1st International Tourism Film Festival in Maldives

The International Film Festival, 'Following the Equator', is a significant event in the world of cinema.

The first of its kind in the Maldives and being hosted by The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi with the support of Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) from 10-12 July 2016, the Festival aims to gather representatives of different ages, interests and backgrounds at one place and unite them by a common love of the arts, tourism and sports.

Festival entries will include movies about interesting and unique places on the planet, the culture and history of countries and their events: lasting from 1 to 13 minutes. The Festival involves professional, amateur and student films, programs and video - films about tourism, science, nature, sports and interesting tourist, cultural and historical sites in different countries.

The Festival is part of Visit Maldives Year 2016 and includes a grand reception, local handcraft trade fairs and contemporary art exhibition (support of National Centre of the Arts), competitions, activities and classes, in addition to the film competition. Official website of the Festival is www.itffm.net

For a short video about the Festival click here. For more information on how to submit an application for the International Film Festival Maldives, click here

Everyone is invited to participate in Sun Siyam Iru Fushi's Facebook video competition – launched as part of the Following the Equator International Film Festival Maldives. To enter the competition, one must submit a short video on the topic: 'Why I deserve the free holiday in Maldives' to win a flight to the Maldives for two people, with a five-night all-inclusive package in a luxury villa, including seaplane transfer.

Valued up to USD20,000, the prize is open to people of all ages, interests and backgrounds from around the world. Video submissions must be received by 31 May 2016, via the upload portal or by emailing sales@thesunsiyam.com

“It is our pleasure to support “Following the Equator” – The first International Tourism Film Festival in Maldives. Within the year of Visit Maldives this event opens a chance to see the best tourism videos of the world and collect our own treasures, videos about Maldives. With Maldives' access to arts, culture and sports, we await seeing this come to life in the films. We hope to establish an annual international event that will grow along with tourism in Maldives. Together with The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi we look forward to welcoming worldwide celebrities and guests to the Festival,” said MMPRC Managing Director, Mohamed Haris.

Visit Maldives:

Visit Maldives Year 2016 is a destination marketing campaign designed to coincide with the golden jubilee marking the 50th anniversary of Independence of the Maldives. It serves the target of increasing tourism arrivals, strengthening the brand of Maldives, promoting it as a world class destination worldwide. It fosters better solidarity, harmony and wellbeing for the people of Maldives, which will be also experienced by tourists. The campaign aims to showcase the diversified Maldives tourism products to the world, encouraging economic growth and increasing opportunities for locals to develop within the tourism sector. For more information please visit www.visitmaldives.com