IIFA announces exclusive masterclass with visionary filmmaker Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra

ABU DHABI: Celebrating 100 years of Indian cinema, the International Indian Film Academy Awards will present a special screening and masterClass with Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra, hosted by Mini Mathur, on September 28 at Yas Creative Hub.

In honour of Indian cinema’s centennial, IIFA, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Film Commission and Creative Media Authority, will present an exclusive screening of ‘Bollywood: The Greatest Love Story’, helmed by visionary filmmaker Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra. Renowned for his trailblazing work that has redefined contemporary Indian cinema, Mehra’s storytelling seamlessly intertwines powerful socio-cultural narratives with his distinctive visual style, earning him global recognition.

This special event is a tribute to the rich legacy of Indian cinema, offering a rare opportunity to experience its evolution through the eyes of one of its most iconic directors. Co-directed by Jeffrey Zimbalist, ‘Bollywood: The Greatest Love Story’ masterfully captures the century-long journey of Indian cinema, from its origins to its profound impact on the world today.

Andre Timmins, Founder/Director, expressed, “We are incredibly excited to celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema with a special IIFA screening and masterClass, featuring the visionary Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra, and hosted by the charismatic Mini Mathur, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Film Commission and Creative Media Authority. IIFA has always taken great pride in working with our host countries to deepen the appreciation and understanding of Indian cinema’s rich evolution. This masterclass not only pays tribute to the incredible legacy of Indian cinema but also creates a one-of-a-kind platform for film enthusiasts, aspiring filmmakers, and students of film and media studies to engage with one of the most celebrated directors in the industry. Through this session, participants will gain exclusive insights into the craft of filmmaking, storytelling, and the creative processes behind some of cinema’s most iconic works. It’s an invaluable opportunity to learn, be inspired, and connect with fellow creatives while exploring the timeless influence of Indian cinema.”

Designed for passionate film enthusiasts, aspiring filmmakers, students of film and media studies, and dedicated cinema lovers, this masterclass offers a unique deep dive into the art of filmmaking. Led by the esteemed Mini Mathur, the session will guide audiences through a compelling exploration of Indian cinema with Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra. Together, they will reveal exclusive insights into the creative process, inspirations, challenges, and artistic decisions behind Mehra’s tribute to 100 years of Indian cinema.

The masterclass will delve into Mehra’s ground-breaking career, his creative journey, and the film’s creation, culminating in an engaging discussion on his insights, challenges, and the future of Indian cinema.

Partners and participants will experience a deepened appreciation for the evolution of Indian cinema over the past century, gain exclusive insights into filmmaking techniques and storytelling from a visionary director, and benefit from an interactive platform for networking and idea exchange. This event will provide unparalleled inspiration for aspiring filmmakers by revealing the creative processes of a celebrated industry icon.