The 2016 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) has officially opened, signalling the start of a two week celebration of India through an exciting program of film and community events.
This year's festival will showcase over 50 films in 17 languages from India and the subcontinent; from box office hits to independent films. The opening night feature is the contemporary melodrama Parched - a sharp portrait of gender inequality, and a stirring depiction of liberation in an isolated North-Indian village.
Beyond the silver screen the Festival will provide music, dance and public events that will see the festival spill out from the cinema and into Federation Square and Melbourne Recital Centre.
A flag hoisting ceremony, celebrating India independence weekend on Saturday 13 August will be telecast live to Foster Street in Dandenong, India, one of home to Victoria’s first ever Indian Cultural Precinct.
Revered Indian actress Vidya Balan returns as festival ambassador, promoting the 2016 Festival theme of Female Empowerment. This will be explored through the selection of films, a short film competition and roundtable discussions with local and international speakers.
Presented by Film Victoria, IFFM has established itself as an important cultural event in Melbourne, drawing big crowds and showcasing the close ties between Victoria and the Indian community.
