Mumbai: IIFA-GC to address issue of global warming

Mumbai, Apr 4: The Indian International Film Academy (IIFA), whose eighth edition will be held in Yorkshire from June 7 to 10, has announced the ''IIFA Bond for Global Cool'', the first of its kind effort to address the issue of global warming.

The IIFA Bond for Global Cool was launched at Madame Tussauds in London last week where IIFA brand ambassador Amitabh Bachchan signed the bond along with British actress Sienna Miller.

The IIFA Bond for Global Cool addresses the pertinent issue of climate change across the world and this issue will be addressed and advocated through the IIFA global campaign this year, especially during the IIFA weekend at Yorkshire and the IIFA awards.

Speaking to the media here after announcing the nominations for the 8th IIFA awards yesterday, Mr Bachchan said IIFA is not just a celebration of Indian cinema across the shores but a global movement to bring communities together in the fields of culture, art, social issues, trade and commerce.

''Global Cool and IIFA are using a credible global platform to address the issue of global warming and the endeavour is to make people aware that climate change is a reality and we have the power to preserve our planet. It is not just about an awards function, it is about India, its high-profile and hugely popular film industry focussing the world and India's attention on climate changes because its a serious issue and affects us all,'' he added.

The IIFA Bond for Global Cool allows IIFA fans and supporters across the world to join the movement that brings together the ''People versus global warming''.

People, visiting the websites of www.iifa.com and globalcool.org, will have the opportunity to pledge their support and will be given a ''My CO2 score card''. When their commitment reaches a saving of one tonne of CO2, they will be given the IIFA Bond for Global Cool which enjoins them with the celebrities who are campaigning for global cool and gives access to the Global Cool's online community of film, music and other entertainment, he added.

Similarly, ''Idea IIFA star ki talaash'', a reality contest on Star Plus, will be launched soon, which will choose two fans to become a star at the IIFA weekend. The shortlisted semi finalists will be announced in May.

Meanwhile, nominations were announced in 15 categories. Among the prominent categories were ''Dhoom 2'', ''Krrish'', ''Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna'', ''Lage Raho Munnabhai'', ''Rang De Basanti'' and ''Vivah'' which will vie with each other for the Best Picture trophy. Karan Johar (Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna), Rakesh Roshan (Krrish), Rajkumar Hirani (Lage Raho Munnabhai), Rakeys Omprakash Mehra (Rang De Basanti) and Vishal Bharadwaj (Omkara) will be in race for the Best Director's trophy.

UNI