Abu Dhabi, UAE – The International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA), in collaboration with the Creative Media Authority and Abu Dhabi Film Commission, will mark the centennial celebration of Indian cinema with a special event on Saturday, 28th September at Yas Creative Hub. The event features an exclusive screening of “Bollywood: The Greatest Love Story” and a MasterClass with acclaimed filmmaker Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra, hosted by the charismatic Mini Mathur.
Renowned for his transformative contributions to contemporary Indian cinema, Mehra’s works intricately weave socio-cultural narratives with a unique visual style, garnering him international acclaim. The special screening of “Bollywood: The Greatest Love Story,” co-directed by Jeffrey Zimbalist, will highlight the century-long journey of Indian cinema and its global influence.
Mr. Andre Timmins, Founder/Director of IIFA, expressed his excitement about the event, saying, “We are incredibly excited to celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema with a special IIFA screening and MasterClass featuring the visionary Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra and hosted by the charismatic Mini Mathur. This event not only pays tribute to the incredible legacy of Indian cinema but also creates a unique platform for film enthusiasts, aspiring filmmakers, and students of film and media studies to engage with one of the most celebrated directors in the industry. Participants will gain exclusive insights into the craft of filmmaking, storytelling, and the creative processes behind some of cinema’s most iconic works.”
Aysha AlJneibi, Director of Talent Development at Creative Media Authority, highlighted the importance of nurturing talent within the creative industry. “Hosting a MasterClass of this calibre with Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra provides an incredible opportunity to learn directly from industry leaders and understand their journeys to excellence. Through our talent development arm, creative lab, we aim to inspire young minds and deepen the understanding of what makes Indian cinema so special.”
Designed for passionate film enthusiasts, aspiring filmmakers, students of film and media studies, and dedicated cinema lovers, this MasterClass offers a deep dive into the art of filmmaking. Led by Mini Mathur, the session will explore Indian cinema through Mehra’s eyes, revealing insights into his creative process, inspirations, challenges, and artistic decisions.
The event will commence with a screening of “Bollywood: The Greatest Love Story,” followed by the MasterClass where Mehra will discuss his career, creative journey, and the film’s creation. This will culminate in an engaging discussion on his insights, challenges, and the future of Indian cinema.
Attendees will gain a deeper appreciation for the evolution of Indian cinema, exclusive insights into filmmaking techniques, and benefit from an interactive platform for networking and idea exchange. This event promises unparalleled inspiration for aspiring filmmakers, providing a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the essence of Indian cinema and the creative genius of Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra.