 10th Apr, 2016, recently announced its eclectic line-up of 27 films (16 features & 11 shorts) to be screened this year. The festival is widely recognised as the premiere showcase of ground breaking Indian cinema globally.
Opening the festival on 6th Apr, 2016 is the US premiere of the powerful Angry Indian Goddesses, from film maker and 4 time IFFLA alum Pan Nalin. Anu Menon’s poignant Waiting, starring Naseeruddin Shah & Kalki Koechlin, closes the festival with its North American premiere on 10th Apr, 2016. Gala tickets & passes are now available at http://www.indianfilmfestival.org/.
3 films will have their world premiere at the 5 day film festival namely, CRD by Kranti Kanade, Babu’s Dilemma by Collin D’Cunha, & Anurag Kashyap produced Mochi (The Cobbler) by Saqib Pandor. In addition, there will be 2 North American premieres & US premieres.
Rocky Handsome’s Violence Puts Censor Board On The Defensive
John Abraham’s new film Rocky Handsome has got itself into a situation of conflict with the censor board. Reportedly the film is too violent for mass consumption and was reluctantly granted an ‘A’ certificate. However the makers are not willing to take the ‘A’ certificate. If you’ve seen the original Korean film The Man From Nowhere that too was a very violent film. Rocky Handsome has scenes of graphic violence. There are also references to human trafficking; the flesh trade & violence against children. No censor in the world would allow this film for universal exhibition.” Apparently the producers refused to take an ‘A’ certificate and insist on a ‘UA’ certificate.
Neerja Now Declared Tax Free In Uttar Pradesh & Delhi
Just recently Sonam Kapoor starrer Neerja directed by Ram Madhvani was declared Tax Free in the state of Maharashtra. And now the Gujarat Government has also granted the film a Tax Free status. It seems like the makers of the recently released Sonam Kapoor starrer Neerja have an added reason to celebrate. While on one hand the film that released a week back has the audience going gaga over the story, on the other, the film has been receiving a Tax Free status in varied states. In fact after Maharashtra & Gujarat, Neerja has now been declared Tax Free in Uttar Pradesh & Delhi. Tweeting about the same, Akhilesh Yadav the Chief Minister Of Uttar Pradesh posted, “Neerja, the movie will be tax free in UP.” Responding to the tweet the film’s producer Atul Kasbekar immediately took to the social networking platform thanking him saying, “Awesome news! Thank You Hon CM @yadavakhilesh ji”.Following these tweets, Manish Sisodia the Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi posted a tweet saying, “Have ordered to make movie Neerja Tax free. Decison to be implemented with immediate effect. @sonamakapoor #NeerjaBhanot @AzmiShabana”. Later talking about the film Sisodia added, “We are grateful to you for reminding us about the brave #Neerja. Its so inspiring. @AzmiShabana”. Once again responding to the tweets Kasbekar added, “Thank you Sir and many thanks to the Hon CM @ArvindKejriwal for this prompt decision. #Neerja”.
Sagar Sarhadi Felicitated With Lifetime Achievement Award
Just recently the International Film Festival of Prayag 2016 kick started in Allahabad. The 2nd edition of the International Film Festival of Prayag (IIFP) was inaugurated by veteran writer Sagar Sarhadi by lighting the lamp. Sagar Sarhadi, writer of films like Kabhie Kabhie, Silsila, Bazaar, Anubhav et al was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award by Hasan Haider, the founder -director of IFFP. Along with him veteran writer Kamlesh Pandey was honored with Shaan – E – Prayag, producer & director N. Chandra got the Excellence in Cinema award while Deepak Mahaan received the Emerging Filmmaker award. Gaurav Dwivedi & Anita Sehgal were felicitated as the guest of honours at the ceremony. Manto Pashupatinath’s A Daughter’s Dream kick started the event as the opening film. This auspicious occasion was also marked with the presence of some of the eminent people from the film fraternity which included film writer Kamlesh Pandey, producer & director N. Chandra, filmmaker Deepak Mahaan, Gaurav Dwivedi (Vice president, UP Film Development Board). The founder & director of IFFP, Hasan Haider welcomed all the guests. The whole ceremony was conducted by Anita Sehgal. 56 documentary, shorts, feature & animation films from Indian & foreign filmmakers were screened at the festival. This year’s theme of IFFP is ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’.
Now Unauthorized Downloading Of Songs & Contents Without The Requisite License Is No More Permissible
On Complaint of M/s Super Cassettes Industries Pvt Ltd (Formerly known as Super Cassettes Ind Ltd), Delhi Police (PS KOTWALI, North Delhi) had conducted a raid at Stall No. 21 (Opp Shop No. 888) Old Lajpat Rai Market, Delhi – 110 006 for illegal downloading of T-Series contents and recovered & seized Laptop. with black Charger, Pen Drive et al. The accused Yash Vardhan s/o Late Jitendra Singh r/o 93, Sarojini Park, Gali No. 1, Shashtri Nagar, Delhi – 110 031 was arrested & an FIR No. 219/2016 under Section 51, 63, 65 & 68A registered against him. M/s Super Cassettes Ind Pvt Ltd is conducting the raid(s) against the person(s) nationwide involved in unauthorized & illegal downloading the digital contents of T-Series through Memory Cards, SD Cards, Pen Drive, Hard Drive et al without the downloading license.
Meena Kumari Retro & Rare Memorabilia On Display At Osianama At Liberty
Actress & poetess Meena Kumari aka Mahjabeen Bano, starred in over 90 classic, cult films in the 3 decades from her childhood to her death. Now, the Tragedy Queen of Indian cinema is back on the silver screen. Osianama as part of its ongoing Womanhood festival brought to the Indian audiences, rare original publicity material & priceless memorabilia from Meena Kumari’s films and a retro of her Best Films, Pakeezah, Parineeta, Daayra et al straight out of Osian’s Archive & Library Collection on 25th Feb, 2016 at Osianama at Liberty Cinema. Besides the films, Osianama at Liberty also displayed the Pakeezah & the Daera paintings, the Kohinoor & the Benazir Portraits, besides the Posters of Meena Kumari ki Amar Kahani, Behana, Phool Aur Pathar and the images of Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam amongst others, an opportunity that was unmisseble.
Imposter Alert For Prakash Jha!
The filmmaker has filed an FIR against an impersonator who has been trying to seek favours under Jha’s name through fake accounts on the social media. It was a real cop – drama for Prakash Jha as he filed an FIR against an imposter who created fake ids & accounts on varied social media under the name of the filmmaker. The impersonator went to the extent of trying to extract information & seeking favours under Jha’s name. When this was brought to the notice of the filmmaker, he immediately filed an FIR at the Amboli police station.
A statement issued by Jha’s office read: “It has come to our notice that an impersonator having mobile No. 8286549965 has been operating fake accounts on whatsApp, LinkedIn and other Social Media links to extract information, telephone numbers & favours in the name of Prakash Jha. This is to inform everyone that I, Prakash Jha do not use any social media platform except Twitter (@prakash27).We have filed an FIR at Amboli Police Station vide FIR NO. 408 dated 17/02/2016 and also complained to the operators of social media and warned everyone to ignore / and if possible, to send snaps shot on 9324797773 Sudhirbhai Mishra (Executive Producer) of Prakash Jha Productions, so that same can be passed to the Police.”
Longinus Fernandes Excels At International Fleet Review 2016
Longinus Fernandes, the Oscar award winning choreographer for Slumdog Millionaire’s “Jai Ho” song, was the official choreographer for the “Colours Of India” dance showcase presented at the prestigious International Fleet Review 2016 that entertained an audience of 6 lakhs of people. This recently concluded mega event was a bombastic show of India’s Naval prowess along with a “Colourful Ceremony”, which saw a dash of cultural performance, participated by Navies of 42 countries across the globe. The cultural performance choreographed by Longinus, was titled “Colors Of India” and was performed by a troupe of 150 dancers with 75 dancers from Mumbai, while the rest belonging from different states of the country, showcasing the traditional Indian yoga & dance forms from varied parts of India namely Bhangra from Punjab, Bharatnatyam from Tamil Nadu, Durgapuja dance from West Bengal, Garba dance from Gujrat amongst others.
The International Fleet Review 2016 organised by Indian Navy was graced by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi & President Pranab Mukherjee during the naval parade. While the “Colors Of India” show was held at the Command Stadium, INS Satavahana where Governor of Andhra Pradesh E S L Narasimhan was Chief Guest, while Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu was the Guest of Honour.
Legendary Lyricist NaqshLyallpuri Honoured
Global Advertisers has thrown its weight behind “Main Shaayar – The Eternal Soul of Lyrics”, a grand musical extravaganza organised by Jalota Welfare Foundation on 25th Feb, 2016 at Sri Shanmukhananda Auditorium in Sion, Mumbai from 7.00 PM Onwards.
Jalota Welfare Foundation had organised the event to felicitate legendary lyricist Naqsh Lyallpuri in association with Liquid Air Events Pvt Ltd and Tathaastu Creations. Amongst the artists who performed were Anup Jalota, Suresh Wadkar, Talat Aziz, Anuradha Paudwal, Richa Sharma, Madhushree, Shailaja Subramanium & KshitijTarey. Global Advertisers Group Company MM Mithaiwala was the official catering partner for the prestigious event.
Tarey. Global Advertisers Group Company MM Mithaiwala was the official catering partner for the prestigious event.
Global Advertisers Raises The Pitch
Global Advertisers recently went all out to support the Kala Coast Music Festival 2016 with its advertising & marketing knowledge and through it’s strategically placed outdoor media hoardings and other properties. Kala Coast Music Festival was organised from 19th Feb, 2016 to 21st Feb, 2016 which started from 6.00 PM & ended at 10.00 PM at Gyan Sagar Amphitheatre, Brahmakumari Garden, Devidas Lane, Govind Nagar, Borivali(w),Mumbai. The new flag bearers of Indian classical music including Shounak Abhisheki, Rahul Deshpande, Anand Bhate, Nikhil Pathak, Aditya Oke, Raghavendra Mallya & Pratap Rath graced the event with their presence. The event was inaugurated by legendary harmonium maestro & revered guru Padmashree Pandit Tulsidas Borkar & compered by Mangala Khadilkar.
