The full program for the 15th annual Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) is now live. Some of the biggest names in Indian cinema are set to attend the festival, with several exciting premieres for audiences to delve into, along with star-studded events and screenings.
This year’s IFFM will screen more than 65 films, including 20 films by female directors, many of which showcase films challenging the status quo with strong and powerful voices, telling confronting stories. The films feature 26 different languages, some of which are extremely rare and not widely spoken. Audiences can also expect six world premieres.
The IFFM Opening Night will screen the world premiere of My Melbourne, directed by four iconic Indian filmmakers – Onir, Rima Das, Imtiaz Ali, and Kabir Khan, and filmed entirely in Melbourne. All four directors and key cast and crew will attend the Opening Night which is held at Hoyts District Docklands.
My Melbourne features four unique diverse stories based on true incidents themed around the four pillars of diversity – sexuality, gender, disability, and race. Opening Night is set to launch the Festival with a bang, celebrating Indian cinema in a uniquely Melbourne way.
Some of India’s biggest stars are set to descend in Melbourne for the Festival, including award-winning actress Rani Mukerji who first shot to fame in the blockbuster Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) and has enjoyed countless successes since.
Also headed to Melbourne is revered filmmaker Karan Johar who has launched the careers of several successful actors and filmmakers under his company Dharma Productions and has directed many award-winning films, including the smash hit Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham… (2001). Johar will attend the IFFM Awards Night on 16 August at the Palais Theatre, a coveted night on Melbourne’s cultural calendar which continues to be a star-studded celebration of the best in Indian cinema.
One of the most successful filmmakers in India, director Rajkumar Hirani will be attending the IFFM Awards Night and IFFM Chats. Hirani’s coming-of-age comedy-drama 3 Idiots (2009) was the highest grossing Indian film of its time.
IFFM Festival Director, Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM, said: “Our 15th annual IFFM will showcase so many important voices from India, telling poignant stories of human rights, identity and family, to love, loneliness and coming of age.”
” We’re thrilled to see a huge increase in the number of female filmmakers who are pushing boundaries and challenging stereotypes. The Festival is set to see many Indian celebrities head to Melbourne for this annual celebration of the best in Indian cinema and we can’t wait to share important stories with our audiences,” Mitu said.
The 15th annual Indian Film Festival is set to be a jam-packed program of fabulous events to choose from, with several stars from India in attendance to meet fans and celebrate the best of Indian cinema.
15th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne runs from 15 – 25 August. For more information and the full program visit iffm.com.au