Tampa, Fla., an unusual choice, hosts the so-called Bollywood Oscars for Indian films

CP28091403
FILE - This July 6, 2013 file photo shows Bollywood actors Sridevi and Prabhu Deva, left in yellow, performing during the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards in Macau. The IIFA is holding its annual awards ceremony in Tampa this week. The city is an unusual choice for the awards extravaganza, but tourism officials hope it will be an economic boon to Tampa, which has hosted four Super Bowls and the Republican National Convention. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File)

TAMPA, Fla. – The so-called Bollywood Oscars are holding the annual awards ceremony in Tampa this week. That’s right — Tampa.

The city is an unusual choice for the International Indian Film Academy, but tourism officials hope it will be an economic boon to Tampa, which has hosted four Super Bowls and the Republican National Convention.

It’s the first time the Indian film academy has gathered in the United States.

Organizers say Tampa was chosen because city and tourism leaders were aggressive in courting the four-day event, which includes a master acting class with Hollywood star Kevin Spacey and an appearance at Saturday’s awards ceremony by John Travolta.

Indian film executives also hope to expand the industry’s reach into the lucrative North American market.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles