My Melbourne, an anthology featuring shorts by renowned filmmakers Kabir Khan, Imtiaz Ali, Onir, and Rima Das, is set to be the opening film at the 15th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM). The festival, which celebrates the diversity and rich cultural heritage of Indian cinema, will take place in Melbourne from August 15 to 25, 2024.
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne is known for its diverse range of films that reflect the myriad facets of Indian cinema. This year’s opening film, My Melbourne, is a significant Indo-Australian collaboration. Supported by Vic Screen and Screen Australia—agencies backed by the Victorian government’s screen sector—this anthology delves into the intertwined lives within the city of Melbourne.
My Melbourne draws inspiration from real-life incidents, dealing with themes such as race, gender, sexuality, and disability. It features four short films: Emma by Rima Das, Jules by Imtiaz Ali, Nandini by Onir, and Setara by Kabir Khan.
Rima Das, acclaimed for her authenticity and realism, tackles the theme of disability in her short film Emma. “We worked with a mix of senior actors and relatively new actors, including members of the deaf community,” Das noted. “I’m thrilled with how it turned out and look forward to the audience’s reception. I hope the film sparks meaningful conversations on inclusivity in all areas of life, particularly in the arts, and welcomes narratives from those living with disabilities.”
Similarly, Imtiaz Ali delved deep into the lives of two women in Melbourne with his short, Jules. “The story of these two very different yet displaced women moved me,” Ali said. “Collaborating with a young and diverse local team was a huge learning curve. We shared insights and explored various creative perspectives, enriching the My Melbourne experience for everyone involved. I hope viewers will connect with Jules and find it compelling.”
Onir chose to encapsulate the essence of Melbourne in his film Nandini.
. “Melbourne is a space that embraces diversity and celebrates inclusion. My Melbourne captures this spirit through various migrant experiences,” Onir remarked, emphasizing the city’s reputation as a melting pot of cultures and traditions.
Kabir Khan’s contribution, Setara, narrates the fascinating story of a girl who escapes from Afghanistan to find a new home in Melbourne. “True stories of human triumph have always fascinated me. Setara’s incredible journey from Afghanistan to Melbourne and discovering a sense of belonging through cricket was a story I felt compelled to tell,” Khan shared. Collaborating with local talents and Melbourne’s girls’ cricket teams added layers of authenticity to the film.
As the 2024 IFFM approaches, the anticipation for My Melbourne is palpable. The film festival will not only highlight Indian cinema but also showcase global perspectives, fostering cultural exchange and mutual appreciation.
The range of films to be showcased aims to promote the rich and complex tapestry of Indian cinema, offering a platform for stories that are seldom told in mainstream entertainment. The festival will provide audiences an opportunity to experience the breadth of narratives that define Indian cinematic artistry.
In addition to showcasing highly anticipated films, the IFFM will feature panel discussions, workshops, and interactions with filmmakers and actors, providing a comprehensive cinematic experience. Attendees can look forward to engaging directly with the filmmakers behind My Melbourne, gleaning insights about their creative processes and the challenges of bringing their stories to life.
This year’s IFFM promises to be a celebration of storytelling, bridging cultural gaps, and fostering a better understanding of the nuanced human experiences captured through the lens of cinema. As the festival opens with My Melbourne, it sets the stage for a parade of diverse and poignant narratives that will resonate with audiences long after the festival concludes.
For more details about the 15th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne and to view the full schedule of events and film screenings, visit the official IFFM website. The festival looks forward to welcoming cinema lovers from around the world to Melbourne for this grand celebration of film and culture.
