New Delhi, 21st November, 2024: Prasar Bharati, the national public broadcaster launched Waves its OTT platform at the International Film Festival of India, Goa (IFFI).

Waves was launched by Dr. Pramod Sawant, Honourable Chief Minister, Goa. Speaking at the launch he said “It is indeed a momentous occasion for the Indian entertainment industry with the launch of Waves OTT. I am very happy to see the diverse range of content on the platform, including a host of films  and content across languages including Konkani.”

Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, present at the launch said  “Waves OTT marks a significant step in the Indian government’s Digital India vision. The Comprehensive, inclusive and diverse OTT will bridge the digital media and entertainment divide, on the back of its collaboration with BharatNet for last mile connectivity to rural audience.”

Waves makes its entry  as a wide-reaching aggregator OTT , with Inclusive India stories embracing Indian culture with an international outlook, in 12+ Languages – Hindi, English, Bengali, Marathi, Kannada, Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, Punjabi, Assamese, spread across 10+ genres of Infotainment; Video on demand, free-to-play gaming, Radio streaming, Live TV streaming, 65 live Channels, several App in App integrations  (LionsGate PTC, to name a few) for video and gaming content (Mud Games, Tag Labs, Freak X Games and Game Tech Point), educational content (like PACE bringing test prep tutorials for students) and online shopping through CSC-SPV’s ONDC supported e-commerce platform. 

Chairman, Prasad Bharati, Shri Navneet Kumar Sehgal said “as part of our commitment towards healthy family entertainment and providing window for India’s rich and vast cultural landscape we are bringing one stop information hub to the millions of Indian homes. Waves is one of the only OTT networks which is your window to not only the world of clean family entertainment but also to shopping, games and news and current affairs for kids and youth. A bonanza for all.” 

Under its notified Content Acquisition Policy 2024 for acquiring content for Waves OTT, Prasar Bharati has curated a strong content lineup to satisfy diverse tastes of subscribers in all age groups across urban, metros, middle India and NRI audiences who seek Indian / regional / International viewing experience. 

Shri Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati, at the event said, “Waves, brings a wide range of  content for clean family viewing, into every Indian home that can use this platform to watch, listen, read, play, shop in a curated environment. As a conscious step to unlock the potential of young creators in the creative economy, Waves also offers its platform to content creators like the National Creator Awardees – Kamiya Jani, RJ Raunac, Shraddha Sharma of Your Story, Tech Guru Gaurav Chaudhary some of who are at IFFI.” Waves has opened its portal to student grad films, and film and media colleges like FTII, Annapurna, AAFT have partnered with Prasar Bharati on Waves. 

New Films and shows on Waves to be screened at IFFI include Roll No.52 a student grad film from Annapurna Film and media Studio by Nagarjuna and Amala Akkineni aligning with the Young Film Maker’s theme of IFFI ‘24; Fauji 2.0 a modern adaptation of the iconic 1980s Shahrukh Khan show Fauji, and will be screened by Director Sandeep Singh and cast Gauhar Khan. The other films to be screened are Oscar winner Guneet Monga Kapoor’s social change film Kicking Balls a true story on child marriages and will screened by Guneet; Jackson Halt a crime thriller will be screened by Producer Neetu Chandra and Jaiye Aap Kahan Jayenge with a social message of mobile toilets screened by Sanjay Mishra. 

Spotlight on Waves includes Live events like the Prabhu Shriram Lalla Aarti live from Ayodhya and the monthly Mann ki Baat by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The upcoming US Premier League Cricket Tournament will be carried live on WAVES from 22 November. WAVES has also launched a Cyber Security awareness campaign with Daily Video messages in partnership with CDAC, MeitY. This campaign is backed by programmes such as Cyber Crime ki Duniya (a fictionalized series) and Cyber Alert (by DD News features). 

Some other films and shows on WAVES are Fantasy action super hero Monkey King the Hero is Back, the national award winner film Fouja, Armaan, Vipul Shah’s thriller show Bhed Bharam, family drama Thode Door Thode Paas featuring Pankaj Kapoor, Kailash Kher’s music reality show Bharat ka Amrit Kalash, Sarpanch, BeCubed by Hotmail Founder Sabeer Bhatia, women centric shows and films Corporate Sarpanch, Dashmi, and Kariathi, Jaanki. WAVES also carries a selection of popular animation programs including Doggy Adventure, Chota Bheem, Tenaliram, Akbar Birbal, and games like Krishna Jump, Fruit Chef, Ram the Yodha, Cricket Premier League tournament.

Expanding the repertoire of content formats, language, genre and reach on Waves are Live channels including Doordarshan, Akashvani, and private channels across multiple categories such as news, general entertainment, music, devotional, sports.

Central Government ministries and states are also joining hands with Prasar Bharati to co-develop or contribute varied content such as docudramas, dramatized or fictionalized shows, reality shows with entertainment value, as an effective vehicle for meaningful messages.

