Welcome to the 2015 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. Now in its fourth year, this Festival has grown to become a significant event on Melbourne's cultural calendar and a key platform to showcase the diversity and joy of Indian stories and culture to the wider community..

Creativity can play a powerful role in bringing people together and this year's Festival will explore the theme of 'equality'. This theme demonstrates the important role that filmmakers and artists play in telling diverse stories, opening up new perspectives, and creating conversations about issues that affect us all. This theme also sends a strong message that there is no place for discrimination in any aspect of our society – whether by race, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or gender.

So we couldn't ask for a more appropriate Festival Brand Ambassador than Vidya Balan. As one of India's most talented, acclaimed and respected actors, Vidya is also a film pioneer who has lifted the profile and portrayal of strong women on screen. She brings to Melbourne her wealth of experience from the world of Bollywood and her involvement will help to foster stronger connections between the Indian and Victorian film sectors, both on and off screen.

There is so much to look forward to in the 2015 program. For the first time, this year's Festival will coincide with Indian Independence Day celebrations. The program will also extend its reach beyond film and to the broader creative industries by including events that celebrate Indian dance traditions, as well as fashion - with a special event featuring Australian and Indian designers.

My congratulations to Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange and the team at Mind Blowing Films for another fantastic Festival program and my thanks to Vidya Balan for being a wonderful and generous ambassador for Melbourne and the Festival.

Whether you're a film buff, a fashion follower or a festival lover, prepare to embrace and enjoy the 2015 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. See you there.