The National Indian Film Festival of Australia (NIFFA) is making a bold entrance as the country’s first-ever nationwide celebration of Indian cinema. Expanding its footprint, NIFFA 2025 will run for 18 days, from 13 February to 2 March, reaching Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Canberra.
With a lineup spanning multiple genres, languages, and cultural narratives, the festival goes beyond screenings. Industry discussions on co-productions, investment, distribution, and film development will cement stronger ties between the Australian and Indian film industries.
Adding to its fresh approach, NIFFA has introduced an all-women Nomination Council, bringing together leading Australian Indian film professionals. The panel includes Zee Studios’ Achala Datar, producer Deepti Sachdeva, writer Neeru Saluja, and actress-director Amruta Apte, ensuring diverse perspectives in film selection.
The festival has received strong backing from the Indian High Commission in Canberra, consulates in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), and Special Broadcasting Service (SBS). Industry giants from both countries, including NDTV, NFDC, and Dendy Cinemas, are also on board.
Indian High Commissioner in Australia, Shri Gopal Bagley, spoke on the unifying force of cinema, saying, “The power of cinema transcends borders, cultures, and languages. Bringing the celebration of Indian cinema to Australia highlights its global appeal and also the deep cultural connection between the two countries through the one-million-strong Indian diaspora and beyond.”
Mrs. Neetu M. Bhagotia, Consul General of India in Brisbane, echoed this sentiment, noting, “Cinema transcends boundaries, weaving stories that resonate universally. The National Indian Film Festival of Australia aims to celebrate this power, bringing diverse cultures of our two great nations together through shared emotions and narratives.”
For the first time, India’s National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) will contribute a curated selection of films, adding another layer of prestige to the event. Partnerships with NDTV, SBS Audio, and Dendy Cinemas have further bolstered NIFFA’s standing on the international stage.
Festival Director Anupam Sharma is determined to shape NIFFA as a uniquely Australian event, saying, “I am keen to ensure that this overdue celebration is a quintessential Aussie event with the participation of a growing number of Australian film professionals from the Indian diaspora. We are also encouraged by the overwhelming support from influential organisations embracing the festival.”
Festival Co-Director Peter Castaldi is keen to move the spotlight beyond Bollywood, stating, “Anupam and I wanted to celebrate Indian cinema in its totality, not just Bollywood or its stars. Now, with NDTV and NFDC support from India and DENDY and SBS Audio support from Australia, it is turning out to be a truly stellar collaboration.”
Dr. S Janakiraman, Consul General of India in Sydney, underlined the festival’s role in strengthening the India-Australia film relationship. “With our heritage and legacy of Indian cinema, we have a strong foundation to showcase India through the lens of Indian cinema in Australia. The festival encourages talent, storytelling, and investment through the India-Australia Co-production Agreement.”
Industry figures have also voiced their excitement. Sharon Strickland, CEO of Dendy Cinemas, described NIFFA as a milestone event, while David Hua, Director of Audio Language Content at SBS Audio, noted the perfect timing of this collaboration as SBS celebrates its 50th anniversary.
With its grand ambitions and a growing list of supporters, NIFFA 2025 is shaping up to be a defining moment for Indian cinema in Australia.
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