Geelong will host the regional launch of the National Indian Film Festival of Australia (NIFFA) 2026 later this month, bringing five days of Indian film screenings and cultural events to the city.
The program forms part of the REEL Film Festival presented by the Geelong Waterfront Film Foundation and will begin with an opening night gala at Reading Cinemas Waurn Ponds on Wednesday 18 March. Screenings will continue across five days and include films in more than 18 languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Bengali and Malayalam, all with English subtitles.
The event follows the Geelong India Collaborative Futures Forum, a three day program highlighting opportunities for business, education and community engagement between Geelong and India.
The festival program has received support through a City of Greater Geelong Community Events Quick Response Grant. Activities will include a Bollywood Dance Party scheduled for Saturday 21 March.
Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM, who will host the opening night gala, said the initiative reflects the city’s ambition to expand its screen industry.
“Geelong has the talent, locations and industry support to grow a strong film and screen sector,” Mayor Kontelj said.
“Events like this connect our creative community with international partners and help showcase the region to new audiences.”
The film program arrives after the release of the Geelong Film Industry Growth and Investment Strategy, which aims to attract screen productions and strengthen the region’s creative economy.
Festival director and film maker Anupam Sharma said the decision to bring the program to Geelong also reflects long standing ties between the region and Indian cinema.
“Bringing the festival to Geelong brings back old and fond memories of filming some of the first Bollywood films in the region,” Mr Sharma said.
“The new co-production treaty and growing Indian diaspora is creating more India-centric Australian films, which allows us to connect with new audiences while also exploring opportunities for creative exchange.”
NIFFA expanded into regional centres in 2026 after debuting in major metropolitan cities last year.
Belinda Lyle, executive of the Geelong Waterfront Film Foundation, said the program supports a broader cultural shift in the city.
“Geelong is already a highly creative and artistic city and it’s undergoing an arts transformation that can be complemented by a strong film culture,” Ms Lyle said.
“Events like this help attract global interest, welcome fresh ideas and invite new audiences, which are all important steps in positioning Geelong as a genuine screen hub.”
Mr Sharma will also deliver a keynote address during the Geelong India Collaborative Futures Forum, where discussions will focus on co production, development and distribution opportunities.
The forum runs from 16 to 18 March and follows earlier collaboration initiatives between Geelong and Indian organisations, including a business roundtable in June and a memorandum of understanding signed in August.
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