Coalition commits to the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne

louise asher
Minister for Innovation and Trade, Louise Asher

  • Coalition announces renewal of funding for the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne
  • Expressions of interest  will also be called for a second government-supported culture-specific film festival
  • Napthine Government supporting closer cultural and economic ties with India

A re-elected Napthine Government will fund the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) for another four years, Minister for Innovation and Trade, Louise Asher announced today.

IFFM, which represents the implementation of a 2010 election commitment, has been a highly successful annual event that has raised the profile of Indian films in Melbourne as well as the profile of Victoria in India.

Ms Asher said the film festival is an important component of Victoria’s trade and cultural relationship with one of the world’s largest, and most diverse and exciting countries.

A re-elected Napthine Government will also call for expressions of interest in government support for a second, culture-specific film festival, building on the collaborative model of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, and fund this second festival for three years.

“Since its inception in 2012, IFFM has grown from strength to strength, with the 2014 event featuring more than 40 films in 20 languages over 10 days, as well as a number of other cultural events including a dance competition and the inaugural IFFM Awards,” Ms Asher said.

“The festival has also attracted an impressive array of Indian cinema superstars to Melbourne over the last three years, including the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, Festival Ambassador Vidya Balan and Simi Garewal.

“The Indian community is one of Victoria’s largest, most vibrant and most diverse, and I am pleased to be able to re-commit funding to this event,” Ms Asher said.

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