Hungama TV brings to you the World Television Premiere of “Delhi Safari” this Christmas

This Christmas, Hungama TV, home for the best of comedy entertainment for kids, brings the world television premier of India's first stereoscopic 3D animation feature film ‘Delhi Safari’. Known for its fun filled comedy shows, Hungama TV now brings Delhi Safari, a movie which addresses a contemporary matter themed with humor and a heartwarming flavour for kids. 

Devika Prabhu, director, programming, kids network, Disney-UTV states, “Hungama TV showcases the best of humour through engaging storytelling and the World Television Premiere of Delhi Safari further reiterates that commitment. Interestingly, this is the very first time that a Bollywood movie is premiering on a kid’s channel and we are looking forward to bringing more such firsts for our Hungama audiences.”

Delhi Safari is an adventurous and a heartwarming journey through the eyes of a young cub leopard, his lovable mother, a rebellious monkey and a charming bear when their forest is on the verge of destruction. To save their forest from humans, the animals decide to go to Delhi and protest in front of the parliament. However, to reach their destination, they have to undergo two highly complicated tasks: One – kidnap and convince a reluctant Alex the parrot who can speak the language of the humans and Two – travel all the way from Mumbai to Delhi! The movie features voices from some of Indian Cinema’s most popular actors including Govinda, Boman Irani, Sunil Shetty, Urmila Matondkar, Akshaye Khanna and Prem Chopra.

The highly acclaimed movie has travelled to multiple International Film Festivals and been dubbed in Russian and Chinese as well. The recent commercial release in the USA opened to rave reviews. The film has also been showcased at the Annecy Film Festival in France and it walked away with the best feature film (theatrical) award at the FICCI FRAMES 2012.  The film has also been shortlisted for consideration for the best animated feature film category for the 85th Oscars (2013).

Grab the tub of pop-corn and tune in to the fun-filled Hungama TV on December 25, 2012 at 10 am to watch the World Television Premiere of Delhi Safari.

‘Revenge of the Naked Princess’ by Oswald Pereira to be launched at Crossword Bookstore on 19th December

Leadstart Publishing and Crossword Bookstore is all set to launch India’s first novel tells tales of forced conversions from the 16th century. The breathtaking novel ‘Revenge of the Naked Princess’, by Oswald Pereira tells chronicles of how nebulous the lines between religion and carnage can be.

This historical page-turner by veteran journalist-turned-novelist Oswald Pereira will launch his much awaited novel at the Crossword Bookstore on Wednesday, 19th December 2012. To be launched in the august presence of Renowned Actors like Smita Jaykar, Anup Soni, Anshuman Jha, Spiritual Guru Dr. Rajshri and Celebrity Author Ashwin Sanghi; the novel talks about how joint conversion brigade of the Portuguese King and the Pope set out to spread Christ’s message of love and compassion leave behind a deathly trail of murder and mayhem.

Revenge of the Naked Princess starts on a hot, humid morning in May 1545, when a joint conversion brigade of the Portuguese King and the Pope set out to spread Christ’s message of love and compassion. however, they leave behind a deathly trail of murder and mayhem. Armed with a monstrous cannon and scores of firearms, the brigade raids Princess Darshana Kamya Kathodi’s  palace in Tana, carrying for her and her people the King’s inviolable conversion order… sealed by the Pope’s promise of a new heaven. The beautiful, 18-year-old tribal princess fights back with her ace archers’ poison arrows. Revenge of the Naked Princess shows how brutal, forced conversions can blur the line between religion and carnage. This historical page-turner by veteran journalist-turned-novelist Oswald Pereira comes after the success of his widely-acclaimed, best-selling thriller The Newsroom Mafia.

 A veteran journalist, Oswald Pereira has worked for leading newspapers and magazines in Mumbai, New Delhi and Muscat. Oswald, who has taught journalism at The Times School of Journalism, is an editor and an English language trainer. Widely-acclaimed for his best-selling crime thriller “The Newsroom Mafia” that was published by Grey Oak Westland in December 2011. Oswald was born in Thane, close to Mumbai, and studied at St Xavier’s College, Mumbai. He now lives with his wife and son in Noida.

A leading publishing house from India, Leadstart Publishing is both creative and progressive in its vision and publishing focii. The Leadstart Lists feature distinguished authors and writing from across the globe. Today, Leadstart Publishing has 10 brands and publishes over 200 titles a year, with imprints and products in all major book categories. Leadstart is also India’s largest book distribution network, with a retail distribution spread of over 100 cities, almost four times the size of its closest competitor. Leadstart Publishing has been termed ‘the fastest-growing book publishing company in India today,’ by The Week magazine.

About Crossword Bookstore:

The name embodies the vision of Crossword as a place and space for people who seek information, knowledge or just the pleasure of reading. Crossword stocks the widest range of Books – Movies- Music- Toys- Stationery- Magazines and CD ROM’s.With its large children’s section and its focus on making the store a friendly, safe, fun-filled place, Crossword attracts many families who normally don’t think of visiting bookstores. Facilities like the Crossword Gift Vouchers, the friendly ‘Return, Exchange & Refunds’ policy, the Cafes within the stores and the unique store experience make it easy and enjoyable for customers to shop at Crossword. Over 3 lacs loyal customers are rewarded through the Crossword Book Rewards Program with points, discounts, exclusive discounts & offers and more.  Since its inception in 15th October 1992, Crossword has received wide recognition for its achievements; articles on retailing in India invariably feature Crossword. It has been featured in Advertising Age International, USA, as one of the Marketing Superstars for 1994. The Bookseller, UK, has also described it as ‘being on the cutting edge of retailing’ in India.

Gerard Butler starrer romantic comedy ‘Playing for Keeps’ from December 7

Multivision Multimedia, the biggest independent film distribution house in the Indian subcontinent, is coming back with another exhilarating release this winter, ‘Playing for Keeps’ starring Gerard Butler, Jessica Biel, Uma Thurman, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Dennis Quaid. Directed by Gabriele Muccino (The Pursuit of Happyness), Playing for Keeps is set to release in India on 7th December, 2012.

Playing for Keeps is an enticing light romantic comedy where Gerard Butler plays the role of an ex-soccer star going through a rough patch and trying to get his life together by resurrecting his bond with ex-wife (Jessica Biel), and son by coaching the boy’s soccer team. However, he has to overcome a lot of distractions from the gorgeous “soccer moms” who are vying for his attention at every turn. The movie’s heartfelt romantic moments are elevated by some light humour and strong themes about life and family.

Speaking on releasing Playing for Keeps in India, Mr. Sunil Udhani, Distribution Head, Multivision Multimedia said, “With Playing for Keeps we to continue bringing  the best  international films to India at the same time as their  global release. It’s a light hearted film that everyone will enjoy. We are quite sure that the film will get a good response.”

Directed by the award-wining director, Gabrielle Muccino and written by Robbie Fox, Playing for Keeps is produced by Gerard Butler, Heidi Jo Markel, Kevin Misher, Jonathan Mostow, John Thompson, and Alan Siegel.

Multivision Multimedia’s last releases in India this year were ‘Looper’, ‘The Expendables 2’, ‘Piranha 3D’, ‘Stolen’ and ‘The Raid: Redemption’.

The immortal diva Zeenat Aman sizzles the ramp with Cigarette ki tarah’ actors Bhoop and Madhurima

One of India’s most celebrated fashion designers Riyaz Gangji, showcased his finest resort wear collection at India Resort Fashion Week 2012, Goa. Veteran actress and the original Dum Maro Dum girl Zeenat Aman scorched up the ramp along with ‘Cigaratte ki tarah’ actors Bhoop & Madhurima Tuli.

The young, energetic and gorgeous onscreen couple Bhoop & Madhurima looked their best in white whereas the vivacious Zeenatji charmed the evening in Riyaz Gangji’s layered skirt with a loose structured jacket highlighting the theme shimmering sand in subtle sand colors with a twist of pink for the bride grooms mother, aunt, etc.

Riyaz’s collection was christened as Shimmering Sand which took inspiration from a renowned book ‘The Sound of Waves’ by a Japanese author ‘Yukio Mishima’. The designer perfectly emulated the same romance strikingly in his creations highlighting the soothing energies emitted from the sun kissed beige sand and the blue sea. Garments flowed into heavier adorned flowy gowns with tails, saris with sensuous bikini blouses adding a touch of shimmer with golden and subdued color tones minimally embellished with appliqué work and sprinkled with crystal stones. Men’s line consisted of Indian wear with a contemporary twist in forms of pathani’s, jackets and bandhgala’s aesthetically accessorizing with chappals, sandals and jute bags.

Zeenat who has made her comeback of sorts is soon to be seen in Sanghamitra Chaudhary’s “Strings of Passion” where she plays mother to debutante Avalok Nagpal. Speaking about her role on the occasion, Zeenat Aman says that in this film she plays kind of a Dragon Mother though on a subtler levels. She is the kind of a mother who controls her young son when to do what and how to lead his life, which eventually has severe repercussions in the young son’s life and he eventually commits suicide.

Bhoop Yaduvanshi and Madurima Tuli are the lead star cast of the soon to release romantic thriller ‘Cigarette Ki Tarah’. The young romantic and glamorous lead of the film proved apt to the collection by scintillating the ramp and mesmerizing the audience with panache and elegance. Their movie is geared up for a 14th December release and promotes anti-smoking.

Mohen Naorem announces 2nd IISFF 2013 : The bigger picture in shorts

Noted Manipuri filmmaker and Festival Organiser Mohen Naorem announced the 2nd IISFF 2013 - the second edition of Imphal International Short Film Festival that share a common theme - including social issues, public service messages, love, horror and experimental.

Open to all Indian and international filmmakers having made their film post January 2011 till December 2012 and up to 30 minutes long are eligible to apply and register at this Festival. To be independently adjudged by a panel of renowned Jury members, this festival has a competition section offering total prize money of close to Rs. 2 Lakhs in 17 award categories apart from a citation, medal and a certificate of participation.

“It is marvellous to see that Imphal International Short Film Festival has grown over the past one year and is taken seriously amongst the well known filmmakers and institutes. With the theme line “The Big Picture in Shorts”, IISFF 2013 event has begun accepting entries for the festival and is much talked about in independent film making circles and that amongst student film makers,” says Mohen Naorem. “Movies are a great way of communication breaking all stereotypes. We will strive and continue to have a grand repertoire of films this time too. In fact, we have received a tremendous opening with entries pouring in from various parts of the globe as well as from Indian participants including from renowned institutes like Whistling Woods International and others.

To be held between March 24 -28, 2012 in Imphal, Manipur in north east India, the festival will feature more than 150 films from more than 12 countries. The buzz among those wishing to submit their films has already picked up, and is slated to persist until the last day of entry submissions - January 31, 2013. This is one opportunity no budding film maker worth his or her salt would like to miss.

Commenting on the line up of films, Film maker and Festival Director Mohan Das, said, “This being the centenary year of Indian cinema, the festival promises to feature a line-up of over 150 short films including films from UK, USA, Russia, Bangladesh, as well as from other parts of the globe including French, Italian, Afghan and Indian cinema as well as silent film entries - something that is new to the festival. However, keeping the centenary year of Indian cinema in mind, we have planned to have an “Indian Film” as the Inaugural and opening film irrespective. This is a small gesture on our part as a token of gratitude to the founders of Indian cinema.”

In an informal meet of the core team, Mohen Naorem unveiled the new look of the festival with a special logo depicting the Kangla Sha or the Manipuri Dragon which is the symbol or the National Emblem of the Meiteis. At the same time, he also unveiled two posters for the festival - one that depicts the mood of the festival while the other was done to call for submissions.

“With the support of Shamiana - The Short Film Club as well as Films & TV World - the online magazine on Films and Television, IISFF is an attempt at bringing the best in shorts from around the world to Indian audiences, showcasing a genre of movies which generally is inaccessible to the mainstream audience. It also is a platform for Indian filmmakers to reach out to a larger audience,’’ said Mohen. “This year, till now, we have received entries in varied regional Indian languages including Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, Marathi and even Silent films. Apart from this, we are also looking out to receive some Gujarati as well as a Bhojpuri language short film.”

Recognized as a major film event in the north east India, the 2nd Imphal International Short Film Festival will once again showcase a host of quality movies from around the world in the presence of prominent guests and the cine enthusiasts.

The 2nd Imphal International Short Film Festival is organized by Legend Studio Manipur and Action for Social Advancement (ASA) Manipur with the support of Film Forum Manipur. Noted filmmaker Shri Mohen Naorem heads the body that consists of eminent personalities from the film industry including Mohan Das from Eon Films and Cyrus Dastur from Shamiana, India's only dedicated and fastest growing short film club which is passionate about showcasing the finest shorts from India and all over the world.

For further updates on the festival and to register, please visit:

www.imphalfilmfestival.org

www.facebook.com/imphalfestival

www.twitter.com/imphalfestival

RBNL’s TV Network launches multi- media campaign to deliver greater value to advertisers

Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd. recently announced the launch of a Multiple Media Customer focused campaign across it’s bouquet of English and regional channel offerings. This campaign, targeted at key marketing decision makers, media planners and buyers, aims to demonstrate the unique advantages of leveraging the different channels in the RBNL bouquet. 

While RBNL’s joint venture with CBS Studios International - the BIG CBS Network - has announced ‘The Choice is Obvious’ campaign, it’s regional offerings - including BIG Magic and Spark Punjabi are also executing similar campaigns to reach out to their relevant customers. The campaign will be executed through an intensive marketing campaign leveraging multi-media platforms including Print, Television, Radio, OOH and digital, aside from RBNL’s own media assets.

While BIG CBS Network showcases its exciting line up of the best in international and homegrown programming that advertisers can leverage, through its channels - BIG CBS Prime, BIG CBS Love and BIG CBS Spark the Regional channels – BIG Magic and Spark Punjabi – will showcase their line-up of insight driven local programming and regional content that creates exciting communication opportunities for marketers.

The BIG CBS Network’s ‘The Choice is Obvious’ campaign highlights key entertainment options available across the network, like American Idol, The X Factor USA, India’s Sexiest Bachelor Season 2, Bridelicious and International Music Favourites among others, which pose as ideal platforms for marketers to showcase their respective brands to the urban elite.

BIG MAGIC, the No.1 channel in the Hindi speaking heartland of Central India, through its campaign, highlights the channel’s engaging and multi-media properties like BIG Memsaab and Khulja Sim Sim and upcoming talent hunt shows like BIG Fame Star. The campaign also focuses on the channels strong local relevance demonstrated through its local insight driven daily shows – Hum Hain Bajrangi and Police Files.

With a plethora of newer non-fiction shows in the offing, Spark Punjabi has much to offer to the key marketing decision makers – especially with properties like BIG Punjaban, Spark Da Star, Spark Top 20 and BIG Fame Star.These shows provide marketers with a strong unmatched regional platform to not just reach but actively engage with their target audiences and key stakeholders in the Punjab region..

Speaking about the launch of the new campaign, the company spokesperson said, “The RBNL Television network has distinctly positioned channels targeting specific geographies and audiences. The line-up of content and properties on these channels offer advertisers excellent platforms to reach out to their audiences. Beyond mere communication, there are engagement and interactivity opportunities we open for brands, which is value that marketers cannot ignore”

I hate love storys girl "Bruna Abdullah" to burn the ramp for designer Shougér Merchant Doshi

This year’s IRFW will witness the sumptuous and one of the sexiest Brazilian model - actor, Bruna Abdullah sizzling the ramp as a show stopper for designer Shouger Merchant Doshi at IRFW 2012 on 1st December at 3.P.M.

Bruna, who was seen in the movie “I hate love story” also in Channel V’s show India’s hottest will be seen adoring Shouger’s unique designer wears at the event.

Shouger’s collection To Goa, with Love draws inspiration from hues of the breathtaking coastal sunrise and sunsets in resort destinations like Goa, Miami, Phuket, Koh Samui. It is just like the changing shades of the sky from dawn to dusk, the color palette of the collection transgresses from whites, greys, peaches and oranges into deeper pinks, purples and blues that blend the Goa sunset. The collections are wearable, comfortable yet glamorous and fit for all activities at a beach destination and resort weekend. This progression is also fused into the style of the pieces that go from western to Indian with fusion pieces that serve as transitions.

Delve yourself with the sensuous Bruna @ IRFW 2012!

PVR Pictures brings ‘The Collection’ - A suspense horror flick from the writers of SAW series

PVR Pictures, the biggest independent distributor of Hollywood movies in India, is all set to bring the suspense horror film ‘The Collection’ to India. A sequel to the 2009 movie ‘The Collector’, ‘The Collection is set to release on 14th December in India. The movie is directed by Marcus Dunstan and stars Josh Stewart (The Dark Knight Rises), Emma Fitzpatrick (The Social Network)& Lee Tergesen (Red Tails) & Christopher McDonald (Requiem for a dream).

Made by the writes of SAW IV, V, VI & VII, ‘The Collection’ is a twisted tale of Elena who is taken by her friends to a secret party at an undisclosed location. She never imagined she would become the latest victim of The Collection, a psychopathic killer. The Collector kidnaps and transports her to an abandoned hotel which he’s transformed into his own private maze of torture and death. Upon learning of his daughter’s disappearance, Elena’s wealthy father hires a group of mercenaries to retrieve her from the vicious grips of The Collector.

Directed by Marcus Dunstan and starring- Josh Stewart (The Dark Knight Rises), Emma Fitzpatrick (The Social Network) & Lee Tergesen (Red Tails) & Christopher McDonald (Requiem for a dream), The Collection will release in India on the 14th December

Commenting on the release of the movie, Mr. Kamal Gianchandani, President, PVR Pictures said,“The Collection is a swift horror thrill ride which PVR Pictures is presenting this December. It is definitely going to shock the audience as it relies heavily on chilling moments and some slick horror visuals.”

Established in 2001, PVR Pictures is the flagship film production and distribution arm of PVR Ltd. and is the No. 1 independent Hollywood Film Distributor in India.  Since then, the company has distributed more than 250 plus titles. PVR Pictures releases nearly 20 films theatrically every year. Led by its passionate promoters Ajay Bijli and Sanjeev K Bijli, PVR Pictures has distributed award-winning films like The Iron Lady, My Week with Marilyn, Ides of March, The Tree of Life, Biutiful, Drive and popular titles like Step Up 3D, Haywire, Breaking Dawn, New Moon, Red and The Rum Diary.

Actor Vidyut Jamwal to walk the ramp with Welspun's Mrs & Mr. Goenka

Actor Vidyut Jamwal is clearly walking many extra miles to make his presence felt, even as he gets ready for a strong mark in his next film. Much in the news today with A R Murgadoss’s Tamil Film “Thuppakki”, the Action hero will walk the ramp as show stopper for Spaces, Home and Beyond by Welspun, world's leading bed and bath brand. 

For the uninformed, A R Murgadoss is a reputed director down South who also directed Aamir Khan in “Ghajini”. Vidyut Jamwal made his presence felt in “Force” opposite Bollywood’s sexiest hunk John Abraham.

Wearing a Wimbledon towel manufactured by Welspun, Vidyut Jamwal will be seen walking the ramp along with Mrs. & Mr. Goenka, owners of the US $ 3 billion group Welspun. Gracing the ramp for the first time at IRFW 2012 @ Candolim, Goa the Corporate giants Mrs. & Mr. Goenka are taking this first step in the world of fashion where they are sure to ignite the ramp with their gracious presence. 

Don’t miss the glimpse on 1st of December 2012; 6:00pm

BIG CBS launches 3 Hot & New homegrown shows this December

BIG CBS Network, Reliance Broadcast Network Limited’s joint venture with CBS Studios International, is all set to introduce a host of new programming on its leading English General Entertainment channels – BIG CBS Prime and BIG CBS Love this December. As BIG CBS Prime turns up the heat with the second season of the phenomenally successfully India’s Sexiest Bachelor which will be hosted by model-turned-actress Sarah-Jane Dias, BIG CBS Love will showcase two never-seen-before shows – Bridelicious with VJ-turned-actress Nauheed Cyrusi and Gossip and Gravy with model Shamita Singha and singer-anchor Shibani Dandekar.

India’s Sexiest Bachelor Season 2 is a definitive show that seeks to end the debate on who is the hottest bachelor in India as it chronicles the lives of some of India’s youngest, sexiest and most successful single men who are chosen through an audience poll. The show, which will air on BIG CBS Prime, will be hosted by model-turned-actress Sarah-Jane Dias who will take audiences on a journey through the lives of the new generation single man whose sex appeal has the women swooning.

Its ringing wedding bells on BIG CBS Love with the launch of Bridelicious, a brand new reality show which focuses on making a woman’s most special day - her wedding day - the most memorable ever by helping the bride with her final look. Every episode will feature two young designers who pit their skills against each other to give the bride-to-be a distinct look. VJ-turned-actress Nauheed Cyrusi will accompany the brides and their families on this reality show which is bound to strike the right chord with the urban female audiences.

Presenting every woman with the perfect break involving food and gossip will be BIG CBS Love’s latest show offering, Gossip and Gravy. Being jointly hosted by model Shamita Singha and singer-anchor Shibani Dandekar, this innovative show will showcase the lives of the urban woman’s favourite Indian and international celebrities along with an array of lip smacking healthy recipes. During the course of the show, both the hosts will also share simple tips and secrets on how to look fit and fab like the celebrities.

Commenting on the new shows lined up on the BIG CBS Network this December, Mr. Anand Chakravarthy, Business Head - BIG CBS said, “We are extremely happy to get Sarah-Jane Dias on-board for India’s Sexiest Bachelor Season 2. She will up the glamour quotient and enhance appeal of the show amongst both women and men in Metros. The two new exciting shows on BIG CBS Love - Bridelicious and Gossip and Gravy, have become even more exciting with the hosts we have signed on. Bridelicious required a host who could connect with each bride at the same time keep the excitement alive in each episode. Nauheed Cyrusi fits the bill to a tee and it’s great to have her on board. Gossip N Gravy is a show that requires a high glamour quotient yet its naughty and ‘spicy’. Shamita and Shibani will bring just the right ‘ingredients’ to the show delivering an entertaining experience to audiences.”

He further added, “The innovative outreach program will provide marketers with exciting opportunities to connect with their target audience. We also have some standalone digital properties to promote in collaboration with Talenthouse for these new properties, thereby opening up more engagement opportunities for brands. The shows deliver excellent brand integration opportunities to multiple categories and with this line-up of hosts, brands stand to get excellent imagery associations as well.”

India’s Sexiest Bachelor Season 2 with model-turned-actress Sarah-Jane Dias, Bridelicious with VJ-turned-actress Nauheed Cyrusi and Gossip & Gravy with model Shamita Singha and singer-anchor Shibani Dandekar are all set to raise the heat this December only on BIG CBS Prime and Love.

‘Cigarette Ki Tarah’ actors to scorch the ramp for designer Riyaz Gangji @ India Resort Fashion Week 2012

P.Y. Films Pvt. Ltd. an upcoming production house with a proper composition of experience and innovative aspirants of the Industry is primed up to release romantic thriller named ‘Cigarette Ki Tarah’. Bhoop Yaduvanshi and Madurima Tuli are the lead start cast of the flick. They will be seen walking ramp along with renowned actress Zeenat Aman for one of India’s most celebrated fashion designers Riyaz Gangji, who is all set to showcase his finest resort wear collection for India Resort Fashion Week 2012 in Goa on 29th November 2012 at 5:00pm.

Riyaz’s collection is christened as Shimmering Sand which takes inspiration from a renowned book ‘The Sound of Waves’ by a Japanese author ‘Yukio Mishima’. Depicting the romance between the protagonist and his love. Riyaz perfectly emulates the same romance strikingly in his creations highlighting the soothing energies emitted from the sun kissed beige sand and the blue sea.

‘CKT’ starring Bhoop Yaduvanshi and Madurima Tuli, a romantic thriller proves apt to the collection and the glamorous duo will scintillate the ramp and mesmerize the audience with panache and elegance.The movie also promotes anti-smoking. The movie is geared up for a 14th December 2012 release.

Get ready to be scorched by the hot pair at IRFW, Goa.

Wishing all...

14th Mumbai Film Festival starts with a bang: Silver Linings Playbook screened

The atmosphere was almost contagious with enthusiasm at the city’s most eagerly awaited cultural event as the vivacious Sridevi performed the ceremonial tradition of lighting a lamp along with Shyam Benegal, Chairman and Trustees of Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI) to mark the auspicious occasion of commencement of the 14th Mumbai Film Festival, presented by Reliance Entertainment and American Express.

Tina Ambani conferred acclaimed director, producer, writer and actor from the People’s Republic of China Zhang Yimou (House of Flying Daggers, Hero, Curse of The Golden Flower, Raise the Red Lantern) the Lifetime achievement Award for Foreign Film Personalities.

“The 14th Mumbai Festival is an initiative truly close to my heart and a very special connection to my cinematic roots”, said Tina Ambani, the chief initiator of the festival who was accompanied to the event by Anil Ambani.

“I have always believed that cinema is a bridge between cultures”, said Yimou upon receiving the honor, “I thank MAMI for appreciating my efforts and acknowledging my small contribution towards cinema”, he signed off with utmost modesty.

The Opening Function also saw the introduction and felicitation of the jury members of International Competition, India Gold 2012, Celebrate Age and Dimensions Mumbai.  “We look forward to another year of bringing superlative global cinema to our patrons and promoting budding talent at the festival”, commented Mr. Srinivasan Narayanan, Festival Director, 14th Mumbai Film Festival on the occasion.

The function continued with Actor Anil Kapoor calling on stage Anupam Kher, whose critically acclaimed comedy-drama Silver Linings Playbookkick started the cinematic reverie for this 8 day long festival. The film is directed by David O Russell and stars Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro. The evening was made even more special as Bradley Cooper’s special message was played out in which he regretted his absence and wished luck for film’s India premiere.

Speaking on the occasion Anupam Kher said, “I have always endeavored to make films with passion and I am glad to have been provided with an opportunity to work with such amazing co-actors”

The Opening Function’s red carpet and movie screening witnessed an eclectic gathering of filmmakers, renowned litterateurs, cinephiles and scribes, including Jaya Bachchan, Manisha Koirala, Leander Paes, Shobhaa & Dilip De, Ila Arun, Kirron Kher, Rahul Bose, Ranvir Shorey, Milind Soman, Shahana Goswami, R. Balki with wife & filmmaker Gauri Shinde,  Pritish Nandy, Sridhar Raghavan, Sanjay & Ambika Suri, Dibakar Banerjee and Hansal Mehta among others. The celebratory fervor continued at the Trident, Nariman Point.

Brought in with great pomp and aplomb, the first day of the 14th Mumbai Film Festival set pace for the week-long cinematic extravaganza that promises to feature the finest works of cinematic genius from a stellar lineup of over 200 films.

The 14th edition of the Mumbai Film Festival is scheduled from the 18th – 25th October, 2012 at National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) & Inox, Nariman Point, Liberty Cinemas, Marine Lines as the main festival venues and Cinemax, Andheri and Cinemax Sion as the satellite venues.

Sridevi to light the ceremonial lamp at Mumbai Film Festival..

The MAMI authorities have announced that vivacious superstar Sridevi will light the ceremonial lamp to mark the auspicious occasion on October 18, 2012 at the opening ceremony of the city’s most eagerly awaited cultural event, the 14th Mumbai Film Festival, presented by Reliance Entertainment and American Express and organized by the Mumbai Academy of Moving Image.

After the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, the film festival will showcase critically acclaimed comedy-drama film “Silver Linings Playbook” that will also have its India premiere. The event will also witness the presence of stars such as Anupam Kher, Anil Kapoor, Javed Akhtar, Jaya Bachchan, Atul Aghnihotri, Sriram Raghvan, Anees Bazmi, Anubhav Sinha, Ranvir Shorey, Sanjay Suri, Abhinay Deo and several others

Late Superstar Rajesh Khanna’s ARADHANA at the 14 Mumbai Film Festival

The forthcoming edition of the city’s most eagerly awaited cultural event, the 14^th Mumbai Film Festival, presented by Reliance Entertainment and American Express and organized by the Mumbai Academy of Moving Image, is poised to pay homage to Indian cinema’s first “Superstar”, Hindi film legend Rajesh Khanna by dedicating a special segment to screen one of the late star’s most memorable films Aradhana.

