The 2018 South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) curtain raiser and short film awards were held in a grand manner at Westin Hotel, Hyderabad. Rana Daggubati, Pranitha Subhash, Pragya Jaiswal, Shanvi Srivastav, Shubra Aiyappa, chairperson of SIIMA, Brinda Prasad and Mr. Gaurav Chakravarty (Head, Marketing) Pantaloons graced the event as chief guests.

Speaking first, Rana Daggubati said, This is the seventh edition of SIIMA. Time flies so fast. Congratulations Vishnu and Brinda, it’s a brand that you have built and I was part of it right from the beginning. I debuted as an award host with SIIMA and I am grateful for it. I would like to host many SIIMAs as well. To all the short filmmakers and I’m hoping that there will be many of you, who can make some amazing films and tell stories. Congratulations to everyone for being here and congratulations SIIMA for putting this together.

SIIMA chairperson Brinda Prasad said, It feels great and gratifying. Each event has about a decent time travel and holding on it is a great thing.

Pranitha Subhash said, Firstly I would like to congratulate Vishnu Induri and Brinda Prasad for making 'SIIMA' a brand that every actor wants to get associated with it. It’s been an absolute pleasure to be part of this all these years. Looking forward to yet another grand year.

Pragya Jaiswal said, I am really happy and excited to be here. SIIMA has been very special right from the time I started my acting journey. It was the first ever award ceremony that I attended, the first ever award I won and also the first ever award ceremony that I ever performed. The team of SIIMA is also special. So congratulations to Vishnu and Brinda for all these wonderful years. Today’s event brought back so many memories. Probably this is the most fun award functions and I think it is going to be the same this year too.”

Shanvi said, SIIMA is taking south Indian industry to the next level. I am happy to be part of this since a very long time. SIIMA is my first ever and only award that I won till date. I will always cherish and remember my first award which is so special .

Shubra Aiyappa said, I have always said this that SIIMA is my favourite award function. It’s so special and the two people behind this, build this brand. To talk about short film awards, it is such a great initiative and a good platform for aspiring filmmakers to show their talent. Hope 2018 SIIMA will be even bigger.

Pantaloons Head Marketing, Mr. Gaurav Chakravarthy said, It's indeed a pleasure for Pantaloons to partner with SIIMA for its seventh edition. Over the years, SIIMA has become a prestigious platform to recognize the talent of the film fraternity of South India. Pantaloons has over 284 stores spread across 132 cities and towns in India. This association will help us enrich our presence in the region and as fashion partner, Pantaloons will add glamour and style to SIIMA by styling the leading celebrities of south Indian film industry. Our collaboration with the biggest cinematic property of south India, will indeed with a perfect fusion of fashion and films.

Tharun Bhascker Dhaassyam of 'Pelli Choopulu' and 'Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi' fame said, Thank you for inviting me and I would like to congratulate all the winners of short film awards. Even I’m a short filmmaker and awards like this gives, the young filmmakers a lot of confidence and a pat on the back to go boldly into the film industry. Coincidentally my last film is also about short filmmakers and all my love and support is with you guys. I thank SIIMA for hosting it and making feel us important.