As well as delivering an exciting line-up
of films to share with Victorian audiences, the festival hosts prominent
Indian filmmakers and actors, provides an interactive program of
masterclasses, promotes Victoria as an international screen production
destination and creates opportunities for Victorian screen practitioners.
The film industry plays a significant role in Victoria's success
in the arts and continues to play a fundamental role in building our strong economy and vibrant community.
Film is just one of many areas in which we are strengthening
ties between Victoria and India. Since the inaugural
Indian Film Festival of Melbourne was
held last year, the Victorian Government has led several
trade missions to India aimed at furthering trade relationships
between Victoria and India. Focusing on strategic industry sectors, these trade missions generate new opportunities
for partnerships and form an important part of the Government's Victoria-India Engagement Strategy.
Promoting the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne has been an important element of these trade missions, and
I have no doubt it will continue to be as we build on our business and cultural ties and enhance our mutually
beneficial relationship.
We thank Mind Blowing Films for bringing a diverse program of screenings to Victorian audiences again in
2013, and our thanks go as well to one of India's outstanding actors, Vidya Balan – our festival ambassador –
who we
are delighted to see return to Melbourne to help cement our growing ties and ensure the success of the
Festival. And to international icon of cinema, Amitabh Bachchan, and other international guests - it is an absolute pleasure to host you in Melbourne as special guests of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.
The Victorian Government values the warm relationship we have with India and Bollywood, and I look forward
to that relationship growing in the future through our shared love of films.
The Hon Dr Denis Napthine MP
Premier of Victoria |
Premier of Victoria
Minister For Innovation
Festival Director
FESTIVAL AMBASSADOR
the Lord Mayor
