News DeskHyderabad, India – The achievements of South Indian Cinema are set to be celebrated on a global stage as IIFA Utsavam 2024 embarks on its journey to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE, this September. The prestigious event, which honors the excellence of Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada film industries, will be hosted under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence. It is being organized in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral, a renowned creator of immersive destinations in Abu Dhabi.
The anticipation for IIFA Utsavam 2024 was ignited with a grand official press conference held in Hyderabad. This event set the stage for the highly anticipated two-day extravaganza celebrating the vibrant South Indian film industry.
The press conference witnessed an impressive gathering of stalwarts from South Indian Cinema, including hosts and performers such as Rana Daggubati, Rockstar DSP, Teja Sajja, Raashi Khanna, Sreeleela, Vijay Raghavendra, Pearle Maaney, Pragya Jaiswal, Malashree Ramanna, Aradhana Ram, Sudhev Nair, Simran Rishi Bagga, Resul Pookutty, Kushboo, Sagar (Playback singer for Telugu films), Mangli (Playback singer for Telugu films), Nithiin, Akshara Haasan, Teja Dharma, D. Suresh Babu, K. S. Rama Rao, Allu Aravind, Sharrath Marar, Sathish, and Navdeep, among many others.
Key dignitaries and partners of IIFA Utsavam 2024, including Abdulla Yousuf Mohammad, International Operations Department Director, Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi; Nawaf Ali Aljahdami, Festivals Unit Head, Abu Dhabi Events Bureau Department (DCT); and Taghrid AlSaeed, Executive Director Group Communications and Destination Marketing, Miral, Yas Island, also graced the event.
Taghrid AlSaeed expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome IIFA Utsavam 2024 to Yas Island, further solidifying the island’s position as a premier global destination for entertainment. This event highlights our commitment to celebrating cultural diversity through world-class experiences. Partnering to bring the vibrant talents of South Indian cinema to Abu Dhabi marks a significant milestone as we look forward to a spectacular showcase this September, uniting fans and artists in an unforgettable celebration of cinematic excellence.”
The press conference also highlighted the growing recognition and extraordinary talent of South India’s vibrant storytelling, underscoring the region’s rising prominence in the cinematic world.
The event brought together influential figures from the Indian film industry, including industry heavyweights D. Suresh Babu, K. S. Rama Rao, Allu Aravind, and Sharrath Marar, promising insightful conversations and exciting updates about the film industry.
IIFA Utsavam’s Telugu segment hosts, Rana Daggubati and Teja Sajja, along with performers Raashii Khanna and Sreeleela, led captivating discussions on the diverse array of films and performances set for IIFA Utsavam 2024. Kannada host Vijay Raghavendra, along with performer Pragya Jaiswal, Malashree, and Aradhana Ram, added another vibrant dimension to the event.
Malayalam hosts Pearle Maaney and Sudhev Nair, joined by Kushboo, Akshara Haasan, and Simran Rishi Bagga, enriched the conversation with their insights into South Indian Cinema.
IIFA Utsavam 2024 is scheduled to take place on Friday, 6th September, and Saturday, 7th September 2024, at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The two-day celebration promises to immerse audiences in a rich tapestry of cinematic experiences.
Expressing his excitement, Andre Timmins, Founder/Director of IIFA Utsavam, commented, “We are deeply privileged to announce our return to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, under the honourable patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence. IIFA Utsavam is poised to ignite the global stage once more, uniting the formidable industries of Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada cinema.”
He added, “As we celebrate the cinema of the South, IIFA Utsavam aims to spotlight vibrant storytelling and talent for a global audience, reaffirming the global significance of South Indian cinema and its profound contribution to the world of entertainment.”
Timmins further emphasized, “Our vision has been to create a platform where the diverse cultures and artistic expressions of South Indian cinema can shine brightly, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of its rich cinematic heritage on an international scale.”
As the global journey of IIFA Utsavam 2024 begins, the event promises to be a spectacular showcase of South Indian cinema, uniting fans and artists in a celebration of cinematic excellence.
