MIFTA to take Marathi movies outside Indian shores

Mumbai: Marathi International Film and Theatre Awards (MIFTA) will take place in Dubai this year providing a global platform to Marathi movies and theatre.

Modelled on the lines of International Indian Film Academy (IIFA), MIFTA is the brainchild of noted actor and filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar and will be organised inassociation with well known tours and travel company Raja Rani travels.

Manjrekar said the event would be a three-day affair beginning from December 16 to 18. The awards ceremony would be held on December 17.

"It is not just an awards ceremony, but an experience to remember," Manjrekar said adding that Salman Khan, Ashutosh Gowariker, Marathi actor-filmmakers Sachin Pilgaonkar, Mahesh Kothare, Keda Shinde, Vijay Kenkre, Jayant Pawar, Shafaqat Khan are members of the jury to decide on the MIFTA nominations which would include technical and popular awards.

Manjrekar said apart from Marathi films and artistes who have carved a niche for themselves in Marathi as well as Hindi film industry, Marathi theatre has played an important role in strengthening the culture and tradition of the state.

"MIFTA aims to honour such talent and would bring Marathi speaking people living abroad closer home," he added.

Apart from the awards ceremony, 13 Marathi movies would be screened in Dubai. "A charity cricket match and a film premiere is also being planned," he added.

Manjrekar said online voting would begin from December one to 10. "NRI Maharashtrians can also select the best film and play of their choice and the selected entries would be given host city award," he said.