Australia is gearing up for a cinematic extravaganza that promises to be a game-changer for Indian cinema Down Under. The Australian Centre for Indian Cinema has unveiled plans for the first-ever National Indian Film Festival of Australia (NIFFA), scheduled to run from 13-16 February 2025 across seven major cities.
With a lineup spanning Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, Darwin, and Hobart, NIFFA is set to offer a whirlwind of screenings, workshops, panels, and events. Filmmaker Anupam Sharma, widely regarded as Australia’s foremost expert on Indian cinema, will spearhead the festival alongside seasoned industry veteran Peter Castaldi. Their combined experience dates back to the early days of Indian film festivals in Australia in the 1990s, and this event is poised to mark the next evolution in Indo-Australian cultural ties.
The festival is drawing strong backing, with key partners such as Dendy Cinemas, NDTV, and Val Morgan lending their weight to the initiative. Dendy Cinemas will host screenings across the country, while NDTV’s involvement ensures that the festival will be broadcast to millions of viewers globally, shining a spotlight on the growing connection between Indian cinema and international audiences.
Sanjay Pugalia, NDTV’s Director and Editor-in-Chief, expressed his enthusiasm: “As the Indian diaspora continues to thrive across Australasia, partnering with NIFFA was an obvious choice. We’re excited to share the festival’s spirit with global Indian communities and showcase the undeniable impact Indian filmmakers have had on the world stage.”
Sharon Strickland, CEO of Dendy Cinemas, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the rising popularity of Indian films worldwide: “This collaboration celebrates the vibrant creativity and growing influence of Indian filmmaking. We’re thrilled to be part of this journey and look forward to bringing these incredible stories to audiences across Australia.”
Anupam Sharma, whose vision has brought this ambitious project to life, is optimistic about the festival’s potential. He remarked, “Australia was overdue for a professional celebration of Indian cinema. With support from Dendy and NDTV, we’re creating something that has the potential to resonate not just nationally, but globally. We’re proud to have NDTV’s programming reach an audience of over 350 million—exposure like that is priceless.”
Festival Director Peter Castaldi is equally enthusiastic. Reflecting on the significance of the event, he noted, “This initiative is about more than just screening films—it’s about celebrating the diverse cultural and business ties between India and Australia. With the co-production treaty already in place and Indian films making waves at the Australasian box office, it’s time to give audiences a professionally curated experience that showcases the best of what Indian cinema has to offer.”
Meanwhile, Paul MacGregor, Director of Strategy and Marketing at Val Morgan, highlighted the business potential behind NIFFA, stating, “The unprecedented success of Indian films in Australia over the past few years shows that this festival is arriving at exactly the right moment. It also presents an exciting opportunity for brands to engage with a high-value, culturally diverse audience.”
The festival’s programme promises to be packed with highlights, from the opening night party in one of the seven cities, to workshops, panels on investment, and awards recognising contributions to Indian cinema in Australia. Grants for Australian screen content related to India will also be on offer, further cementing the ties between the two film industries.
Sharma’s excitement is infectious: “This will be one of the few film festivals produced by filmmakers, for filmmakers and audiences alike. We are not just celebrating Indian cinema; we’re celebrating the long-standing ties between Australia and India, and giving them a platform for all to see.”
NIFFA has already secured the support of major distributors from Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, including Forum Films. More brand ambassadors and key partners will be revealed in the coming months, with details to be announced at a press conference in November during the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), where Australia will be a focus country.
The festival programme and awards list will be officially released on 6 January 2025, but excitement is already building. As the countdown to February begins, film lovers across the country can expect a truly unique and immersive celebration of Indian cinema like never before.
Stay tuned for further updates on what promises to be a milestone event for cinema in Australia and beyond.
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🎬 Australia is set for its inaugural National Indian Film Festival of Australia #NIFFA from 13-16 Feb 2025! 🌏 Feat screenings, workshops, & events across 7 cities, this festival will celebrate the rich tapestry of Indian cinema. 📽️🎉 #TheIndianSun @NDTVhttps://t.co/ivaNbSyt49
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) October 27, 2024
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