Amitabh Bachchan inaugurates IIFA Voting Weekend in Mumbai
Tourism Authority of Thailand Supports India’s Leading Film Awards

At an event held today in Mumbai, IIFA raised the curtain on the IDEA IIFA Awards 2008 with Brand Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan starting the voting process by casting the first vote. The Industry Voting for the IDEA IIFA Awards Nominations would be open from March 28th to 30th 2008. During the IIFA voting weekend, industry stalwarts, actors, directors, producers, technicians, composers and behind-the-scenes communities are expected to cast their votes, which would decide the nominations for the main awards.

The IIFA Weekend will be held from June 6-8, 2008 in the amazing city of Bangkok, Thailand, one of South-East Asia’s premier location drawing over 12 million visitors a year. Thailand is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, ancient temples and hospitality. Bangkok is a modern city with traditional roots and has much to offer. It is an economic and financial centre with a wealth of cultural sites, making it one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. The IIFA Weekend is the perfect platform for people and businesses to come together and collaborate to create economic opportunities for the region.

Speaking on the occasion, IIFA Brand Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan said, “Casting my vote is important as it gives me a chance to participate in the decision making process with my peers in the Indian film industry. It is very heartening to see IIFA grow in scale and prominence over the years. IIFA entering its 9th year is a testament to its endurance and importance in the industry. The credible and distinct place that IIFA enjoys in the Indian film industry is due to the professional and confidential election process that ultimately decides the nominations and awards.”

Also present on the occasion, Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand commented, “We are proud to be associated with IIFA for this prestigious event and would like to thank them for presenting us with this fantastic opportunity to showcase the unique and exotic aspects of Thailand to the rest of the world. We look forward to a long-standing relationship with IIFA and are confident that this event will further strengthen our bond with the vibrant Indian film industry. Our expectations from this event include projecting Thailand as an up-market destination showcasing our Seven Amazing Wonders, which include Thainess, Beaches, Treasures, Health & Wellness, Trendy, Festivities and Nature. ”

Along with terrestrial broadcasters from across more than 50 countries, IIFA programming reaches an audience of over 500 million people, making it one of the most-watched events in the world.

About IIFA
Conceptualized and produced by Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. and supported by the key members of the Indian film fraternity, IIFA is the most respected South Asian film academy. Also, the IIFA Awards are India's biggest media event. With a viewership of almost 600 million, the IIFAs are among the world's most-watched entertainment events.

From a one-night celebration in 2000 at the Millennium Dome, London, the last eight years have seen the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) movement grow into a cine-packed weekend of film-festivals, workshops, exhibitions, film-showcases, global business forums and sporting events, all of which climaxes into the highlight of the Weekend, the IDEA – IIFA Awards. IIFAs have been celebrated in London, Sun City, Johannesburg, Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, Amsterdam and the last edition was hosted by Yorkshire, at the invitation of the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair. This year, IIFA makes its entrance into Thailand’s financial and entertainment hub, Bangkok. Bangkok, a modern city with historical traits is set to take IIFA to new highs with a grand celebration at the IIFA Weekend. The IIFA Weekend Bangkok, a 3-day extravaganza taking place from the 6th-8th June 2008 will include business forums, film premieres, media briefings, a glitzy awards ceremony and charity fund-raising events. The event is expected to boost tourism in the host region and attract visitors from all over the world.

For further information, please contact:
Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya
Director
Tourism Authority of Thailand
E-mail: chattan.kun@tat.or.th

Contact information:
TAT New Delhi
Tourism Authority of Thailand D-2,
West End, New Delhi, India 110021
Tel: (91 11) 4166 3567-69
Fax: (91 11) 4166 3570
E-mail: tatdel@tat.or.th, tatdel@yahoo.com