Two-year commitment would support Australia’s largest celebration of Indian cinema as it enters its 17th year.
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) would receive $600,000 over two years under a Victorian Labor election commitment designed to secure the festival’s immediate future and extend its cultural reach across the state.
Minister for Creative Industries Vicki Ward announced the commitment on 13 August, describing the festival as an important celebration of Victoria’s multicultural identity and its growing international screen connections.
Now in its 17th year, IFFM has developed into the Southern Hemisphere’s largest celebration of Indian cinema. This year’s program features more than 130 films in 38 languages and is expected to attract over 30,000 people.
The festival brings together mainstream Indian cinema, independent filmmaking and diverse regional voices through screenings, premieres, industry events and public celebrations. Its signature events include the IFFM Awards Night, Pride Day and the popular Dance Competition at Federation Square.
Importantly, the festival’s reach will extend beyond metropolitan Melbourne. Through IFFM Regional Rhapsody, selected screenings will travel to Geelong, Bendigo and Shepparton, giving regional audiences greater access to Indian cinema and multicultural storytelling.
Ms Ward said the festival allowed Victorian audiences to see a broader range of stories and experiences represented on screen.
“A strong Victoria is a state where everyone can contribute, belong and see their stories reflected,” Ms Ward said.
“Labor is proud to back the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, celebrating the contribution of Victoria’s strong multiculturalism and strengthening our place as a global screen destination.”
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Paul Edbrooke said hosting the festival was particularly significant given Victoria’s large and culturally active Indian community.
“Victoria is home to Australia’s largest, most vibrant Indian community, so it’s fitting we host the biggest celebration of Indian cinema in the Southern Hemisphere,” Mr Edbrooke said.
IFFM Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange said the festival’s continuing appeal reflected cinema’s ability to connect audiences across cultures.
“At IFFM, we believe that great storytelling transcends language, geography and identity,” she said.
Labor has positioned the proposed two-year investment as part of its broader support for Victoria’s creative industries and multicultural events. If delivered, the funding would provide IFFM with greater certainty to plan future programs, attract international screen talent and continue expanding its presence across regional Victoria.
G’day India
