First tourism film festival in Maldives begins with top international celebs

First international tourism film festival in Maldives began on Sunday night amid colorful celebrations at The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives with popular international celebrities and film stars.

The film festival – “Follow the Equator” will continue for three days, with movies being screened at the breathtaking Islander’s Grill Beach at Iru Fushi.

“Follow the Equator” was launched after a cocktail reception by Managing Director and Chairman of Sun Siyam Group, and the President of the film festival, Ahmed Siyam Mohamed.

Ahmed Siyam Mohamed at the international tourism film festival opening night. Sun photo: Mohamed Simau

Famous film organizations and popular international film stars and celebrities have travelled to Iru Fushi to participate in the film festival – which is to be held annually starting this year.

They include popular British radio and television presenter, showbiz, fashion and beauty advisor and model – Lizzie Cundy, Chinese actress and singer - Yang Ziyan, German television and voice actor - Raul Richter, and Iraqi social media queen - Mina Wattan Ramadhan Raheem.

International tourism film festival opening night. Sun photo: Mohamed Simau

Local actors Aishath Rishmy and Mohamed Jumiyyal Nimal, as well as local film director Abdul Fattah Abdul Gayoom also traveled to Iru Fushi to participate in the launch.

International tourism film festival opening night. Sun photo: Mohamed Simau

14 of the 45 short films nominated for the film festival were screened during the opening night.

More than 200 films from 15 countries – including Maldives – were submitted to the festival.

11 awards are to be handed out in the awarding ceremony, which will be held on Monday night.

Sales and Marketing Director of Iru Fushi, Evgenia Boyankova at the international film festival opening night. Sun photo: Mohamed Simau

The best film will be awarded a return ticket to Maldives and a 5-day all-inclusive package in any luxury villa – worth USD 20,000.

Sun Online is the online media partner of the festival.