As part of the IIFA masterclass and workshops, Bollywood filmmakers Kabir Khan and Omung Kumar, along with make-up and hair stylist Nabila will share their experiences, insights, and lessons with audiences.
International Indian Film Academy and Awards (IIFA), will return for its 23rd edition to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, from May 26 – 27 of this year.
Abu Dhabi Film Commission will host three masterclasses during IIFA 2023 in May.
Speaking about the masterclasses, Hans Fraikin, Abu Dhabi Film Commissioner, commented: “These masterclasses help connect commercially successful and critically acclaimed filmmakers, like Kabir Khan and Omung Kumar, with an audience that shares the same interest in the art of filmmaking. The workshops will prove to be immensely beneficial for both creatives looking to pursue a career in film as well as established filmmakers who want to evolve their skills and understand their trade better.
“Abu Dhabi Film Commission has always focused on developing the incredible talent in this region and supporting film industries from across the globe. This is especially true for Indian cinema, which is extremely popular in the UAE and regularly supported by ADFC through the services we provide and the 30% cashback rebate we offer. We have worked closely with numerous major Indian productions and will continue to support the Indian film industry as it continues to grow, flourish and thrive.”
The annual event is set to be held at the Etihad Arena, the state-of-the-art indoor entertainment stage. Among the many highlights of the event are two IIFA Masterclasses – ‘Directors Cut with Kabir Khan’ and ‘A 360 Degrees of Creativity in Cinema with Omung Kumar’, which will be held at The Community Hub, part of twofour54’s media and entertainment community Yas Creative Hub.
Moderated by Abu Dhabi Film Commissioner Hans Fraikin, the IIFA ‘Directors Cut’ series will talk about the art of storytelling from behind the camera. The session will aim to educate, motivate and inspire film enthusiasts, students of cinema and other attendees interested in the Indian film industry.
Kabir Khan, an Indian film director, screenwriter and cinematographer, has delivered large-scale cinematic projects with logistical efficiency and creative flourish. His 2012 thriller, Ek Tha Tiger, flagged off the most successful action franchise in Bollywood and YRF’s spy universe. His 2015 comedy-drama, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, is one of the highest-grossing Hindi films in UAE. More recently, his 2021 biographical sports drama, ’83, has been much-feted, getting one of the widest openings in overseas centres, including UAE.
During the Masterclass at IIFA 2023, Kabir will share his thoughts on cinema and some anecdotes from his 27-year journey, starting from his early days as a cinematographer on Gautam Ghose’s Beyond the Himalayas, a documentary filmed for the Discovery Channel in 1996. He will recount how he discovered his aspiration to become a filmmaker and how his stint in news and documentary helped shape his career as a feature film director. During the conversation, Kabir will also touch on how he goes about choosing a story and refining scripts, as well as his unique style of storytelling and his views on the future of the film industry.
“I’m really looking forward to the interaction as it will give me a chance to retrospect and introspect on my choices too. This kind of knowledge exchange not only makes for a stimulating conversation, it also works to the benefit of cinema. I will not only be celebrating box-office wins and awards, but also reflecting on the failures of projects one was passionate about and negative press which can dent your confidence as a filmmaker momentarily, but can never keep you down,” said Kabir, who will be sharing details about his dream projects and plans for the future, along with five tips for aspiring directors.
Often described as a “creative genius”, Omung is an award-winning artist, production designer, art director, writer and director in Indian cinema and television.
From a TV host and an aspiring actor, he went on to do the production design for many big productions, including Chameli, Black and Sawaariya. In 2014, Omung debuted as a director with the Mary Kom biopic, which bagged the National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. He went on to spearhead three more films, including PM Narendra Modi.
Omung will discuss how his dream of being an actor enabled him to understand and develop his creative streak. He will also reveal how long it takes to create an ‘Omung Kumar’ piece of art.
“I will be sharing a case study or two from favourite projects, along with influences and inspirations that helped create these works of art. The idea is to help understand how to take their flair for painting into the world of film and television,” added Omung Kumar.
During the session, Omung could also be persuaded to pick one TV show that he would love to recreate, explaining how he would change it from its existing style.
While debating on the standout moments in his career as an art director, Omung will share what inspired him to direct a challenging genre like a sports biopic of a living person still winning laurels, his prep for Mary Kom and how much being an artist has impacted his work as a director.
“The interaction will be a journey in itself, starting from the beginning to what I am doing next, if the awards and accolades have influenced my thoughts and changed my work, along with a few words of wisdom for those who plan to follow me into the industry,” he stated.
Omung will not only discuss his career in television, films and what he has created, but he will also draw or create a set design on a chosen subject while conducting the masterclass. This piece will be auctioned for charity or donated to Yas Creative Hub, where it will be displayed in a prominent show area.
ZERO Makeup and team Nabila partnered with IIFA in 2018 and are going to be the official hair and makeup partners for the 23rd edition of IIFA Weekend and Awards.
Ahead of the masterclass, Nabila commented: “I am thankful to IIFA for adding the hair and makeup segment to the creative workshop series. Here I will share insights into the pitch, process and production involved in image making.”
It is being held in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), and Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading curator of immersive destinations and experiences. NEXA continues its partnership as the title sponsor for the seventh consecutive edition and this year we are joined for the first time by Sobha Realty as the title sponsor of the IIFA Weekend.
Vicky Kaushal and Abhishek Bachchan are all set to be the hosts for Nexa IIFA Awards 2023.