Some content includes a documentary on the 75^th anniversary of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, cyber security awareness with CDAC MeitY, the NFDC archives titled Cinemas of India, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry’s rare archival content like historical photos compiled in subject-wise photos albums, and Journals and publications. The Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Finance, IGNCA, Ministry of Culture and India Post have also contributed informative and entertaining programming to WAVES.

The Digital Experience of Waves fuses Indian ethos with modern look and feel, friendly UI/UX, cross-Platform compatibility, personalized profiles and Curated Playlists. Waves is an OTT with a difference – it provides an e-commerce platform in collaboration with ONDC/ CSC-SPV that will promote MSMEs and local enterprises, fostering their growth and visibility.

This launch signifies a major leap forward not only for Prasar Bharati but the digital media and OTT audiences, as a complete ecosystem.

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From the world premiere of the unscripted Telugu Original series The Rana Daggubati Show and the Asia premiere of the internationally-acclaimed Original movie The Mehta Boys, to a scintillating performance by the team of the much-loved Original series Bandish Bandits Season 2, along with participation in the Knowledge Series, and more, Prime Video’s line-up combines the best of entertainment with business and creative insights

The post Prime Video Announces a Stellar Line-up of Exceptional Indian Stories for the Prestigious 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

In a special homage, IFFI will showcase digitally restored classics of these icons, meticulously brought back to their original grandeur by the NFDC-NFAI. These restorations enable audiences to experience the artistry and storytelling brilliance of some of Indian cinema’s most celebrated films as they were originally envisioned. The enhanced visuals and audio bring an added depth to these classics, highlighting the enduring artistic contributions of these cinematic giants.

Among the festival’s highlights, Raj Kapoor’s “Awaara” will be screened in its restored form, recapturing the warmth and empathy Kapoor infused into his portrayal of the common man’s struggles. Tapan Sinha’s “Harmonium,” another restored classic, invites viewers to experience Sinha’s intricate storytelling and exploration of societal themes. Akkineni Nageswara Rao’s landmark film “Devadasu” also makes a grand return, allowing contemporary audiences to reconnect with his powerful portrayal of a character deeply embedded in Indian cultural identity. Mohammed Rafi’s unforgettable contribution to Indian cinema will be celebrated with the screening of “Hum Dono,” bringing the timeless magic of his voice to a new generation.

Throughout the festival, IFFI will celebrate these cinematic legends in several ways. The opening ceremony will feature a spectacular tribute performance celebrating their lives and achievements, accompanied by an audiovisual presentation that brings their cinematic journeys to life. This year’s IFFI promises to be a memorable homage to the masters whose work has inspired generations and continues to define Indian cinema.

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In recognition of her quintessential contribution to the world of cinema, the 52nd edition of the International Film Festival of India, Goa has conferred the two-time Member of Parliament and veteran actor, dancer, producer and director of Hindi cinema, with the Indian Personality of the Year Award, at the opening ceremony today, November 20, 2021.

For her exceptional contribution to Hindi cinema, Hema Malini is regarded as one of the most successful actors of the Indian film industry.

Receiving the award, the Dream Girl, said, “I am happy to receive the Indian Film Personality of the Year Award 2021.” Referring to the 75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow competition, she said that IFFI is doing a great job as the competition will give recognition to young and talented film makers of the country through such a platform.

Complimenting the actor, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shri Anurag Singh Thakur said the actor has enthralled generations of film lovers. “Everyone has seen Hema Malini on screen, but the way she plays the role of a Member of Parliament and the way she brings forth to Parliament the issues of her Constituency Mathura, everyone should learn from that.”

Hema Malini was born in Tamil Nadu and she made her acting debut in 1963 with the Tamil film Idhu Sathiyam. She entered the Hindi cinema with a bang as the lead actress of Sapno Ka Saudagar in 1968. After that, there was no looking back and she acted in over 150 films like Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta, Satte pe Satta and Baghban, among many others.

A doyen of Hindi Cinema, Hema Malini was honoured with the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2000. She has also served as the Chairperson of the National Film Development Corporation.

Ms. Malini, also a trained Bharatnatyam dancer, received the Sopori Academy of Music & Performing Arts (SaMaPa) Vitasta award in 2006 for her service to Indian dance. In the 2014 General Election to Lok Sabha, Ms. Malini was elected as the Member of Lok Sabha from Mathura constituency.

Renowned lyricist and Chairperson of Central Board of Film Corporation Shri Prasoon Joshi, the other recipient of the Indian Film Personality of the Year Award this year, was also present at the opening ceremony. Shri Joshi will receive the award on the closing day of the festival.

Apart from being a lyricist, Shri Prasoon Joshi is also a poet, writer, screenwriter, communication specialist and marketer. He is currently the Chairperson, CBFC and Chairman, Asia and CEO of McCann World Group India. Mr. Joshi has received the National Film Award twice for Best Lyrics. In the year 2015, the Government of India awarded him Padma Shri for his contributions towards the field of Arts, Literature and Advertising.  This year in IFFI, he has served as a member of the Grand Jury for the ‘75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow’ competition.

