The much-anticipated Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025 has been officially launched, marking another milestone in the city’s deepening cultural ties with India through the language of cinema.
Festival director Mitu Bhowmick Lange unveiled the program on Wednesday at the NGV, dedicating this year’s edition to her father, who passed away earlier this month.
Running from 14–24 August 2025, the festival will showcase more than 75 films in 31 languages, including three world premieres, 11 international premieres, 100+ Australian premieres, and six Victorian premieres.
The screenings will take place not only in Melbourne’s cinemas, including Hoyts District Docklands and Village Cinemas Crown, but also across regional Victoria—from Bendigo to Shepparton and Geelong—ensuring wider community access.
“This year, our theme is ‘A Shared Spirit’, celebrating the many stories, voices, and communities that shape the Indian and South Asian cinematic landscape,” said Bhowmick Lange. “We have always focused on inclusion, diversity, and bringing people together through the power of storytelling.”
Festival highlights
Among the biggest draws this year is the screening of ‘Homebound’, a film that received a nine-minute standing ovation at Cannes. The powerful Manipuri film ‘Boong’, which is also the festival’s centrepiece, will be showcased alongside the director and lead actor in attendance.
IFFM will also pay tribute to classic Indian cinema, celebrating 100 years of Guru Dutt with restored versions of his iconic films Kaagaz Ke Phool and Pyaasa screening on the big screen.
In a strong nod to LGBTQIA+ storytelling, the festival will premiere India’s first LGBTQ+ film Fire, made in 1971 and only recently restored. A second screening will feature ‘My Sentiments Exactly’, adding to the festival’s commitment to spotlighting underrepresented voices.
One of the most anticipated events will be the NAB IFFM Awards Night on 15 August at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, featuring a special performance by singer Lisa Mishra. The awards have received hundreds of entries across categories like Best Film, Best Director, and Best Series.
Celebrity guests and masterclasses
A stellar line-up of Indian cinema’s biggest names will grace the festival. Acclaimed actor Aamir Khan will attend a special screening of his latest film, participate in a Q&A, and lead a conversation about his cinematic journey.
Other guests include casting director Mukesh Chhabra, who will conduct a masterclass for aspiring actors, offering insights into auditions, self-tapes, and how to break into Indian cinema. “Many talented actors don’t know where to start,” Bhowmick Lange explained. “This session will be a game-changer for anyone looking to pursue acting seriously.”
IFFM will also host a series of conversations with filmmakers, actors, and critics at Federation Square, as well as open-air screenings of classic films by AAmir Khan—turning the square into a cultural picnic under the stars.
Honouring a personal legacy
In an emotional moment, Bhowmick Lange dedicated the 2025 festival to her late father, who she said instilled in her a love for cinema from a young age. “He was known as ‘First Day First Show’ in our village because he never missed a movie. He would even take me out of school to watch a new film. He was the reason I fell in love with cinema,” she recalled fondly.
“This festival is a tribute to him and everyone who believes in the magic of movies.”
“IFFM is the only Indian film festival in the world supported by a foreign government,” noted Bhowmick Lange, adding that this speaks volumes about Australia’s commitment to multiculturalism.
“We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the magic of Indian cinema,” Bhowmick Lange concluded. “This festival is for the community, by the community.”
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