IIFA stands for the International Indian Film Academy – and the IIFA Weekend is its annual celebration of all things cultural and economic that emanate from this fascinating and infinitely diverse subcontinent.
Taking place across five Yorkshire cities between the 7th and 10th June, this four-day spectacular will showcase the finest in Indian cinema, music, sport and commerce and will be televised globally to an audience of over half a billion viewers.
An estimated 30,000 extra overseas visitors will pour into Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield, York and Hull for the eighth annual IIFA Weekend, which is set to feature film festivals, awards and premieres; sporting events, fashion extravaganzas and food festivals, in addition to business forums, workshops and showcases.
Below are just some of the treats in store…
IIFA Film Festival
In 2005, IIFA instituted the IIFA Film Festival as part of its objective to give international audiences a flavour of Indian Cinema. The IIFA Film Festival showcases some of the best films Indian Cinema has to offer, with 2007’s event presenting a special tribute to an Indian film superstar and a retrospective on the late Hrishikesh Mukherjee, one of the most popular filmmakers of Indian Cinema.
IIFA Film Workshop
The IIFA Film Workshop gives students and amateur film professionals an opportunity to interact with the icons of the film industry. The Film Workshop is an open forum for film students, professionals and industry stalwarts to come together and discuss international cinema. The Film Workshop 2007 is dedicated to the legendary director, Satyajit Ray, who was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Honour at the 1992 Academy Awards. Film professionals will discuss seminal works of Satyajit Ray, along with his filming techniques and approach to filmmaking.
FICCI-IIFA Global Business Forum
The FICCI-IIFA Global Business Forum 2007 will be presented by the regional development authority, Yorkshire Forward, and will feature global speakers discussing a range of topics including tourism, media, film, entertainment, financial services and investment opportunities in India and Yorkshire.
IIFA Foundation Celebrity Charity Cricket Match
On Friday 8th June a special celebrity charity cricket match will be held on the hallowed turf of Headingley – scene of some of the greatest test matches ever. Sports icons and film stars from India and the UK will take part in this action-filled match, from which Global Cool will be staging a text-in-telethon event featuring exclusive appearances from some equally huge names. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Global Cool Foundation.
IDEA-IIFA Awards
The Idea - IIFA Awards 2007 will be held at Sheffield’s enormous Hallam FM Arena on Saturday 9th June. The venue will provide a sensational environment humming with cutting-edge technology to celebrate Indian Cinema’s achievements in a fittingly majestic manner.
Click here for the official IIFA Weekend website
