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Etisalat Everest Malayalam Film Awards on Sept. 14

This unique event on September 14 will mark the end of a public voting campaign to decide the winners of this lifetime achievement award.

Voters in the UAE can send in their nominations by SMS to 7002, and the shortlists will be announced on Radio Asia 1557 AM and Radio Asia 94.7 FM. From August 15 onwards, shortlists will also be announced on Kairali TV and People TV, which will enable viewers from across the GCC region to cast their votes. Once the winners of each category have been declared, voters who nominated the winners will enter a lucky draw to share a total cash prize of AED 8,000.

Khalifa Al Forah, acting chief marketing officer, Etisalat, said: "We are extremely happy to be a part of this event, and to reach out to one of the most vibrant communities in the UAE. Our decision to be a key player in this event stems from our commitment to forging deeper and more meaningful relations with each and every one of our customers, and being close to them. Etisalat is not only about telecommunications, but also about extending people's reach, and bringing them events and activities that are close to their heart."

Hiroo D. Vassanani, managing director of Snowhite, a garments company and support sponsors of the event, said "We target the Keralites in the Gulf region in a big way as the community is appreciative of both quality products and world-class art forms. As the single largest expatriate community in the region, we are ready to provide more facilities to Keralites and bring them international brands."

The voting process has been active since June this year, with significant airtime on Malayalam-language radio stations in the UAE. The process will involve evaluating cinema from the beginning of the Kerala film industry in 1928, and identifying five of the best in different categories comprising the Ever Best Malayalam Film, Ever Best Director, Ever Best Actor, Ever Best Actress, Ever Best Music Director, Ever Best Lyricist, Ever Best Singer (Male), Ever Best Singer (Female), Ever Best International Contributor, Ever Best Cameraman, Best Trend Setter, Best New Sensation, Best Malayalam Song since 1980.

The results of this voting are expected in September first week, and the awards ceremony will be held on September 14, at the Al Nasr Leisureland Ice Rink, Dubai. The voting results of some key categories will be announced only during the awards ceremony.

• UAE