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International Malayalam Film Awards
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“This year, we are thrilled to welcome the brightest stars of Malayalam cinema and esteemed guests from around the world to IMFA. Discover the stories, achievements, and vision of the nominees and guests who are making an impact in the global film industry.”
SECOND EDITION AT ARMANI PAVILION BURJ KHALIFA
International Malayalam Film Awards (IMFA) 2012 – A Night of Cinema Excellence at the Iconic Burj Khalifa
Dubai, December 2, 2012: The International Malayalam Film Awards (IMFA) celebrated its second edition in grand style at the prestigious Armani Pavilion in Burj Khalifa, Dubai. The night saw an assemblage of the finest talent from the Malayalam film industry, with the acclaimed Adoor Gopalakrishnan receiving the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award and Prathap Pothen winning the Best Actor Award for his exceptional performances in 22FK and Ayalum Njanum Thammil.
This edition of IMFA further solidified its position as a transformative event in the global cinematic landscape. The 2012 ceremony followed the grand success of its debut in 2011 at the Al Badia Golf Club, bringing together Malayalam cinema’s brightest stars at the heart of the Middle East’s cultural hub, Dubai. The prestigious event was yet again held in the exquisite setting of the Armani Pavilion, Burj Khalifa, a venue befitting the stature of the awards.
A Vision of Excellence
As Sathar Al Karan, the Chief Visionary Officer of IMFA, aptly put it:
"The International Malayalam Film Awards represents a paradigm shift in the recognition of Malayalam cinema. With its unique focus on originality and excellence, IMFA acknowledges the groundbreaking evolution of Malayalam films that are embracing innovative scripts, technical brilliance, and bold storytelling."
Over the past two years, Malayalam cinema has evolved with films that are not only pushing the boundaries of creativity but also attracting international attention. The IMFA has become a crucial platform for recognizing these talents and innovations that contribute to the global recognition of Malayalam films.
Endorsements and Global Support
The event was graced by distinguished figures, including Majid Al Marri and Shaikha Al Mutawa, Directors of the Dubai Tourism Department, who lauded IMFA for its ongoing success and its ability to bring premium, world-class events to Dubai. Dubai Studio City, a long-time partner of the event, continued to support IMFA’s efforts to elevate the cinematic arts in the region.
IMFA’s approach is marked by its exclusivity and meticulous planning. The event maintains a strict selection process for nominees and extends invitations to a curated guest list of approximately 900 prominent individuals from various sectors, ensuring a high-profile and targeted audience. The evening also served as a unique networking opportunity, bringing together key figures from cinema, diplomacy, business, and the arts. Foreign dignitaries and ambassadors attended, along with top investment bankers, reinforcing Dubai's standing as a global nexus for culture and commerce.
In a momentous display of the region’s artistic diversity, the Dubai Art Exhibition was unveiled at the Burj Khalifa steps, showcasing a curated collection of art that complemented the evening’s cinematic celebrations.
Awards & Honorees
The evening honored exceptional talents and achievements in Malayalam cinema, with the following categories and winners:
Iconic Film: Ayalum Njanum Thammil
Iconic Director: Aashiq Abu – 22FK
Iconic Male Actor: Prathap Pothen – Ayalum Njanum Thammil & 22FK
Iconic Female Actor: Reema Kallingal – 22FK
Iconic Screenplay: Bobby Sanjai – Ayalum Njanum Thammil
Iconic Cinematography: Lokanathan – Ustad Hotel
Iconic Music Director: Gopi Sundar – Ustad Hotel
Iconic Lyricist: Anu – Thattathin Marayath
Iconic Male Singer: Sachin – Thattathin Marayath
Iconic Female Singer: Remya Nambeesan – Thattathin Marayath
Iconic Editor: Vivek – 22FK
Iconic Art Director: Biju Kumar – Ustad Hotel
Iconic Poster Design: Ajay Menon – Papaya
Iconic Short Film: M.S. Praveen – Charithram
Lifetime Achievement Award: Adoor Gopalakrishnan
IMFA Honors: Gautham Vasudev Menon, Rajeev Nath, Joshy
A Celebration of Diversity and Culture
As part of the official celebrations, the IMFA also served as a tribute to Dubai's diverse and dynamic cultural scene, showcasing the vibrancy of the Malayalam film industry and its global reach. The award ceremony was an embodiment of the spirit of collaboration between the UAE and Indian cinema, strengthening cultural ties and recognizing the ever-growing influence of Malayalam films in the international arena.
The second edition of IMFA set a new benchmark for the celebration of Malayalam cinema, affirming its place as one of the most prestigious international film awards. With its continued growth and dedication to excellence, IMFA is poised to elevate the recognition of Malayalam films, bringing them to new audiences and future accolades across the globe.
FIRST EDITION AT AL BADIA CLUB DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY
FIRST EDITION
International Malayalam Film Awards (IMFA) 2011 – A Landmark Moment in UAE Cinema
On December 2, 2011, the Al Badia Golf Club at Dubai Festival City became the epicenter of Malayalam cinema, marking a pivotal moment in the UAE’s film and cinema industry. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Dubai’s iconic skyline, the inaugural International Malayalam Film Awards (IMFA) unfolded as a spectacular celebration of the rich legacy of Malayalam cinema.
The event was held in conjunction with the UAE’s 40th National Day celebrations and received support from prominent local entities, including the Dubai Tourism Department, Dubai Events & Promotions, and Dubai Studio City. As the first-ever awards dedicated to the Malayalam film industry in the UAE, the IMFA proved to be a transformative occasion, forever altering the trajectory of film and cinema in the region.
The venue buzzed with excitement as Malayalam film enthusiasts, industry leaders, and dignitaries from across the UAE gathered to witness an evening that celebrated the growing prominence of the Malayalam film industry. For many, the event was a long-awaited milestone—an opportunity to showcase Malayalam films on an international scale, breaking through the dominance of Hollywood and Bollywood in the region.
As Sathar Al Karan, the visionary behind the IMFA, eloquently stated:
"We are committed to elevating the Malayalam film industry to a global stage, where it can shine alongside the world’s most renowned cinema industries."
The event marked a significant turning point in the region, as it presented an opportunity to foster greater appreciation for Malayalam language films within the Middle Eastern film landscape. The show was graced by UAE rulers and dignitaries, including His Highness Shaikh Sultan Khalid Al Qassimi, who reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to recognizing the profound cultural contributions of Malayalam cinema to the nation.
Special Guests & Industry Supporters:
His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Khaled Al Hamed served as the chief guest.
Mr. Majid Al Marri, Director of Dubai Tourism, launched the official IMFA logo.
A distinguished gathering of filmmakers and industry leaders, including Ms. Shaikha Al Mutawa, Director of DTCM, Mr. Mane Al Majid, Mr. Abdul Aziz Al Shaikh, Emirati Movie Director Ms. Hafza Al Mutawwa, and celebrated Indian directors Siddique (Bodyguard Fame), Roshan Andrews, and Blessy, alongside business tycoons from the region.
Industry Recognition & Icon Awards: The evening celebrated the exceptional talent in Malayalam cinema through the Icon Awards, which honored both seasoned veterans and rising stars:
Iconic Youth Icon of the Year (Male) – Unni Mukundan Menon
Iconic Youth Icon of the Year (Female) – Remya Nambeeshan
Iconic Director of the Year – Blessy
Iconic Movie of the Year – Sajeev for Pranayam
Iconic Music Director of the Year – M. Jayachandran
Iconic Male Singer of the Year – Madhu Balakrishnan
Iconic Female Singer of the Year – Neha
Iconic Cinematographer of the Year – Madhu Ambat
Iconic Producer of the Year – Lucsam Sadanandam
Iconic Poster Designer – Gopan of OLDMONKS
A Milestone for Malayalam Cinema in the UAE
Mahi Golchin-Depala, of Phars Film, distributors of South Indian language titles across the Middle East, lauded the event as "a welcome and much-needed addition to the cinematic landscape of the UAE." Representing Phars Film's Founder & CEO Mr. Ahmad Golchin, Mahi also received an honorary recognition for the company's significant contributions to the region’s film industry.
With the success of its inaugural edition, the International Malayalam Film Awards (IMFA) stands as a testament to the growing recognition of Malayalam cinema on the global stage. As the IMFA continues to evolve, it promises to bridge cultural gaps and amplify the voices of filmmakers, actors, and artists from Kerala to the Middle East and beyond.
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PART OF UAE NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS
MOLLYWOOD IS IN DUBAI
THIRD EDITION
AT BAB AL SHAMS
ON DECEMBER 2
SECOND EDITION AT ARMANI BURJ KHALIFA
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