Bollywood stars hit Australian shores: IFFM 2024
By Kireth Sandhu - June 2024
Did you know that Australia is host to one of the most acclaimed and globally recognised Indian film festivals? The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) is celebrating its 15th edition in 2024, a vibrant cultural event that has become a cornerstone for South Asian cinema enthusiasts and attracted international filmmaking talent.
The rising interest of this film festival in Australia reflects a shifting media consumption landscape. The past half-decade have seen an increase in “International” film viewing statistics across the world, unlocked through streaming and subtitles.
What does this mean for South Asian creatives (and avid binge-watchers) in Australia?
IFFM: Rani, Karan and Founder of IFFM with Parliament
The Format and Global Influence of IFFM
The IFFM, held annually in Melbourne, was established in 2010 and has since become the largest Indian film festival outside of India. The festival offers a wide array of films, from Bollywood blockbusters to regional and independent cinema, providing a platform for diverse voices in Indian storytelling. It features not only film screenings but also panel discussions, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, awards and cultural performances.
The IFFM is part of a larger network of Indian film festivals that have sprung up around the world, celebrating the richness of Indian cinema. Similar festivals are held in cities like Los Angeles and Stuttgart, each bringing a unique flavour to the global appreciation of Indian films. However, with Melbourne’s Indian diaspora steadily increasing through migration, the IFFM is positioned to have continued significant impact in the coming years. As young South Asians in Australia, we should jump at the opportunity to interact with and contribute to this space.
Bollywood is entering mainstream Australian media
The growing success of the IFFM is a testament to the increasing consumption of Bollywood and South Asian media in Australia and New Zealand. Indian and South Asian films now have their own sections on streaming services, allowing you to scroll through a rich list of lowbrow to high-quality productions. This reveals an increased investment behind-the-scenes, as platforms such as Netflix invest millions of dollars in licensing deals to share this content.
Even more significantly, the IFFM receives direct support from the Australian government. As seen in our article header, Anthony Albanese recently shared a selfie alongside Karan Johar and Rani Mukerjee on Instagram. This Bollywood filmmaker-actress duo gave us memorable films as Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Kal Ho Naa Ho. The Australian Prime Minister coined the IFFM a “A testament to Australia's relationship with India and the vibrancy of the Indian-Australian community” in his caption. Mukerjee went on to speak at the Australian Parliament House in Canberra, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Bollywood studio Yash Raj Films. This financial and public political recognition cements the IFFM’s status as a significant cultural event, and a nod towards the growing influence of the South Asian creative community.
Recognising diverse and cross-cultural creatives
For young South Asian creatives, this festival is more than just an opportunity to watch movies. It’s a celebration of our cultural heritage and an inspiration to explore creative pursuits.
The IFFM continues to push boundaries with a growing number of non-male filmmakers given the spotlight. Musician Sona Mohapatra who performs on August 16th said “It's the 15th edition, the organisers told me, and they are celebrating more than 20 female filmmakers. This is more than what any film festival has ever done, in terms of diversity and inclusivity” (Hindustan Times, 2024).
If you have even an inkling of interest in a career in Bollywood, this is an unmissable chance to see your biggest childhood stars in-person, and take a glimpse at the rising creatives of the future. Even sharing with your family and friends allows others to begin grasping just how big the world of Indian filmmaking really is. I am personally most keen for the world premiere of My Melbourne on the IFFM’s opening night.
My Melbourne
Four iconic Indian filmmakers — Onir, Rima Das, Imtiaz Ali, and Kabir Khan worked with emerging creatives from underrepresented backgrounds to create this film about identity and belonging based on authentic migrant experience.
Where will the future of South Asian media take us?
As the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne continues to flourish, it’s clear that Bollywood and South Asian cinema are poised to explode in popularity in Australia and New Zealand.
For young South Asians, the festival is not just a celebration of cinema but a powerful affirmation of their cultural identity. As interest in South Asian media grows, it’s time to pay attention to Bollywood and watch as Indian cinema continues gaining attention in the global film industry. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to Indian films, the IFFM and its film selection offers a unique and enriching experience that shouldn’t be missed.
