IFFLA 2011 INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP AWARDS PRESENTED TO ANDY KAPLAN, AJAY BIJLI, & MAN JIT SINGH

Thursday, April 14th, House of Blues Los Angeles

The IFFLA Industry Leadership Awards were created to recognize the achievements of industry executives who have had a substantial and personal impact on the creation and distribution of Indian themed content globally and have led the expansion of the entertainment and media industry in India. This year we honor three individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership within the Indian entertainment community. Sharing the 2011 Industry Leadership Awards are Andy Kaplan, Ajay Bijli and Man Jit Singh.

Andy Kaplan has served as President, Networks, for Sony Pictures Television (SPT) since 2005. Kaplan heads all of the company’s global cable and satellite television networks and investments. In India the company has five successful channels: SET, MAX, AXN, SAB and PIX. SET has aired numerous hit shows, including Kaun Banega Crorepati (Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?), a Hindi-language version of the hit Idols format, Indian Idol; Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, the local version of the hit Latin American telenovela, Yo Soy Betty La Fea (Ugly Betty in the U.S.); and 10 Ka Dum, the local version of the U.S. game show Power of 10, hosted by actor Salman Khan. Kaplan also led the team in negotiating a landmark multi-year deal for Indian Premier League, which airs on MAX.

Ajay Bijli, Founder, Chairman & Managing Director, PVR Limited, and a Harvard Business School alumni (1999), was the first entrepreneur to pioneer the concept of multiplex cinemas in India. As the Chairman cum Managing Director of PVR, he is instrumental in identifying important business initiatives and strategic opportunities for the group. Over the past decade, he has spearheaded PVR and established it as a strong brand associated with movies, quality exhibition and youth-targeted promotions. From a single multiplex in 1997, the company now stands at 33 properties and 142 screens across 18 cities and 10 States of India.

As Chief Executive Officer for Multi Screen Media Private Limited in India Man Jit Singh oversees Sony Pictures Television’s (SPT) networks business in India, which includes Sony Entertainment Television (SET), SET MAX, SAB and SET PIX. He previously served as Multi Screen’s interim CEO since February 2009 and prior to that was Chairman of the Board of Directors of Multi Screen.

Among the Awards presenters are Superna Kalle, General Manager, Sony Movie Channel, and William Simon, Global Sector Leader Media & Entertainment, Los Angeles, Korn/Ferry International.

Performing live at this year's event will be singer/composer/double violist, Gingger Shankar, who worked on composing the soundtrack for PASSION OF CHRIST and has toured with Smashing Pumpkins, and Devon Hadsell whose singing credits include opening act for Steve Tyrell's performance at the Napa Valley Opera. Vivek Maddala, composer of KABOOM and drummer for 'Fairly Legal', will be on the keyboards.

Variety is the Media Sponsor of this year’s IFFLA 2011 Industry Leadership Awards.

Tickets and tables for the Industry Leadership Awards are on sale now. For more information, please visit http://industryleadershipawards.eventbrite.com.

OPENING NIGHT GALA - APRIL 12, 7:30 PM

The opening night red carpet Gala will set the ninth annual Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles in motion. Get ready for the screening of the award-winning and moving narrative, I AM KALAM, which marks director, Nila Madhab Panda’s feature film debut after having directed over 60 short films. Starring Gulshan Grover, Harsh Mayar, Beatrice Ordeix, and Meena Mir, I AM KALAM tells the story of an unlikely friendship between two young boys from opposite worlds---one the son of working class parents, the other raised in the lap of luxury. Inspired by the life of former President of India A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Panda’s own childhood experiences, beneath I AM KALAM’s veneer of bright colors and its playful mood is a touching look at the plight of underprivileged families in India. This film, was produced by the Smile Foundation and Eleeanora Images Private Limited, making it India’s first feature film to be produced by a development organization. The opening red carpet, screening and reception are exclusively sponsored by Wells Fargo with delectable Indian favorites provided by Chakra Cuisine and Divya Wines, makers of the first wines created specifically to be paired with Indian and pan-Asian cuisine.

Tickets are $75 (includes film screening and reception).

FINAL DRAFT DEMO

Saturday, April 24, 11:00am, ArcLight Hollywood - FREE

Final Draft is the top-selling software application specifically designed for writing screenplays, television scripts and stageplays. Its easy-to-use word processing and script formatting allow writers to focus their attention on the creative aspects of storytelling. Final Draft will demonstrate the many capabilities of their scriptwriting software. Come learn how it can help you realize your next great project. And for those familiar with the software, here's a chance to ask questions and learn about new functions that will optimize your usage.

This demo is a free, ticketed event. Tickets will be available at the IFFLA Will Call desk located in the ArcLight Hollywood Courtyard, starting Wednesday, April 21 at 6:00pm.