Accra, Ghana - Oct 06, 09: The High Commission of India, Accra in partnership with Silverbird Cinemas and Global Media Alliance on Friday, inaugurated a five day complimentary screening of Indian films dubbed – ‘The Festival of Indian Films’, which started from the 2nd of October 2009 – 6th of October 2009. The auspicious ceremony in commemoration of 140th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was also convened to observe and highlight the internationally celebrated World Non-Violence Day.

The weeklong celebration of Indian culture and colours, through the medium of Bollywood Cinema was graced and inaugurated by chief guest His Excellency the Vice President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, who was received by a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

The High Commissioner of India to Ghana, Mrs. Ruchi Ghanshyam along with the Vice President officially opened the event by lighting a lamp in the Silverbird auditorium. Lighting the lamp is the Indian tradition that symbolizes the eradication of darkness and ignorance through the light of knowledge and goodness.

HE John Mahama, later addressed the audience with a keynote saying that the festival is a truly symbolic one because it also marks the centenary anniversary of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who also learned from Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of non-voilent fight for freedom. He also expressed his joy for the growing number of Indian businesses in Ghana. These warm words were followed by screening the eight (8) Oscar winning autobiographical film, ‘Gandhi’.

While Mrs. Ruchi Ghanshyam hosted and welcomed the guests at the event, Mr. Edward Boateng, Chairman, Silverbird Africa also took this opportunity to briefly express his happiness about partnering the festivity.

Mahatma Gandhi was an Indian Advocate who later fought to win independence from the British Raj through non-violence. He was not the commander of armies, nor the ruler of vast lands. He could not boast any scientific achievement or artistic gift. Yet men, governments, dignitaries from all over the world, have joined hands today to pay homage to “the little brown man in the loin cloth”, who led his country to freedom.

At the plush Silverbird cinemas, the event attracted several dignitaries including Ghanaian Ministers of State and the media. There were also famous Ghanaian actors and actresses. The gorgeous Ghanaian actress Jackie Appiah came in like a dressed Indian princess on a Horse Carriage. She was received by a great gusto of fans along with a carnival of Indian and African dancers rejoicing to the beats of both the countries.

Indian movies have had and continue to enjoy a huge success all over the world for their beautiful productions. The quality that goes into the production work coupled with interesting themes and excellent cast can undoubtedly be matched with, if not rated above Hollywood productions.

The Festival of India Films hopes to highlight the Indian presence in Ghana and to showcase the Indian society and culture to the people of Ghana. During this week, SilverBird cinemas will have two complimentary screenings of Indian films; ranging from old films to some of the most popular Bollywood films yet.

Cinema and culture go hand in hand and movies are the core of cinematic productions and success. Indian movies have excelled when it comes to providing good movies for the screens and a lot of cinemas are still in flourishing businesses because of Indian movies which remain the delight of many cinema goers.

Interacting with guests, Mr. Edward Boateng, CEO of Global Media Alliance says he is very delighted about the excitement with which the public have welcomed the festival. “I am amazed at the huge success of this evening. The caliber and number of people who thronged in just to witness the opening of the festival is so refreshing and goes to emphasize the fact that Ghanaians love Indian movies”. Indian movies are not only great when it comes to viewership and following, they have also greatly impacted local movie productions, here in Ghana. It is not uncommon to see a lot of Ghanaian movies modeled after Indian ones. This festival is to become an annual event where each year the growing Indian community in Ghana will gather to celebrate and fraternize with each other while also fortifying and building new relationships with Ghanaians.

Thus the opening of the five-day celebration on Friday, October 2, couldn’t have been more appropriate to Indians who used the occasion to honour a great son and Ghanaians who took the opportunity to celebrate the birth centenary of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and to learn about another great hero, Mahatma Gandhi.

The event was organized in kind courtesy of: Tata Africa Holdings, Ghana, PHC Motors, Melcom, Bank of Baroda, IPMC, NIIT, Somotex Ghana Ltd., M&G Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Param Farms & Kohinoor Restaurant, Essar Signages, Happy 98.9 FM, Y 107.7 FM, e.tvghana

PR & Press Contact: Ms. Brooke Nuwati: 0244 987 121