The first edition of International Film festival Of Prayag, which is hosted by Z&Z Media Pvt Ltd honoured veteran actor OM PURI with the "LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD". A Padma Shri Awardee, Om Puri ji has given stupendous performances in movies like Ardh Satya, Arohan, Aakrosh and Narasimha in a career spanning over 40 years. The National Award winner has also carved a niche for himself on the map of international cinema.

Honorable guests Om Puri, Tigmanshu Dhulia and Seema Kapoor , Amrit Gangar and Dhiraj Mishra came forward for the Inauguration and lit the lamp together.

The festival started with an introduction of IFFP and the founder. It was made auspicious by honoring Om Puri with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Feeling happy and proud to receive such an Award, Om Puri was quoted , "It feels great to be a part of this festival set amidst the backdrop of the holy city Sangam, Allahabad that I have been presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Apart from promoting the Art in Cinema, this is an initiative taken towards encouraging the young talents of Northern India."

The festival was followed by a motivational speech targeting the aspiring film enthusiasts, given by the dynamic Director/Filmmaker of Indian Cinema, Tigmanshu Dhulia.Being a native of Allahabad, he felt glad to support IFFP and tried to recapture his some good old memories spent in Allahabad, while he was on the stage. He mentioned, "it is only because of IFFP that I am here today, speaking to the people of my own land, Allahabad. Having spent so many years here, I feel that IFFP will serve as a great platform for all the young Independence filmmakers while making them aware about the several new techniques that are being applied to improve Cinema".


The founder of the IFFP, Hasan Haider, also the Managing Director of the Production House Z & Z Media Pvt. Ltd. said, "We have grown up watching films of Om Puri ji. My entire team is very privileged to entourage him at the festival. I am sure it will be a great opportunity for the students and professional filmmakers to interact with Puri ji during this festival."

Recently released Hindi movie Jai Jawaan Jai Kisaan was screened at the film festival on its Opening day. This film is a biographical journey about the glorious life of former Prime Minister of India - Lal Bahadur Shastri. It is directed by Milann Ajmera starring Akhilesh Jain, Jatin Khurana, Om Puri, Prem Chopra and Rati Agnihotri in the lead roles.

Splendid Films, Documentaries and Short-Films like Sharminda (Director: Vishal Srivastav, India), My Sin (Director: Hafizullah R Yosefi, Afghanistan), Countdown (Director: Pam Singh, India), No Woman's Land (Director: Dr. Dev Kanya Thakur, India), Gul (Director: Gul Reyaz, India) were screened at the film festival on the first day.