'South India Film Festival (SIFF) Inaugural Edition jointly organized by AHA and People Media Factory Cinematography, R&B Minister Mr. Komat Reddy Venkat Reddy, Aha Co Founder Mr. Allu Aravind, Director Myhome Constructions and Meru Schools Ms. Meghna Jupalli, People Media Factory Mr. Vishwa T.G. Prasad, Ajith Thakur, Aha CEO Mr. Ravikant Sabnavis, Director Vamsi Paidipally, etc. started with the lighting of the Jyoti. It marks the beginning of a historic event, a grand celebration of regional storytelling and cinema.

The event continued with engaging conversations and panel discussions. Renowned film critic and journalist Mayank Shekhar and legendary Allu Aravind held fascinating conversations on Telugu cinema. Moderator Vani Rane led a discussion with young sensations Santhosh Shobhan, Anand Devarakonda and Sri Gauri Priya on Gen Zee's perspective on Telugu cinema and discussed the perspective of future cinema. There was also an interesting discussion on the success of the film formula led by Suparn Varma of Mirajapur fame and producer Anil Thadani.

A highlight was the fireside chat with Swapna Dutt, led by renowned film critic Taran Adarsh, unveiling the journey of 'Kalki'. This conversation sparked more interest in the film. New age directors Sai Rajesh and Shailesh Kolana had an in-sight full conversation with Prema Malini.

In the evening the ceremony was more impressive. The star-studded red carpet event was graced by luminaries from the South Indian film industry. Padma Vibhushan megastar Chiranjeevi was the chief guest of the ceremony. In this program Murali Mohan honored Chiranjeevi who recently received the Padma Vibhushan Award. The Megastar's presence added great splendor to the celebration. Directors Bobby, Hero Sandeep Kishan, Damodar Prasad, Tammareddy Bharadwaj participated in this ceremony and expressed their perspective.

The evening gala was wonderfully hosted by Lakshmi Manchu and Navdeep. Later in the event, winners were announced in three categories: Short Film (3 to 15 minutes), Sprite Short (under 3 minutes), Music Videos and Long Format Film under 60 minutes, made between January 1 2020. Teja Sajja's tribute to Megastar was one of the highlights of the evening. His extraordinary dance performance mesmerized the audience. Adding to the entertainment of the evening were impressive dance performances by Faria Abdullah and Chandini Chaudhary.

Padma Vibhushan Megastar Chiranjeevi said in this ceremony.. It is very pleasant to come to this ceremony organized by Aha. I am also very happy to be treated in this ceremony. On the morning of my Padma Vibhushan award, Murali Mohan was the first person to come to my house and give me a bouquet of flowers. Starting from that day, for five or six days, everyone in the industry came home and congratulated, honored and rejoiced. I am happy that the celebration was held for five or six days. Every artist has a social responsibility. Everyone also becomes a public servant if we think about what we are giving back in return for the love showered on us by the audience. When I read in the newspapers that many people were losing their lives due to lack of timely blood supply, it was heartbreaking. A blood bank was established with the idea that if blood is given on time, we can save a life. I put it with faith in my fans. It is only because of the fans that it continues to this day. On this occasion, I bow my head to all of them. Will there be the same welcome and love when he returned from politics to film? There was an idea. There is one dialogue in my film. 'Same manhood, same blood'. This is the dialogue that the audience said to me when I came back to the movies. It felt like they were saying, 'The same love, the same affection, the same place in your heart'. I am getting the same energy from the movie 150 till now. The response and admiration of the audience gives immense enthusiasm. I will be in films as long as I have patience and as long as you support me. There is a need for such a film festival. If young talent is encouraged they will work with more enthusiasm. This platform provided such an opportunity. I wish with all my heart that all those who are presenting short films here will be super successful and by doing such programs, Aha will remain forever in their minds.''

Allu Arvind, founder and producer of Aha Co said.. With Aha we are always encouraging new talent. South India Film Festival (SIFF) reflects our commitment to nurture new talent in the industry. SIFF showcases diverse talent, innovation and cultural richness from the South Indian film industry. The Jyoti lighting ceremony is a symbol of unity and cooperation, which sets the stage for an unforgettable celebration. It is a pleasure to be a part of this honorable meeting. With this festival, we are expanding our reach to all South Indian languages ​​and embarking on a journey to recognize and nurture the next generation of filmmakers.”

TG Vishwa Prasad, Producer, People Media Factory said: The first edition of SIFF was an unforgettable occasion. It brings together the luminaries of the South Indian film industry and serves as a platform for a celebration of regional storytelling and cinematic excellence. From engaging panel discussions to spectacular performances, the festival showcased the diversity of South Indian cinema. SIFF is not just an event but a platform to foster collaboration and innovation. It is a pleasure to be a part of this historic moment," he said.

Aha CEO Ravikant Sabnavis said: The South India Film Festival (SIFF) ushers in a new era in the regional cinema landscape, bringing together esteemed personalities and talent in a celebration of storytelling and cinematic excellence. As the CEO of Aha, I am proud to inaugurate the inaugural edition of the festival on such a grand and exciting scale. From engaging panel discussions to spectacular performances, SIFF reflects the vibrancy and diversity of South Indian cinema. We are ready to support and encourage new talent. SIFF serves as a platform to identify and promote talent.

TeluguCinema

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