News Broadcasting
SPTI unveils official film of 2006 Fifa at Mipcom
MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) gets Mipcom 2006 off to a lively start with the announcement that it has secured the worldwide excluding Japan, the distribution rights to The Grand Finale, the only officially sanctioned film about the 2006 Fifa World Cup.
Directed by Michael Apted and narrated by Pierce Brosnan, The Grand Finale exhibits never before seen footage of the excitement and drama of the 2006 Tournament. It provides a film-style overview of the tournament’s most captivating moments. The announcement was made today by SPTI executive VP distribution Keith LeGoy.
Commenting on the deal, LeGoy said: “The 2006 Fifa World CupTM was a spectacular event viewed by an audience of 30 billion people around the planet. The Grand Finale captures cinematic footage of the tournament that has never before been seen, footage that truly depicts the character, stamina and strength of the world’s best players, the excitement of the games and the passionate support of the fans. The cinematic quality of The Grand Finale along with the huge appeal of football among an ever widening worldwide audience makes this an incredible property for general and sports broadcasters alike.”
Also commenting, Fifa president Sepp Blatter said: “We are pleased that a Hollywood studio of Sony Pictures’ global relevance has acquired the distribution rights for the Official 2006 Fifa World Cup Film. Through their expertise and market relevance around the world, millions of football aficionados will gain access to a unique and exclusive film production that allows the viewer to feel part of the action and the excitement of the Fifa World Cup. I am sure that the film will rapidly become a collector’s item because of its convincing and creative approach to some of the best the Fifa World Cup Final had to offer”.
The Grand Finale not only portrays the excitement of the matches played in the World Cup but also uniquely captures the emotions, excitement and tension from the initial knockout stages through to the Final.
The close-up, intimate style filming of The Grand Finale provides a compelling look at the highs and lows of the players and fans as they face the triumphs and adversities of the most beautiful game. Moreover, the film uniquely goes further than just highlighting the best moments of the tournament – it provides an inside perspective on the feelings of the players, their coaches, the fans and the officials.
Michael Apted is best known for directing the award-winning Up! series of documentaries, and his feature film credits include Coal Miner’s Daughter, Gorky Park, Gorillas in the Mist, Class Action, Nell and the James Bond film The World Is Not Enough. The Grand Finale is produced by ECN Motion Pictures and runs approximately 100 minutes.
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
