The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne has forged a major three-year partnership with the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), signing multiple memorandums of understanding aimed at deepening ties between the Australian and Indian screen sectors.
The agreements were formalized Nov. 21 at the 56th edition of IFFI in Panjim, Goa, where IFFM was part of a delegation of Australian screen industry leaders. The partnership encompasses co-production frameworks, theatrical distribution access, and academic exchanges between film institutions.
Three separate MoUs establish the collaboration’s structure. The first, between IFFI, the National Film Development Corporation of India and IFFM, creates a framework for festival exchanges, talent development programs and producer labs. It also introduces the WAVES Bazaar-IFFM Co-Distribution Fund to support South Asian films in both territories, along with special screenings and a curated “Spotlight India” section at IFFM.
A second MoU links Deakin University’s film school with India’s Film and Television Institute of India and the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies, focusing on curriculum collaboration, student and faculty exchanges, and joint workshops.
The third agreement partners PVR Inox, India’s largest theater chain, with Mind Blowing Films to provide nationwide theatrical releases for Australian films in India.
Victoria’s Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks described the partnership as strengthening IFFM’s international profile while bringing year-round benefits to the Australian film industry.
“This agreement will boost the careers of local filmmakers now and prepare our next generation to work collaboratively with one of the world’s biggest film industries,” Brooks said.
Love Film & TV?
Get your daily dose of everything happening in music, film and TV in Australia and abroad.
Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece highlighted Australia’s substantial Indian diaspora and growing local embrace of Indian cinema as factors driving the collaboration.
PVR Inox Pictures CEO Kamal Gianchandani noted growing Indian audience appetite for global content. “Australian films bring a unique voice and cultural richness,” he said.
IFFM festival director Mitu Bhowmick Lange, who also founded Mind Blowing Films, called the moment transformative for both screen industries.
“These new partnerships reflect a shared commitment to collaboration, exchange and long-term creative growth,” Lange said.
The Australian delegation at IFFI includes producers Jamie Hilton and Chris Watson, director Garth Davis, animation expert Nicholas Tripodi and producer-writer Sarini Kamini. The festival is also screening a newly restored 4K version of Australian classic “Muriel’s Wedding,” with star Rachel Griffiths attending.
Australia’s High Commissioner to India Philip Green welcomed the initiatives, particularly as they support collaborative projects under the Australia-India Audiovisual Co-production Agreement.
IFFI runs through Nov. 28 in Goa.
From Variety US