The 15th edition of the Indian Film Festival Melbourne (IFFM) was officially announced by the Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency Professor, the Honorable Margaret Gardner AC, at a prestigious industry event in Mumbai. The festival, set for August 2024, promises a celebration of cultural unity through cinema.

Key Highlights:

1. IFFM 2024 Dates: Opening on August 15, IFFM 2024 will feature the much-anticipated Indian Independence Day Celebrations, IFFM Awards Night, and the IFFM Dance.
2. New Initiative - IFFM Baari: A fresh addition, IFFM Baari, meaning "House" in Bengali, will serve as an inclusive platform for leaders in diverse creative industries to connect with emerging voices from South Asian communities. It aims to support and nurture creative narratives through events like keynote speakers, panel discussions, networking sessions, and comedy shows.  Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM said at the event: "IFFM Baari is  a  very positive step towards creating a home for the creative minds in the entertainment industry especially from more marginalised communities. It opens doors for collaboration, propelling Indian cinema into the Australian market and reinforcing the deep cultural ties between the two nations. As we celebrate 15 years of IFFM as a groundbreaking festival, Baari marks a new chapter in our journey."   
3. My Melbourne Premiere: The festival will feature the premiere of "My Melbourne," a groundbreaking film series set in Melbourne. Mentored by renowned filmmakers Rima Das, Kabir Khan, Imtiaz, and Onir, the series explores stories of diversity, celebrating the LGBTQAI+ community, disability, race, and gender. The motto "a film with you, about you, and for you" reflects its commitment to authentic storytelling.
4. IFFM Excellence Award: Renowned actress Shabana Azmi received the IFFM Excellence Award. Known for her powerful performances, Azmi has played a crucial role in advocating for social causes. The festival also launched the 'Shabana Special' on its streaming platform, showcasing six of her classic films.
5. Southern Hemisphere's Largest Celebration: IFFM is the Southern Hemisphere's largest annual celebration of Indian cinema, featuring over 120 films in more than 20 languages. The festival, founded in 2010, provides a platform for conversations and challenges stereotypes, aiming to showcase India's diverse storytelling tradition.
6. Rich Cultural Event in Victoria: Her Excellency Margaret Gardner acknowledged the significance of IFFM, describing it as a rich cultural event that brings Victorians together to experience the best of Indian film making.

 The 15th IFFM promises to be a cinematic extravaganza, weaving together South Asian stories from across the globe and offering a unique blend of glamour, cultural celebration, and thought-provoking cinema.