Sydney, Jan 22: The inaugural National Indian Film Festival of Australia (NIFFA) has been announced, with the event set to celebrate the best of Indian cinema across multiple Australian cities from 13 February to 2 March 2025.
Supported by the Indian High Commission, Indian Consulates, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), and media partner SBS, this festival aims to strengthen cultural ties between India and Australia through the universal language of film.
NIFFA is unique in its structure, featuring an all-female nomination council of Australian Indian film professionals. Among its members are Zee Studios’ Head of Operations Achala Datar, award-winning Producer Deepti Sachdeva, Film and Arts Writer Neeru Saluja, and Actress and Emerging Director Amruta Apte.
In partnership with the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC), NIFFA will feature a curated section of Indian films.
The festival promises a diverse line-up of events, including masterclasses, industry panels, and cultural celebrations, making it more than just a showcase of cinema.
Festival Director Anupam Sharma highlighted the festival’s collaborative ethos, saying it aims to be “a quintessential Aussie celebration with the participation of a growing number of Aussie film professionals from the Indian diaspora.”
With screenings and events planned in Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Canberra, NIFFA seeks to bring the richness of Indian cinema to Australian audiences.
The festival’s organisers, Anupam Sharma and Peter Castaldi, emphasised their desire to celebrate Indian cinema in its entirety, moving beyond Bollywood to highlight the diversity of storytelling and talent within the industry.
“Anupam and I wanted to celebrate Indian cinema in its totality, not just Bollywood or its stars,” said Festival Co-Director Peter Castaldi, acknowledging the cross-cultural collaboration that has driven the festival’s creation.
The event has garnered widespread support from dignitaries, including Indian High Commissioner to Australia His Excellency Gopal Baglay, who praised the festival for its role in strengthening cultural connections. Representatives from the Indian Consulates in Sydney and Brisbane echoed this sentiment, highlighting cinema’s ability to transcend boundaries and foster unity.
Dendy Cinemas, a key partner, has also expressed excitement about the event.
CEO Sharon Strickland described it as “a landmark celebration of cinema that bridges cultures,” with the cinema chain bringing the festival’s vibrant films to screens nationwide.
SBS, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, joins as a media partner through its South Asian network. David Hua, Director of Audio Language Content at SBS Audio, expressed pride in supporting the festival, recognising its importance in enriching Australia’s multicultural storytelling landscape.
The National Indian Film Festival of Australia will run from 13 February to 2 March 2025.
For more information, visit niffa.com.au.
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