Backing The Indian Film Festival Of Melbourne
Labor is investing in Victoria's multicultural community, locking in two more years of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM). Minister for Creative Industries Vicki Ward today announced a $600,000 election commitment to continue the largest celebration of Indian cinema in the Southern Hemisphere. Now in its 17th year, the festival welcomes the biggest names in Indian cinema to Victoria – screening more than 130 films across 38 languages.
More than 30,000 people are expected to attend a colourful schedule, including the Awards Night, Pride Day and the much-loved Dance Competition at Fed Square. Screen legend Rekha headlines this year’s festival, who’ll be recognised with the IFFM Excellence in Cinema Award. Actor Rani Mukherjee will receive an Honorary Doctorate from La Trobe University – recognising her outstanding contribution to cinema.
The line-up also includes director Rima Das, actor and producer Dulquer Salmaan and actor Pankaj Tripathi. Film highlights include the Australian premiere of Members of the Problematic Family and premieres of Melbourne short film Graveyard Shift , and feature film Full Plate . IFFM Regional Rhapsody will bring the festival to regional Victoria, with screenings in Geelong, Bendigo and Shepparton.
Only the Carroll Labor Government invests to strengthen our creative scene – Jess Wilson’s Liberal and One Nation Coalition $40 billion in cuts can’t happen without cutting the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. The festival starts today and runs until Sunday, 23 August. For the full program, visit iffm.com.au .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Vicki Ward “A strong Victoria is a state where everyone can contribute, belong and see their stories reflected.” “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.” Quote attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Paul Edbrooke “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." Quote attributable to IFFM Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange “At IFFM we believe that great storytelling transcends language, geography and identity.” 260813 Backing The Indian Film Festival Of Melbourne PDF 340.14 KB (opens in a new window)