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IIFA Awards 2005 all set to rock beautiful Amsterdam
IIFA Weekend extravaganza to open the market for Indian Cinema
Mumbai, April 22, 2005: The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) today announced the details of the sixth annual IIFA Weekend and Awards at a press conference held in Mumbai. To be hosted at the picturesque and pulsating city of Amsterdam this year, the IIFA Weekend 2005 and IIFA Awards will, among other events, also feature a Celebrity Cricket Match, a film festival and a World Film Premiere. With IIFA bringing the biggest and best of Indian Cinema to Amsterdam, this marks the beginning of the age of cinema for Amsterdam, which has a vibrant film industry of its own and is now all set to widen its horizons to the Indian Film industry.
As the picturesque city of Amsterdam gets ready to play host to this prestigious event with the glitz and glamour of the entire Indian film industry, fans of Indian cinema across the world can look forward to exciting contests and win 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 presentation ceremony on June 11, 2005 at the spectacular Amsterdam Arena.
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 five years and my commitment remains undiluted. I am looking forward to the celebrations in Amsterdam this year.”
IIFA relayed across the world…
Star Network will broadcast the IIFA Awards 2005 exclusively across the globe. Speaking at the press conference, Mr. Sameer Nair, Chief Operating Officer, STAR India said, “ It is fitting that IIFA which celebrates the emergence of Indian Cinema on a global platform, is partnering with STAR. Millions of viewers across India, US, UK and South East Asia choose STAR Plus to be their preferred choice of entertainment. We are proud to associate with IIFA and will work together to make this year’s event a truly memorable celebration of Indian Cinema and all our viewers.
”IIFA Weekend gets bigger…
This year, the IIFA Weekend gets bigger and more exciting with new events added to the extravaganza. 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 of the business world from India and Europe.
IIFA Weekend in Amsterdam…
‘I amsterdam’ will be the key message promoted around the global campaign of IIFA this year. Amsterdam currently has a small, vibrant film industry of its own and by hosting the prestigious IIFA Weekend, the city would be widening its horizons and getting ready to grow its film industry by leaps and bounds thanks to the advent of Indian cinema. This event will mark the beginning of a long standing relationship between Indian Cinema and the people of Amsterdam and will open up an immense number of opportunities for the Indian Film Industry as well as the Amsterdam film industry. The city’s destination marketers, Amsterdam Partners will be joining IIFA in making the IIFA Weekend a stupendous success. 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 that will enable celebrities to relax and unwind while interacting with one another at exclusive lounges, restaurants and spectacular events.
As the colourful city of canals and beautiful historical architecture gears up to host this year’s IIFA Weekend Mr. Charles Van Renesse, Director, Amsterdam Partners said, “I amsterdam is the new motto of the city of Amsterdam and stands for creativity and commercial spirit. These two key values fit perfectly with the Indian film industry. Therefore we are very privileged and excited to host a prestigious event like the IIFA Weekend this June".
IIFA surfs the Internet
MSN, in conjunction with 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.
Voting for the IIFA Awards – Popular Categories will commence on msn.co.in/iifa and Indya.com from May 1 and will continue till May 31.
Launched five years ago at the Millennium Dome, London, the IIFA Movement 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 the global film industry 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, Barrie Osbourne, Las Ketchup, Thora Birch and Miranda Richardson.
About STAR
STAR, a wholly owned subsidiary of News Corporation, is Asia 's leading multi-platform content and service provider. STAR's over 40 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 five consecutive years. The channel dominates every entertainment genre and time slot across the day, reaching over 65 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