Dr.Mohanjeet Brar, Director, Kenya Tourism Board
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In a recently concluded India International Film Tourism Conclave (IIFTC), Kenya Tourism Board, partner country of the convention felicitated ace director Imtiaz Ali with the first ever IIFTC Tourism Impact Awards.
While it is common practice for film makers to be honoured for their exceptional achievements in the world of cinema, those being honoured for their contribution to tourism is a novel concept. Imtiaz Ali who is particularly known for exploring offbeat locations through his films such as Rockstar (Prague) and Tamasha (Corsica) has not only introduced these exotic places to Indian audiences but is also credited for increasing tourism to these destinations.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mohanjeet Brar, Director, Kenya Tourism Board said, “Kenya has some outstanding shooting locations waiting to be explored by the Indian film makers. We are privileged to be associated with someone of the calibre of Imtiaz Ali and we applaud his achievements to promote tourism through his Cinema.” Realizing the potential of Indian movies, Kenya Tourism Board partnered with IIFTC for the 3rd time, this year in a row, accompanied by the Kenyan line producers, namely Visual Africa and Furet Films.“We invite all the leading Bollywood productions to explore Kenya as the premier shooting destination for their upcoming movies. We hosted the Bollywood Big 7 Familiarization trip, last year, including Yashraj Films, Dharma Productions, Excel Entertainment “, added Dr. Brar.
Accepting the award, director Imtiaz Ali said “This is a very different kind of award for the film industry. I was very happy to know that my movies have increased tourism to some of the countries where I have shot my films.
IIFTC also honoured noted Bollywood director Vikas Bahl for popularizing destinations in his much acclaimed films and introducing Indian tourist to never seen before vistas. The organisers also recognised efforts of two south Indian production houses, V Creations and First Film Entertainments for their contribution to film tourism.
Speaking about this new initiative Harshad Bhagwat, Director – IIFTC said, “In our 5th edition, we feel the necessity to extend our canvas and institute an award, which celebrates Indian filmmakers, whose cinema has contributed to the world tourism.”
