It’s August, and if you’re a cinema enthusiast in Melbourne, you know what time it is…
Boasting a smorgasbord of films from across the subcontinent, this year’s Indian Film Festival of Melbourne will venture further than it ever has before (Bendigo, Shepparton and Geelong, specifically)! IFFM will also break new ground with an event in Canberra, a short film competition and a comedy night.
The online library of films will return, and so will the range of chats, panels and masterclasses featuring industry experts; so whether you’re a stay at home or black tie kind of person, there’s probably something for you in this year’s program.
IL’S MUST SEE FILM OF IFFM 2024: RIMDOGITTANGA (RAPTURE)
This visually-striking Garo language drama follows 10-year-old boy in a northeast Indian village descending into paranoia, exploring the politics of fear and religious prophesizing. After taking the indie circuit by storm and winning big at last year’s APSA Awards, Dominic Sangma’s second feature Rimdogittanga (Rapture) is not to be missed.
OPENING NIGHT: MY MELBOURNE
After over four years in the works owing to numerous delays and a worldwide pandemic, the much anticipated My Melbourne film is finally here! ‘My Melbourne’ is a cross-cultural project led by four esteemed directors – Imtiaz Ali, Onir, Rima Das and Kabir Khan – and themed around the four pillars of diversity – Race, Gender, Sexuality and Disability – the anthology aims to interrogate belonging and identity.
It will premiere as the Opening Night film of IFFM 2024, appropriately held on August 15 (India’s 78th Independence Day), a day known for celebrating freedom and inclusion.
PARLIAMENT: KJO AND RANI MUKERJEE IN CANBERRA
Who said Melbourne should have all the fun? IFFM 2024 sees regulars Karan Johar and Rani Mukerjee stop by Canberra to give a keynote speech at Australia’s Parliament House – not to be mistaken with a Parliamentary address, which is more PM Modi’s MO.
They’ll be chatting about Indian cinema and the rich history it offers to the world at large, attended by a variety of dignitaries and oversized glasses enthusiasts alike – onya KJo and Rani.
CLOSING NIGHT: GIRLS WILL BE GIRLS
Winner of Sundance’s World Cinema Dramatic (Audience) Award, Girls will Be Girls is a coming-of-age film like no other; set in the Himalayan foothills, 16-year-old Mira’s discovery of romance and desire is disrupted by her protective mother.
Inspired by Director Shuchi Talati’s own experiences growing up, this Indo-French production was made with a majority female crew. Bring your girlfriends and your mum!
IFFM REGIONAL RHAPSODY: MRS AND HEADHUNTING TO BEATBOXING
Did someone say vLine daytrip? For the first time ever, IFFM 2024’s centrepiece film Mrs, starring Sanya Malhotra will have its Australian premiere in Bendigo. Meanwhile the highly anticipated World Premiere of AR Rahman and Rohit Gupta’s documentary Headhunting to Beatboxing will take place in Shepparton. For those who don’t fancy a journey into the regions, there’ll also be screening a bit closer in the CBD, and you’ll even have the chance to hear from AR Rahman himself as this year’s most esteemed guest.
IFFM BAARI
The newest addition to IFFM’s catalogue, ‘Baari’ combines a comedy night, networking evening and panel all in one. ‘Baari’ means home in Bengali, and here IFFM aims to provide a hub for networking and creative discussion, alongside a bit of dancing and fancy cocktails. Your chance to get up close and personal with Celebrity Chef Kishwar Chowdhury, Comedian Aarti Vincent, and Actor Sharon Johal.
READ ALSO: Review: Baakki Vaanavar (The Leftovers)
