Perth has opened its edition of the National Indian Film Festival of Australia (NIFFA) with a sold-out gala, drawing backing from government, civic, academic and cultural institutions and signalling a broader push to position Western Australia in the India–Australia screen relationship.
Supported by the City of Perth, Department of Creative Industries, Murdoch University, WA Museum, State Library of Western Australia, Reading Cinemas Belmont, the Consulate of India in Perth and the Indian Society of Western Australia, the festival’s local chapter has expanded beyond a standard film programme.
In its second year, NIFFA spans more than 13 cities, presenting 32 films across 15 Indian languages, with screenings billed as Australian, international or world premieres. The Perth programme opened with BOONG, described by organisers as the first Indian film to win a BAFTA, and includes titles such as ASSI as part of a tribute to filmmaker Anubhav Sinha, alongside Tanvi The Great and Manthan. A workshop on disability and inclusion is also scheduled.
Alongside the screenings, Perth has been used to launch new initiatives tied to Indian cinema and cultural exchange. The festival hosted the unveiling of Punjab Focus and the launch of PTC ANZ, led by Hon Dr Parwinder Kaur MLC. Organisers indicated early steps towards Punjabi co-production investment between India and Australia, with Western Australia identified as a potential production base.
Consul General of India in Perth Ms Kajri Biswas said, “We are proud to support NIFFA’s growing presence in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Festivals like NIFFA do far more than showcase cinema, they deepen cultural understanding, strengthen community ties, and create lasting bridges between India and Australia. It is encouraging to see WA and NT becoming important parts of this national platform for Indian storytelling.”
Festival Director Anupam Sharma said the Perth edition marked a shift in how Western Australia is viewed within the broader screen partnership. “NIFFA’s Western Australian edition is not just another festival stop, it is a statement that Perth and WA belong in the national and international conversation around Indian cinema… That is exactly what NIFFA was built for,” he said.
Dr Parwinder Kaur MLC said the initiative could link cultural identity with economic opportunity. “Stories have the power to connect continents… this is not only about celebrating identity on screen, but about unlocking real opportunities for collaboration between Western Australia and India, turning shared stories into shared success,” she said.
Perth Lord Mayor Right Honourable Bruce Reynolds said the event aligned with the city’s international outlook. “Perth is proud to welcome NIFFA and the energy, diversity and international attention it brings…” he said, adding that festivals of this scale help strengthen ties with global communities and support engagement with creative industries.
Rajiee M Shinde, CEO of PTC Entertainment, said the launch of PTC ANZ and Punjab Focus would support Punjabi storytelling internationally. “Western Australia offers a fresh and exciting base for future collaboration, and we see tremendous potential here for creative partnerships, audience growth and meaningful screen investment,” she said.
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