ABC International and the National Indian Film Festival of Australia (NIFFA) have entered into a new partnership that will see the ABC become a media partner for the festival from 2027.
The organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering the 2027 festival and future editions during the term of the agreement, with the partnership involving ABC Australia and ABC Asia.
Under the arrangement, NIFFA will provide ABC International with access to its festival programme, filmmakers and talent, while ABC International will help bring the festival’s stories and activities to audiences across Asia and the Pacific.
The agreement also leaves scope for collaboration outside the annual festival. ABC International and NIFFA will explore opportunities to develop and share content, including the possible acquisition of selected films and documentaries from NIFFA programmes for ABC platforms.
The organisations will also consider developing Indian Australian content aimed at audiences interested in Indian and South Asian stories and perspectives.
Another proposal under the MoU is the possible introduction of an ABC-associated award at future editions of NIFFA, although details of any such award have yet to be established.
ABC International Head Claire M. Gorman said the partnership would support the ABC’s work to build connections between Australia and audiences across the region.
“India and Australia share deep and growing connections and storytelling plays an important role in bringing our communities closer together,” Gorman said.
“NIFFA provides an exciting platform for Indian and Indian-Australian voices, filmmakers and stories. We’re delighted to launch this partnership and look forward to sharing more of these stories with audiences across Asia and the Pacific, while helping Australian audiences deepen their understanding of India and its extraordinary diversity.”
NIFFA Festival Director and filmmaker Anupam Sharma said the partnership could give Indian Australian filmmakers greater access to audiences and broadcasting opportunities.
“Nearly a million Australians were born in India. For much of that history, our stories have often been interpreted and narrated by others,” Sharma said.
“This partnership with ABC International creates an opportunity to bring more of those stories to audiences in Australia and across the region.”
Sharma said having a broadcaster involved could help Indian Australian stories reach audiences beyond festival screenings.
“Without a broadcaster, our stories can remain conversations. With a broadcaster like the ABC, those conversations have the potential to reach wider audiences and become part of the record for future generations,” he said.
Planning for the 2027 NIFFA festival has already begun, with the two organisations expected to work on the first initiatives to emerge from the MoU.
ABC International operates the ABC’s international services, including ABC Australia television and ABC Asia’s digital platforms, which serve audiences across Asia and the Pacific.
The partnership comes as NIFFA prepares for its 2027 edition, with further details about programming and initiatives under the new agreement expected to emerge as planning progresses.
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