Imphal, March 19: Manipuri film Boong, described as the first Indian film to win a BAFTA award, opened the second edition of the National Indian Film Festival of Australia, marking a prominent start to one of the largest showcases of Indian cinema outside the country.
The festival, which runs from March 18 to July 5, will feature more than 32 films across 18 Indian languages, with screenings scheduled in 14 cities across Australia. All selected films are set to have their Australian premieres. The opening event was hosted by the Mayor of the City of Greater Geelong in collaboration with the Geelong Waterfront Film Foundation.
Veteran actor Anupam Kher will be honoured with the International Indian Cinema Icon Award during the festival. Reflecting on the recognition, Kher said Australia holds a special place for him and emphasised the importance of such festivals in fostering cultural exchange through cinema.
His latest directorial project, Tanvi the Great, inspired by his autistic niece, will also be screened under the festival’s “Able + Diverse” segment, which focuses on disability representation in films.
The festival will travel across major cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, along with regional centres such as Broken Hill and Alice Springs.
Filmmakers Anubhav Sinha and Leena Yadav are set to receive the Nishtha (Dedication) Award for their contributions to both mainstream and socially relevant cinema.
A special segment dedicated to Punjabi cinema, organised in partnership with PTC Network, will conclude with the announcement of a three-film India–Australia co-production initiative. PTC Network CEO Rajiee Shinde will lead an industry delegation during the event.
The festival is supported by several institutions, including the Western Australia Museum Boola Bardip, the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, the State Library of Western Australia and the Araluen Arts Centre, along with exhibition partners such as Dendy Cinemas, Reading Cinemas and SBS.
Festival director Anupam Sharma said the platform has evolved beyond film screenings into a broader space for dialogue on cinema, culture, community and commerce.
