The South Indian film industry reiterated its decision to boycott the India International film Academy (IIFA) awards function to be held in Sri Lanka.
At a meeting convened by the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce (SIFCC) here on Tuesday, the Chamber secretary L. Suresh said representatives from SIFCC and Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) urged the IIFA to suspend its plans to hold the event in Sri Lanka but IIFA office-bearers expressed their inability to do so at the last minute.
To boycott Bollywood films
Following this the associations such as SIFCC, FEFSI, Tamil Nadu Theatre-Owners Association and Tamil Nadu Producers' Council have decided to boycott films of Bollywood actors, technicians and filmmakers who will participate in the IIFA awards function.
“It is certainly not a loss to our industry. We expect the Bollywood film industry to respect the sentiments of Tamils and refrain from participating in the event,” said Mr. Suresh.
Tamil Nadu Theatre-Owner's Association secretary R. Paneerselvam said their films would not be screened in any of the theatres in the State. FEFSI president V.C. Guhanathan expressed hope that people from South Indian film industry would go by the decision.
Last month, the film industries from South India issued a joint statement that said films of those Indian actors and technicians who attend the India International Film Academy' 2010 event will not be released in the southern region.