A heartfelt welcome to the 17th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2026!
It is a pleasure to welcome you to the 17th edition of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne - a festival that continues to celebrate the diversity, creativity, and excellence of Indian and South Asian cinema while bringing people together through the universal language of storytelling.
This year, our theme, "Shared Humanity, Shared Stories," reflects our belief that stories have the power to connect us across borders, languages, and cultures. In a world that can often feel divided, cinema invites us to experience another person's journey, recognise our shared hopes and struggles, and celebrate the humanity that unites us. Every film in this year's programme is an invitation to listen with empathy, embrace different perspectives, and discover the stories that bring us closer together.
Our 2026 programme features over 79 feature films and 56 short films across 35 languages, including a specially curated package of Indian indigenous films, that will showcase the richness and vibrancy of Indian and South Asian storytelling. From powerful dramas and insightful documentaries to innovative independent cinema and captivating short films, each selection has been carefully curated to inspire, entertain, and spark meaningful conversations.
We are especially honoured to open this year's festival by celebrating the 25th anniversary of one of Indian cinema's most iconic films, Lagaan, as we celebrate this landmark film alongside its star and producer, Aamir Khan.
The celebrations continue with our prestigious IFFM Awards Night at the historic Palais Theatre on 13th August, honouring excellence in Indian cinema, followed by our much-loved Remitly IFFM Dance Competition on 15th August - a joyful celebration of the colour, diversity, and spirit of Indian culture.
Beyond the screen, IFFM is a place for conversations, connections, and new ideas. Audiences will have the opportunity to engage with acclaimed filmmakers, actors, writers, and industry leaders, while initiatives such as our Emerging Talent Support Fund continue our commitment to nurturing the next generation of storytellers and championing authentic voices.
This festival would not be possible without the unwavering support of our partners, sponsors, collaborators, volunteers, filmmakers, and audiences. Thank you for believing in our vision and helping make IFFM the vibrant celebration it is today.
As we come together once again, I hope you discover stories that move you, inspire you, and remind you of the extraordinary power of cinema to build understanding and celebrate our shared humanity.
Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM
IFFM Festival Director