Anil Nagrath To Be Awarded Golden Achiever’s Award
Anil Nagrath will be awarded with the prestigious Golden Achiever Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema & television by the All India Achievers’ Conference on 9th Mar, 2016 at 8 pm at The Club, Andheri (W), Mumbai as informed to him by Abhishek Bachchan, Executive Director & Secretary General of the All India Achievers’ Conference.
Global Advertisers Creates A Buzz For Ishq Forever
India’s smartest out – of -home agency, Global Advertisers has put up a. large display for upcoming Bollywood film Ishq Forever. Its a romantic & musical film directed by Sameer Sippy, starring Lisa Ray, debutante Krishna Chaturvedi & Ruhi Singh. Speaking on the campaign, Sanjeev Gupta Managing Director, Global Advertisers said “We have 18+ years of experience in promoting movies through outdoor medium. Our team at Global has selected the right mix of hoardings to promote the movie across Mumbai. We expect to see great result of our campaign on the Box Office collection of the movie.”
32nd Annual Function Of Film Studious Setting & Allied Mazdoor Union Held
The 32nd annual function of the Film Studious Setting & Allied Mazdoor Union was held for their union members recently at Bangur Nagar Ground, Goregaon (West), Mumbai, where their Chairman & BJP MLA Ram Kadam & General Secretary Gangeshwarlal Shrivastava (Sanju) delighted thousands of members and filled the rafter of the Union with an evening that provided serious insight into their welfare policies for the workers. Led by the Chairman, elected annually, the Union acts as a channel of communication between the worker and the film bodies. In addition, the Union acts as a point of contact between the workers and relevant external bodies.
The evening began with the National Anthem sung by the guests, lighting of diyas & bursting of crackers. Each guest on stage was honoured with a “Pheta” (Pagadi) and welcomed with the sound of biguls. Addressing a jam -packed crowd featuring more than 45,000 Labours and other allied members, the Chairman & BJP MLA Ram Kadam averred, “The stages, sets for films featuring big stars like Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and others is erected by our workers painstakingly, who take care of every single nail. A little failure from their end can collapse down the whole stage / set. Thus we should respect every category of workers.”
While the General Secretary Gangeshwarlal Shrivastava (Sanju) averred, “We craft welfare for our members including Marriage Funds, Medical Funds, Retirement Pension, Education Fund and other facilities.” The event featured a special conversational series with the Union’s Chairman & BJP MLA Ram Kadam, General Secretary Gangeshwarlal Shrivastava (Sanju), Dinesh Chaturvedi (Daddu), Ashok Dubey, Vijay Khadechkar, Treasures Bhagwati Prasad Shukla, Senior Vice Chairman – Sharaffudin Mohammed, Vice Chairman – Tej Bahadur Yadav, Joint Secretary Rakesh Mourya (Munna) and other guests who graced the occasion were actors Raza Murad, Ali Khan, Shivkumar Tiwari, Teena Ghai, Spiritual Guruji Kumaran Swami et al. All the members were well rewarded and it was indeed a grand evening of insight & laughter in equal measure.
Global Advertisers Adds Extra Zing To Celebrity Cricket League
Mumbai based OOH Giant was chosen as the official outdoor partner for the high profile event held in Ahmadabad on 30th Jan, 2016. Cricket Celebrity League (CCL) had roped in outdoor services major Global Advertisers to promote its big event this year. The CCL is formatted as a cricket tournament between film stars from different languages in the T20 League format that brings together 60 artistes working in cinemas in 4 different languages across India, with some of the best known stars in the country attending. Sohail Khan Director & brother of Salman was the director of CCL. Sanjeev Gupta, Managing Director of Global Advertisers averred,”We have had a good working relationship with Sohail Khan and with Salman Khan too in the past. We are happy to work with Sohailbhai again. We feel honored to be chosen for an event as prestigious as CCL. Our campaign had generated a big buzz for the event. The client is happy. We are happy too,”
Film On INA Trails will also be A 6 Part TV Show: Tigmanshu Dhulia
The full length feature film based on the Indian National Army trials also known as The Red Fort trials which is directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, will also be a 6 part TV show which is produced by Rajya Sabha TV who are also producing the film. Research on the film has been going on since 6 months and will revolve around the joint court martial of Col. Prem Sahgal, Col. Gurubaksh Singh Dhillon & Major General Shahnawaz Khan. The shooting would happen simultaneously both for the film and the TV show. Tigmanshu averred, “Yes this will be a 6 part TV show as well as a feature film on the INA trials which were held at the red fort and the 3 accused Shah Nawaz, Gurubaksh Dhillon and Prem Sehgal were tried for treason & murder”. Rajya Sabha TV besides producing a series of TV episodes, documentaries & films, will sell these to other channels and go for theatre release as well.
