The inaugural edition of the South India Film Festival (SIFF) kicked off with a magnificent lamp lighting ceremony graced by esteemed personalities, setting the stage for a historic event celebrating regional storytelling and cinematic brilliance.
Among the distinguished guests were Minister of Cinematography and R &B, Mr. Komatreddy Venkatreddy, Co-Founder of aha Mr. Allu Arvind, Mrs. Megahana Jupally, Director of Myhome Constructions and Meru Schools, Mr. TG Vishwa Prasrad of People Media Factory, Mr. Ajit Thakur, Mr. Ravikant Sabnavis, CEO of aha, Director Vamsi Paidipally, and others. This ceremonious beginning marked the start of an event that promised to showcase the rich tapestry of South Indian cinema.
The day unfolded with engaging conversations and insightful panel discussions. Renowned film critic Mayank Shekhar and the legendary Allu Aravind delved into the heart of Telugu cinema, while moderator Vani Rane led a discussion on the GenZ perspective featuring Santosh Shoban, Anand Devarakonda, and Sri Gouri Priya, offering fresh insights into the future of cinema. The success of cinema formula was also explored by panellists Suparn Verma and producer Anil Thadani.
A highlight of the day was a fireside chat led by film critic Taran Adarsh with Swapna Dutt, unveiling the journey of ‘Kalki,’ generating curiosity and anticipation for the film. New age directors Sai Rajesh and Sailesh Kolanu engaged in an insightful conversation with Prema Malini.
As the day transitioned into a glamorous evening, a star-studded red-carpet event welcomed luminaries from the South Indian film industry, including Padma Vibhushan Chiranjeevi, who was felicitated for his recent honour. The evening gala, hosted by Laxmi Manchu and Navdeep, was filled with laughter and camaraderie, culminating in the announcement of winners across various categories and captivating performances by Teja Sajja, Faria Abdullah, and Chandini Choudary.
Mr. Allu Arvind, Co-Founder of aha, expressed pride in championing new talent through SIFF, while TG Vishwa Prasad of People Media Factory highlighted the festival’s role in fostering collaboration and innovation. Mr. Ravikant Sabnavis, CEO of aha, emphasized the festival’s significance in promoting South Indian cinema and supporting emerging voices in the industry. Overall, SIFF’s inaugural edition was hailed as a monumental occasion celebrating the vibrant cultural heritage of South Indian cinema.