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Indian Cinema to take a bow in Amsterdam
IIFA - The three-day International Indian Film extravaganza to enthrall global fans

Amsterdam , April 8, 2005 : The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) today announced details of the sixth annual IIFA Weekend and Awards, at a press conference held in Amsterdam . IIFA Weekend 2005 and IIFA Awards 2005 will be hosted at the picturesque and pulsating city of Amsterdam featuring among other events, a Celebrity Cricket Match, a film festival and a World Film Premiere. Fans of cinema across the world can look forward to exciting contests and a lifetime opportunity to meet their favourite Indian film stars in Amsterdam . The IIFA Weekend will be held from June 9 to 11, 2005 culminating with the glittering IIFA Awards Ceremony on June 11, 2005 at the splendid Amsterdam ArenA Stadium.

At the press conference, Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, Brand ambassador of IIFA and BBC's Superstar of the Millennium said, “The IIFA Awards have marked the beginning of a new era for recognizing and applauding the achievements of Indian Cinema. Regarded as one of the most credible award processes in India and abroad, I am proud to be associated with IIFA for the past six years and my commitment remains undiluted. I am looking forward to the celebrations in Amsterdam this year.”

As the colourful city of canals and beautiful historical architecture gears up to host this year's IIFA Weekend Mr. Job Cohen, the Mayor of Amsterdam said , “It is a great honour for  Amsterdam to host the IIFA Weekend this year. It's not only important for the city of Amsterdam , but for our entire country. I am looking forward to welcoming the stars and the visitors and I will enjoy the festivities during the IIFA Weekend in June.”

Launched five years ago at the Millennium Dome, London , the IIFA Awards has evolved from an awards presentation ceremony to a three-day extravaganza dedicated to the world of cinema – the IIFA Weekend. This event showcases the crème de la crème of Indian cinema and provides a platform for the Indian film fraternity to interact with global fans and media. The IIFA Awards is the grandest tribute paid to the world's largest film industry and has attracted the stalwarts of both Indian and international cinema over the years, including Mira Nair, Shah Rukh Khan, Shekhar Kapur, Angelina Jolie, Kylie Minogue, Jackie Chan, Bo Derek, Thora Birch and Miranda Richardson.

This year, the IIFA Weekend has exciting new events added to the programme. In addition to the IIFA World Film Premiere, IIFA Foundation Celebrity Cricket Match and the IIFA Awards presentation ceremony , for the first time IIFA will host the FICCI-IIFA Global Business Forum at Expo XXI and a special IIFA Film Festival at the magnificent centuries old Pathé Tuschinski Theatre . Attending these events and enjoying the delights of Amsterdam , the city on water, will be the most high profile celebrities from Indian and International cinema, India 's sports stars, government leaders and the who's who from the Indian business world.

‘I amsterdam ' will be the key message promoted around the global campaign of IIFA this year. The city's destination marketers Amsterdam Partners will be joining IIFA in making the Awards a stupendous success. Speaking on hosting the IIFA festival in Amsterdam , drs Huffnagel, Alderman of economic affairs for the city of Amsterdam said, “This event is very important for the image of Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Area. We have the opportunity to present our region to 400 million people all over the world. The event will provide us with substantial economic benefits and therefore fits perfectly into our new city marketing approach. IIFA will bring us their culture, creativity and – last but not least- a lot of fun!”

Speaking at the conference, Mr. Hans Van Driem, CEO, Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions (NBTC), said, “NBTC is promoting the presentation of the IIFA Awards via all its 14 offices and representative offices abroad. Holland has till now welcomed 30,000 visitors from India per year and the aim is to increase this to 90,000 by 2007. Hosting this event will reinforce a number of characteristics of the brands Amsterdam and Holland – open, tolerant, hospitable and creative – while also showing the many art and cultural possibilities.”

The Accor Group will play host to the glitterati, as the Hospitality partner. Its partnership with IIFA will bring an exhilarating period to the hotel with frenzied activity that will grip Central Europe . The Accor Group will combine their international experience with traditional Dutch hospitality to create an ambience which will enable celebrities to relax and unwind while interacting with one another at exclusive lounges, restaurants and spectacular events.

The IIFA Awards 2005 will be broadcast live and exclusive across the globe via Star TV , Asia 's preferred General Hindi Entertainment Channel at primetime on June 11 th , 2005 . Speaking at the press conference Mr. Deepak Sehgal, Executive Vice President, Content and Communication, Star India Pvt. Ltd said, “It is fitting that IIFA, which celebrates the emergence of Indian cinema on a global platform is partnering with the Star Network. Millions of viewers across India , USA , UK and Asia choose Star to be the preferred choice of entertainment. We are proud to associate with IIFA and will work together to make this year's event the most memorable celebration for Indian Cinema for all our viewers.”

MSN, in conjunction with I amsterdam and the IIFA Academy have launched an exciting contest, which would bring winners from among the web community to the IIFA Weekend to participate in the action with the stars and discover the sights and joys of the Netherlands.

About STAR

STAR, a wholly owned subsidiary of News Corporation, is Asia 's leading multi-platform content and service provider. STAR's over 50 television services in seven languages reach more than 300 million viewers across 53 Asian countries.  STAR in India has captured the imagination of Indian audiences with gripping dramas, comedies, thrillers, path-breaking game shows, events and movies. STAR PLUS has been India 's No. 1 cable channel for four consecutive years. The channel dominates every entertainment genre and time slot across the day, reaching over 60 million viewers every week.

About Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.

Wizcraft International Entertainment, India 's leading event management company is dedicated to showcasing its expertise on the world stage. Having begun its operations in 1988, Wizcraft has conceptualized and produced events staged in Mauritius, UK, New York, Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa, Iraq, Australia and Sri Lanka among others.

Wizcraft's clientele comprise leading global corporates, governments of various countries and leading international entertainment and sports associations and celebrities.

The company is focused on providing Global Event Management Solutions at the doorstep of clients.

Presenting Sponsor of the IIFA Weekend : I amsterdam

Satellite Partner : Star TV

Associates : NBTC – Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions, ATCB – Amsterdam Tourism & Convention Board, Pathé, Schiphol Group, EVD - Ministry of Economic Affairs, Olympic Stadium, Bols, De Telegraaf

Local Partner – Zamaray's B.V.

FICCI-IIFA Global Business Forum : Expo XXI

Hospitality Partner : The Accor Group

Print Media Partner: De Telegraaf

Media Partners : MSN

Voting Process Auditors : PriceWaterhouseCoopers

Event Package Partners: Advanced Travel Partners (ATP)

Conceptualised & promoted by: Wizcraft International Entertainment

Event Venues:

IIFA Awards: Amsterdam ArenA Stadium

IIFA World Film Premiere: Pathé Tuschinski

FICCI IIFA Business Forum: Expo XXI

IIFA Media Centre: The Grand Amsterdam – Sofitel Demeure Hotels

IIFA Foundation Celebrity Cricket Match Venue: Olympic Stadium

IIFA Film Festival: Art House, Pathé Tuschinski

For further information, please contact: