Sabbas Joseph Co-Founder, Director, Wizcraft International on the occasion of the 20th edition of IIFA homecoming talk about IIFA 2019 the journey of the Indian Film fraternity's biggest festival, key partnerships this year and what Bedazzles IIFA 2019 in an interesting conversation with loudest.in
The highly awaited celebration of Indian Cinema IIFA enters its 20th year, which has become a global phenomenon to reckon with.IIFA 2019 to be held in Mumbai is a melange of Indian Cinema, Fashion, music, and dance.
Talking about IIFA and it's journey so far Sabbas Joseph says, "IIFA has won hearts across the entire world, as it's traveled across 16 cities in 12 different countries over the span of 19 years and it's quite a journey. We have grown audiences, build relationships and partnerships across the world. Our journey has been a perfect tribute to our message, one people, one world, which aims to bring people and cultures together."
Joseph sheds light on IIFA 2019 Homecoming to Mumbai, "I think after 19 IIFA editions across the world, a homecoming was due, wherein it is welcomed in the home of Indian cinema Mumbai. It is good that our Honorable Prime Minister is also talking about tourism and is looking at it in an aggressive manner to welcome people to India. I think if we can help the country, the tourism ministry and the Honorable Prime Minister's vision to be able to create an image about India which is positive in welcoming guests and tourists to India, although it's coincidental yet it's become a perfect synergy!"
USP of this year IIFA homecoming, "This year is the celebration of IIFA's 20 years, it's a journey of Indian cinema and what has happened in it every year. To highlight that we have IIFA 20 years Honour, wherein 19 of the nominees with 19 years gone by with their respective works are chosen for their best of 20 years performances in the Indian film industry. Out of those 19, one will be the recipient of the 20 Years Honor Award and will receive the Bedazzled trophy which is unique for this edition. It's done across categories like Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor Male, Best Actor Female, and Best Music Director."
Present at the launch were Bollywood superstars Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif and Madhuri Dixit, who were joined with key notable dignitaries and key partners.
Speaking on the occasion, Salman Khan said, “It has always been a pleasure to be a part of IIFA & the Wizcraft family over the years. This year’s homecoming is exceptional and very close to my heart, I am excited to celebrate and contribute to the homecoming of Indian cinema’s mega celebration. Over the last 19 years, IIFA has not only given Indian Cinema an International platform but it has also provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with our fans internationally. It makes me particularly happy to perform at NEXA IIFA Awards in our very own Aamchi Mumbai – the birthplace of Indian cinema, this September.”
Madhuri Dixit who's going to perform at the main NEXA IIFA Awards Night, said, "IIFA truly is an inspiring platform, a global phenomenon with a massive fan following year after year that celebrates the brilliance of Indian Cinema worldwide. I am honored to be a part of 20th homecoming celebrations and I wish IIFA all the success as we mark the homecoming edition of the grandiose global event here in Mumbai.”
Commenting on the occasion, Actor, Katrina Kaif, said, "IIFA is a great opportunity for the entire film fraternity to connect with their fans on both national and international platforms. I am personally very thrilled to perform at NEXA IIFA Awards 2019 and I look forward to having a great time at the 20th homecoming celebration of Indian Cinema, in Mumbai.”
IIFA 2019 is yet again star-studded spectacular and larger than life.IIFA Rocks will be a musical and a fashion extravaganza which will be held on 16th September to be hosted by Radhika Apte & Ali Fazal. Performances at IIFA Rocks include a host of singers like Salim Suleman, Amit Trivedi, Neha Kakkar, Jonita Gandhi, Amit Mishra, Ranjit Barot, Jassi Gill, Dhvani Bhanushali, Nakash Aziz, Tulsi Kumar multiple singers all of whom are coming together and performing along with fashion shows my Shantanu & Nikhil.
NEXA IIFA AWARDS will be held on 18th September which will be hosted by Arjun Kapoor & Ayushmann Khurrana and will see power-packed performances by Salman Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Katrina Kaif, Ranveer Singh. Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan to make their IIFA Debut at NEXA IIFA AWARDS.
Talking about Key sponsors for IIFA this year Joseph says, "Each of our partners is helping to take this journey and IIFA forward. Key sponsors this year are NEXA, which is the premium car platform from Maruti Suzuki, TATA tea, Wooch washing expert, Ease My Trip, and channel partner as Viacom 18, Colours, Colours Cineplex."
Joseph draws light on the extensive promotion plans for IIFA 2019 by saying, "It will be promoted across digital platforms, Billboards, across the country, multiple news channels and general entertainment channels of the Viacom network. Simultaneously the promotions are happening across 102 countries across the globe through advertising, digital, billboards, and media engagements with an advertising blitz worth around 20 million INR."
IIFA has been supporting social causes since it's inceptions and IIFA 2019 is no different, Joseph highlights on this years key causes being supported by IIFA and the film fraternity saying, "Key causes that IIFA supports are about gender equality and women empowerment, as we believe in saying gender equality begins at home, 'Barabara Ghar Se Shuru' and at mind we have a great visibility and the starts are going to campaign about gender equality and those messages will be put in IIFA promotions and will reach out to the audiences and fans of IIFA."