In recent years, both the Indian and Australian governments are seeing creative industries as a new growth area with booming business and employment opportunities for both young and established entrepreneurs. Post-1990s, with the economic liberalization phase in India, and thanks to the 25-million-strong Indian diaspora, Bollywood has emerged as a powerful cultural mascot not just for India but also the Indian diaspora in Australia.
Today, Bollywood films occupy prime slots in mainstream cinemas such as Hoyts, regularly. Australia has beyond doubt become a lasting hot destination for leading Indian filmmakers, with blockbusters like Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Salaam Namaste (2005), Chak De! India (2007), Singh is King (2008), and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2014), to name a select few among the more than 100 Indian films, television serials, commercials and music videos that have been shot in Australia.
The University of Newcastle is now inviting scholars, filmmakers and community members to join them in a one-day symposia on “Creative and Cultural Dimensions of Bollywood” to discuss the themes of (but not limited to) creative industries and practices in Bollywood; production, distribution, and consumption of Bollywood Films in Australia; challenges for Australian-Indian film collaborations; opportunities in emerging crossover cinema; Bollywood films and film festivals in Australia; and the role of Indian community organisations in promoting Bollywood.
The symposia would be followed by a one day film festival on 8 May and 9 May featuring short, documentary, crossover, and Bollywood films. Those interested in screening their films and making a presentation at the symposia can email the title of their paper/film along with a 150-word abstract and 50-word biographical note to Dr Vikrant Kishore (vikrant.kishore@newcastle.edu.au).
Donate To The Indian Sun
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun is an independent organisation committed to community journalism. We have, through the years, been able to reach a wide audience especially with the growth of social media, where we also have a strong presence. With platforms such as YouTube videos, we have been able to engage in different forms of storytelling. However, the past few years, like many media organisations around the world, it has not been an easy path. We have a greater challenge. We believe community journalism is very important for a multicultural country like Australia. We’re not able to do everything, but we aim for some of the most interesting stories and journalism of quality. We call upon readers like you to support us and make any contribution. Do make a DONATION NOW so we can continue with the volume and quality journalism that we are able to practice.
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Team The Indian Sun