Directed by Shakti Samanta in 1969, the film featured Rajesh Khanna paired against Sharmila Tagore. The film’s screening is scheduled to be held Godrej theatre at NCPA on on 21st October at 1.15 p.m.Apart from Rajesh Khanna, the festival is also paying homage to Dara Singh by screening his movie Samson directed by Nanabhai Bhatt and to A K Hangal by screening his movie Dattak directed by Gul Bahar Singh. Both will be screened at the Godrej theatre on 23rdOctober at 1.15 p.m. and on 20th October at 4.00 pm respectively.

The stellar lineup of over 230 films from around the world constitutes a mélange of classic and contemporary cinema with special segments dedicated to French, Italian and Afghan cinema. The festival will also host a special event segment to mark the centenary year of Indian cinema by screening a handpicked list of silent films accompanied by melodies from a live orchestra. The festival also endeavors to serve as a platform to showcase the works of young, talented and progressive filmmakers.

The 14th edition of the Mumbai Film Festival is scheduled from the 18th - 25th October, 2012 at National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) & Inox, Nariman Point, Liberty Cinemas, Marine Lines as the main festival venues and Cinemax, Andheri and Cinemax, Sion as the satellite venues.

 

The 14th Mumbai Film Festival, presented by Reliance Entertainment and American Express, is organized by Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI) - a body comprised of Indian film industry stalwarts, which was founded in 1997 by late filmmaker Shri Hrishikesh Mukherjee. Noted filmmaker Shri Shyam Benegal heads the body that consists of film directors including: Yash Chopra, Sudhir Mishra, Ashutosh Gowarikar, Karan Johar, Anurag Kashyap, renowned actresses Shabana Azmi and Jaya Bachchan, actor-director Amol Palekar and Farhan Akhtar and Amit Khanna, Chairman of Reliance Big Entertainment as Trustees.

New Competition Segment at 14th Mumbai Film Festival to promote National talent

The city’s most eagerly awaited cultural event, the 14th Mumbai Film Festival, presented by Reliance Entertainment and American Express and organized by the Mumbai Academy of Moving Image, continues its tradition of offering talented filmmakers with a platform to showcase their talent. In its latest endeavor to support and promote skilled filmmakers, the festival has announced a unique accolade, the Reliance Media Works CreaTech (Creativity & Technology) Award, in its most recently introduced competition category the India Gold 2012 segment.

Introduced as an initiative to recognize & encourage individuals/directors/production houses that have applied futuristic/innovative technology and creativity to convert their visualizations into reality with excellence within competitive budgetary frameworks, the recipient of this award will receive a special voucher which will entitle him/her to experience and utilize the resources Reliance Media Works service solutions such as shooting studios, camera setup & lighting equipments, Digital Labs, mastering studios, promos editing labs, TV commercials, film restoration facilities, conversion, or VFX or any other services as offered by RMWL for a value up to Rs.1 lakh, within a period of 1 year, i.e. until October 2013.

The ‘India Gold 2012’ section will see 13 Indian language films by debutante directors competing for Golden Gateway trophy plus cash prize of Rs. 10 lakh for the Best Film and Silver Gateway trophy plus cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh for Second Best Film in addition to the Reliance Media Works CreaTech (Creativity & Technology) Award. The competition will be judged by an all international jury of film technicians & professionals.

Films for this section are invited by the chairman of MAMI Mr. Shyam Benegal and aim to feature the best crop of the Indian films produced in India and provide them a with platform for promotion internationally. The 14th edition of the Mumbai Film Festival promises to screen a stellar lineup of over between the 18th – 25th October, 2012 at National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) & Inox, Nariman Point, Liberty Cinemas, Marine Lines as the main festival venues and Cinemax, Andheri and Cinemax Sion as the satellite venues.