From Humble Beginnings to Global Showcase: The 16th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) has come a long way since its inception in 2010. Born as a modest cultural bridge, it has now blossomed into the largest celebration of Indian cinema outside India. From its early aim to unite filmmakers and audiences across continents, today it's a full-fledged international stage for storytelling, diversity, and dialogue.
Years 1-10: Building a Foundation
2010-2016: The festival began showcasing a diverse slate of mainline Bollywood, independent films, and thematic panels. Highlights include the 2016 edition, which opened with Parched and closed with Angry Indian Goddesses, along with focused discussions around women in cinema and masterclasses from filmmakers like Richa Chadha. Iconic awards from these years include honors for Kapoor & Sons, Parched, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Sonam Kapoor
2017-2019: The festival's professionalism grew with star-studded jury nights, luxury awards, and massive Bollywood presence. In 2019, luminaries such as Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar attended, celebrating winners like Gully Boy and Lipstick Under My Burkha, making IFFM an unmissable global festival.
2020-2022: Pivoting During the Pandemic
2020: COVID forced IFFM to pivot from August to October. Despite uncertainty, the festival showcased some 50 films in 17 languages, embracing stories on disability and gender equality.
2021: The hybrid format presented an astounding 127 films in 27 languages! Awards went to Soorarai Pottru, Sherni, and Mirzapur Season 2, highlighting IFFM's commitment to cinematic diversity.
2022: Returning fully in person, the festival honored 83, Jalsa, and hosted premieres like Mumbai Diaries. Lifetime honors were given to Kapil Dev and Abhishek Bachchan, signaling IFFM's far-reaching audience.
2023: Inclusion at Center Stage
IFFM 2023 wore "inclusion" as its badge. With an eclectic lineup including Kennedy, Lord Curzon Ki Haveli, mainstream Bollywood & queer cinema, it featured panels on nepotism, women in film, and even LGBTQ storytelling via the new "Rainbow Stories Award". Star power was unforgettable: Karan Johar, Kartik Aaryan (who also danced with performers), and Shabana Azmi hoisting the Tricolour in a beautiful nod to Independence Day.
2025 (16th Edition): A Grand Convergence
Running from 14-24 August 2025, IFFM16 is set to be the festival's grandest edition yet.
Highlights of IFFM 16:
Aamir Khan takes centre stage as Chief Guest, accompanied by a career retrospective featuring Taare Zameen Par, Lagaan, PK, Dangal, and especially the heartwarming new Sitaare Zameen Par. A live, in-conversation session promises intimate insights into his craft.
Vir Das will be felicitated with a special honor. The Emmy-award comedian, who is branching into directing and literature, called it "incredibly humbling." his global voice of comedy is undoubtedly shaping how Indian humor is perceived internationally.
Events span screenings, masterclasses, panel discussions, and red carpet glamour across Melbourne venues. These include interactions with Aamir Khan, Vir Das, filmmakers, and discussions on social cinema themes.
Looking Ahead
Whether you're a die-hard Bollywood fan, indie enthusiast, or culturally curious cinephile, the 16th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne promises something for you. With its legacy of inclusivity, entertainment, and dialogue, it continues to redefine what an international Indian film festival can be.
