March 22, 2010 (NEW YORK, NY) - Zee Cinema, renowned for its extensive library of Bollywood films and its expansive reach to South Asian homes around the world, is pleased to announce its "Indian" panel discussion at the 5th Annual Women's International Film & Arts Festival in Miami, FL.

On Monday, March 29, independent filmmaker and actor Paras Chaudhari and up-and-coming television and film actress Ami Sheth will join Zee Cinema executives in a lively discussion on the history and future of Indian cinema, while examining the evolution of cinematic portrayals of women in India.

"We're proud to be associated with an event dedicated to celebrating the dreams, visions and voices of women around the world," says Subroto Bhattacharya, CEO of Zee TV USA, Inc. "Our partnership with WIFF further solidifies Zee Cinema's commitment to recognizing, engaging and empowering women in a variety of roles - mothers, sisters, daughters, writers, directors and even actors - to strive to achieve their goals."

Since co-founding Crescent Street Films, Paras Chaudhari has produced three short films, three web series, and over twenty commercial ad campaigns for clients ranging from Mercedes Benz Fashion Week to the rock group Black Lips. Rising star Ami Sheth embodies rich non-Hollywood talent, exotic beauty and versatility to each television and film role she undertakes.

"We believe that the images of women in film directly influence how they are perceived, valued and treated in society," says Yvonne McCormack-Lyons, Executive Director of the Women's International Film & Arts Festival. "As the South Asian entertainment network synonymous with providing the "Best of Bollywood" entertainment experience, Zee Cinema is a perfect fit to create ongoing dialogue and debate about women's roles in film."

This year's event will feature the festival's "WIFF Around the Globe" theme, a nightly celebration focusing on regions of the world: North America, Africa & Its Diaspora, Europe, India, Asia and the Caribbean with films, food, drinks and other cultural components. In addition, there will be a Celebration of Women Concert/Family Fun Fest featuring Sony Latin America Artists on March 28.

Held during Women's History Month from March 26 - April 3, the annual festival has evolved from a one-day film showcase in 2005 to its current 9-day program of film exhibits, seminars, and panel discussion of films from across the globe.

Zee Cinema is available on Dish Network across the United States.

About Zee Cinema
Zee Cinema, the first Indian subscription channel for Hindi-language movies, emerged onto the American scene in 1999. Under the tagline "Movies, Masti and Magic," Zee Cinema creates a fun and magical movie experience. From current blockbusters to old classics, Zee Cinema promises viewers the Best of Bollywood with movies broadcast 24 hours a day.

With an extensive library of Bollywood films, Zee reaches more than 2 million South Asian viewers around the world, including Asia, the UK and the United States. Zee Cinema is available on the Dish Network in the United States. Please visit www.zeetvusa.com

About Women's International Film & Arts Festival
The Women's International Film & Arts Festival (WIFF) is a unique, cultural event featuring films, visual and performance arts and other artistic expressions by women. It is one of only two festivals in the Southeastern United States specifically dedicated to women. Held annually during Women's History month, the event is designed to celebrate women and to help them realize their dreams, visions, and voices. The events bring together women from all over the world to explore, share and dialogue about issues concerning women through arts.