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Lijo Jose Pellissery conferred Best Director Award for ‘Jallikattu’

Lijo Jose Pellissery won the Best Director Award for his film ‘Jallikattu’. This Malayalam film is the portrait of a remote village where a buffalo escapes and causes a frenzy of ecstatic violence. In a story that starts as man versus wild, it doesn’t take that long before man becomes the wild. The jury said that they honour the “intricate and complex choreography of this very original and anarchic film”.

The Best Director gets the Silver Peacock Award, a citation and a cash prize of Rs 15 lakhs.

Seu Jorge gets Best Actor (Male) Award

The Best Actor (Male) Award has gone to Seu Jorge for his portrayal of Carlos Marighella in the Brazilian movie ‘Marighella’. He bagged the award for “ the powerful and charismatic portrayal of a revolutionary, very relevant in our increasingly authoritarian times”.

Usha Jadhav gets Best Actor (Female) Award

The Best Actor (Female) Award has gone to Usha Jadhav for her portrayal of ‘Prabha Mai’, in the Marathi film ‘Mai Ghatt: Crime No. 103/2005’. Usha Jadhav got the coveted prize for her “understated and powerful performance of a mother defending her child’s honour against the injustice of a corrupt system”.

Both Best Actor (Male) and Best Actor (Female) are honoured with the Silver Peacock Trophy, certificate and a cash prize of Rs 10 lakhs each.

Special Jury Award for Pema Tseden’s ‘Balloon’

Pema Tseden walked away with the Special Jury Award for his film ‘Balloon’. The film set in Tibetan grasslands got the prize for “the beauty of the film language and the authenticity of the actors”.

The Special Jury Award carries a cash prize of Rs 15 lakhs, a Silver Peacock Award and a citation.

Amin Sidi Boumediene and Marius Olteanu receives Award for ‘Best Debut Feature Film of a Director’ for ‘Abou Leila’ and ‘Monsters’

Centenary Award for ‘Best Debut Feature Film of a Director’ is shared between Amin Sidi Boumediene for ‘Abou Leila’ and Marius Olteanu for ‘Monsters’. Abou Leila’ tells the tale of two childhood friends who crossed the desert in search of Abu Leila, a dangerous terrorist. ‘Monsters’ tells a relationship drama in three chapters that describes the current state of a couple over 24 hours.

Award carries Silver Peacock, a certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakhs

‘Hellaro’ directed by Abhishek Shah earned special mention from the jury for the “incredible music, it’s colour and graceful choreography”. Though set in a time 45 years ago, issue of woman’s empowerment portrayed in the film is even more relevant today, said the jury.

‘Rwanda’ won The ICFT –UNESCO Gandhi Medal

Italian film ‘Rwanda’ directed by Riccardo Salvetti won The ICFT –UNESCO Gandhi Medal instituted by the International Council for Film, Television and Audiovisual Communication, Paris and UNESCO. The medal bears a portrait of Gandhi engraved by the French artist Pierre-Yves Tremois. Etched underneath is Mahatma’s message of hope : “ In the midst of darkness light prevails”

‘Bahattar Hoorain, the Indian movie directed by Sanjay P. Singh Chauhan earned the special mention under ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi medal category.

The post ‘Particles’ wins the Golden Peacock Award at IFFI 2019 appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

The event will be graced by various senior dignitaries from the Government of India Minister of Information & Broadcasting  Shri Prakash Javadekar, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting Shri Amit Khare and Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant.

Speaking at the curtain raiser press conference Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa said that all preparations have been done at the festival venues. While elaborating the details of this year’s edition, he said, “The delegate count is 9300 with a total confirmed 7000 delegates.”  It is also noted that there has been a 35 percent increase in this year’s delegate registration.

Dr. Sawant also said that 200 students from the Goa Art College have participated for the first time in the Goa Art Mile, an art installation program.

Filmmakers have been given an opportunity to take part in the Mini Movie Mania-Short Film Competition. Winners stand a chance to win 10 awards in the national group, while 20 at the local level. The section has received a total of 462 entries of which 352 are national and 110 at state level.

Festival Director, Directorate of Film Festival, Shri Chaitanya Prasad briefing the media stated that the way the programming has been done is the result of a constant monitoring by Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant and Information & Broadcasting Minister Shri Prakash Javadekar. “The kind of programming done is a homogenous balance between the old narrative and the contemporary. There are some engaging Master Classes and In conversations”, he added.

With reference to the ease of ticketing, CEO, Entertainment Society of Goa, Shri. Amit Satija elaborated, “We have a paperless ticketing system for the first time. The details are stored in the delegate card given. If the mobile number or email is updated, the ticket details will be sent via SMS or email. The person has to show the card at venue and it will read by a barcode reader and given access. The online registration starts 48 hours before the screening of the movies, while counters open at 7am. There will be dedicated counters for the differently abled, senior citizens. Free transport will be provided for Inox, Porvorim screenings”, Shri Satija added.

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