September 4, 2024,
By Razia Mashkoor
(Founder & Festival Director)
Congratulations!
With time IIFFB’s executive awards have become a prestigious platform to celebrate and recognize outstanding achievements in both the film industry and community leadership. This event highlights individuals who have made significant contributions to their fields, showcasing their dedication and impact. By honoring these trailblazers, the event not only acknowledges their exceptional work but also inspires others to strive for excellence in their own professional and community endeavors. It’s a moment to reflect on the transformative power of leadership and creativity, and to unite industry and community leaders in a shared commitment to fostering positive change.
“I have been asked many times why the Lifetime Achievement Award? Do you think you are able to do so?”
My reply was “I never thought negatively in my life about anything related to me, second, I must start from somewhere.” This is my startup” And see I am here in the 7th India International film festival of Boston. I am happy that it is shaping up very well with my strong team of many women and some strongest men who are becoming the pillar of this non-profit venture.
At this moment, I would say that this 7th year of our film festival is standing proudly in the oceans of Bollywood based events and other events in the Boston area.
Thus, the “Executive Awards” are designed for a diverse audience, including:
Film Industry Professionals: Executives, producers, directors, and other key figures who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in the film industry.
Sharmila Tagore:
She is a celebrated Indian actress renowned for her significant contributions to Indian cinema over several decades. Born on December 8, 1944, in Hyderabad, Tagore began her acting career in the 1960s and quickly established herself as one of the leading actresses in Bollywood. Her versatility and ability to portray a wide range of characters earned her acclaim and a devoted fan following.
Tagore’s career is marked by her performances in iconic films such as “Kashmir Ki Kali”, “Chupke Chupke”, and “Aradhana”, where she worked with some of the most acclaimed directors and actors of her time. Her roles often spanned various genres, from romantic dramas to comedies, showcasing her exceptional range and depth as an actress.
In addition to her film career, Sharmila Tagore has been a prominent figure in Indian society, known for her work in promoting social causes and her involvement in various charitable activities. Her contributions to cinema and society have made her an enduring icon and a respected figure in the Indian film industry.
She is a legendary figure in Indian cinema and will grace our event on Sunday, September 15, 2024. Renowned for her illustrious career, Tagore is a shining gem in the constellation of India’s prominent families. She is a beloved member of the Tagore Family, known for its rich literary legacy, and is also a part of the esteemed Pataudi Family through her marriage to cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi. Her legacy continues through the Kapoor Family, connecting her to another illustrious lineage in Indian cinema.
Community Leaders: At IIFFB we also celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities through leadership, advocacy, and impactful initiatives.
Individuals who play a role in shaping and influencing different fields. Include journalists and media representatives who cover industry events and highlight stories of excellence and achievement. Individuals who are making a difference both on and off the screen.
The iiffb aims to bring together these diverse groups to celebrate and promote the synergy between film and community leadership, fostering a greater appreciation for their collective impact.
Pride Of India: The Pride of India award #iiffb24 recipient isShri Thanedar. He is a prominent Indian-American entrepreneur and politician known for his significant contributions to both the business and political spheres. Born in India, Thanedar immigrated to the United States, where he established himself as a successful businessman. He is the founder of #ChemicoMays, a company that has made a substantial impact in the chemical industry.
Thanedar’s commitment to public service led him to venture into politics. He has been actively involved in advocating for progressive policies and reforms. His diverse background and experiences have positioned him as a notable figure in American politics, where he continues to work towards fostering positive change and representing the interests of his constituents.
With his unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and political acumen, Shri Thanedar remains an influential and inspiring figure, bridging cultures and making a meaningful impact in his community and beyond.
Friends Of India: Khan has led several caucuses in the Massachusetts House, such as the Mental Health Caucus and the Women Legislators Caucus among others. Khan has also been a part of several task forces and commissions such as the commission to End Homelessness and the Special Commission on Early Education and Care and the Task Force on Justice Involved Women and Their Children, under the aegis of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators. Khan currently serves on the Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Commission, the Criminal Justice Commission, the Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Task Force, the Task Force on Child Welfare Data Reporting, the Massachusetts Coalition to Ban Conversion Therapy on Minors, and the Department of Youth Services Safety Task Force.
Khan is an adamant supporter of improving the rights, health, well-being, and conditions of incarcerated individuals.
