Media News
Mumbai, May 15, 2008
The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) today announced the special award winners of the Idea IIFA Awards 2008. The award for ‘Outstanding Contribution by an Indian in International Cinema’ will be presented to A R Rahman; Shyam Benegal will be recognized for his ‘Outstanding Contribution to Indian Cinema’ and Mumtaz will be honoured for her Achievement in Indian Cinema. The winners will be presented with their trophies at the IIFA Weekend, which will be held in the amazing city of Bangkok, Thailand from June 6-8, 2008.
Pioneer of Indian Cinema, Shyam Benegal, a prolific Indian director and screenwriter is being honoured for his ‘Outstanding Contribution to Indian Cinema’. Shyam Benegal has been considered as one of the leading film-makers of the country ever since his first feature film, ‘Ankur’ was released. His films have been seen and acclaimed widely not only in India but in international film festivals for the last 25 years. He has been honoured with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award .He is the only director to have won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi five times. A scene stealer with her charm and grace Mumtaz, the reigning queen of 70’s, will receive the honour for Achievement in Indian Cinema.
Wiz Sabbas Joseph, Director, Wizcraft International Ent. Pvt Ltd. said, “It is an honor for us at IIFA, to present the special category awards to these stalwarts. Not only have they entertained millions of fans across the globe but have also inspired them with their school of work. Their master craft left a mark in the industry and has significantly contributed towards the growth and progress of the Indian film industry.”
The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) is a movement pioneered by Wizcraft International and brings together the worlds of Indian and International Cinema on one common global platform. It continues to build bridges through cinema to create One People, One World.
The IIFA Weekend is to be held from June 6-8, 2008 in the amazing city of Bangkok, Thailand which is South East Asia’s premier location drawing over 12 million visitors a year. It is a perfect platform that brings together and promotes Indian Cinema to a global audience, by recognizing the true talent of the film industry.
For further information, please contact:
LINOpinion- The Lintas PR Division
Ruchika Vyas
Mob: +09867780122
e-mail: ruchika.vyas@lintasindia.com