Friends of America: Mr. Ramesh V. Kapur is a distinguished industrialist and the President of the US-India Security Council. With a notable career in business, Kapur has made significant contributions to various industries, demonstrating exceptional leadership and vision.
As the President of the US-India Security Council, Kapur plays a pivotal role in strengthening strategic partnerships and fostering collaboration between the United States and India. His leadership in this role is instrumental in addressing key security and policy issues, promoting bilateral cooperation, and enhancing mutual understanding between the two nations.
Kapur’s expertise and commitment to both industrial development and international security make him a respected figure in his field, and his efforts continue to have a meaningful impact on global relations and security strategies.
Community Pride:
“Shadaj” is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, founded and operated by a group of volunteers from Lexington, MA and the greater Boston area.
Shadaj’s mission is to cultivate, nurture and promote Indian Classical Music in its most authentic form through intimate concerts, music appreciation sessions, open mic sessions as a platform for cultural integration and community outreach.
Shadaj events feature some of the world’s most revered and celebrated Indian classical virtuosos. Shadaj aspires to preserve and nurture a rich classical music heritage that, over centuries, has drawn together people of diverse traditions through community outreach and cultural integration.
Activities
- Baithak Style Music Concerts: In an intimate Baithak setting, the artist and the audience experience the music together, and the performance can reach great heights, an experience often lost in large halls.
- Music appreciation sessions, lecture-demonstrations, and dialogue with the artist: Indian classical music is as much about the artist’s imagination as it is about the exchange of musical experience between the audience and the artist. Shadaj aspires to cultivate a community of music connoisseurs, active listeners, and students of music. Most Shadaj concerts are preceded by a music appreciation session where the audience gets exposure to the intricacies of music in a unique interactive session with the artist.
- Open Mic Sessions: This is a platform for the local talent comprising amateur musicians and advanced students of music to showcase their creative side. Great way to learn music and build an active community of music students and listeners.
- Community Outreach and Cultural Integration through music: Cultural exchange through music is a great way to build our community and serve the next generation. Outreach events encourage the participation of students and communities from diverse cultural backgrounds. Shadaj collaborates with several local community organizations (e.g. Berklee School of Music, Lexington Symphony, Lexington Community Education, Lexington Public Library, New England School of Music, MITHAS at MIT, Massachusetts Cultural Council, IAGB and IAL) to promote the rich traditions of Indian classical music.
By supporting IIFFB, you help ensure a diverse range of films and perspectives are presented, enriching the cultural landscape and providing more varied entertainment options.
In essence, supporting the India International Film Festival of Boston contributes to a richer, more inclusive cultural environment and supports both the local community and international artistic exchange.
Join us in celebrating this extraordinary icon and her remarkable contributions to both the film industry and society.
Buy Tickets
| 7th India International Film Festival Boston 2024 |
| Day 1 Friday, 9/13/24 Venue: Mosesian Center for the Arts 321 Arsenal St, Watertown, MA 02472 Films that screen: “Navras Katha Collage” – “A bad Day” and Song release “Faansle” Time: 6:30pm onwards Ticket: $75 (Dinner Buffet included) |
| Day 2 Saturday, 9/14/24: Venue: Apple Cinemas Cambridge (168 Alewife Brook Pkwy, Cambridge, MA 02138) Time: 11:30am to 8:00pm Ticket: $15 of each show (There will be 6 shows) Show-1, 11:30am – 1:30pm (Bijoyar Pore- Bengali film) Show-2 11:00pm – 1:30pm (The Ordinary People (A journey of girl), The Voice of Dogs (Animal Cruelty), Haaput (Kashmiri film) Show-3 2:00pm – 4:30pm (Light Camera, Mega – What if I tell you -Rajanigandha) Show-4 5:00pm – 8:00pm (Lakadbagha – Masala Chai – Full & Final) Show-5 5:00pm – 8:00pm (Once Upon a Time in Lahore – Wakhri – Gold Medal) |
| Day 3 Sunday, 9/15/24: Award Gala Night Venue: Isaac Harris Cary Memorial Building (1605 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA 02420) Films that screen: (Puratawn (The Ancient) – Dear Pra) Time: 5:00pm – 9:30pm Ticket: $200 VVIP Level 1 Fixed seats (Dinner included – NO meet & greet) $75 Level 2 (Balcony) No Meet & Greet No dinner box included. $40 |
Tickets are available https://events.sulekha.com OR Venmo – @Razia-Mashkoor
