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The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne has begun. The first event of the festival – the opening press conference – took place this morning at Melbourne’s central business district.
Present at the IFFM were Mitu Bhowmick Lange, director of the festival and actors Rani Mukerji, Freida Pinto, Richa Chadha, Ali Fazal, Rajkumar Hirani, Vicky Kaushal, Abhijaat Joshi, Mrunal Thakur and comedian Saadiya Ali.
The Hichki actress spoke about being the guest of honour and what coming to the festival means to her,
“I’m really happy to be here representing my country, my film and my fraternity. A big Thank you to the Victorian government for supporting the Indian film fraternity The Indian film fraternity is so diverse, So many languages and cultures so it’s great to see films from various cultures under one roof. I thank Mitu for inviting me. And this trip is special because I’m coming here with my daughter. It’s the first time she’s seeing Melbourne”
Freida Pinto’s whose Love Sonia is screening at the festival said,
“Love Sonia gives you a glimpse into the world of sex trafficking, but it still doesn’t show the entire world of it. Also we didn’t want to make a gratuitous film. At the end of the day we want people to to understand the sense of what really happens in this part of the world and how much of it is kept away from us. So as an artist when you get an opportunity to be part of such a film that can raise a global conversation, it’s fun to adapt to the character but it’s also but More than that you’re raising a very important topic which will leave the audiences with something to ponder on”.
Speaking about his attendance and his film Sanju being a part of the festival, director Rajkumar Hirani said,
“Mitu is an inspiration for many. She’s always been kind to have me here and I’m looking to IFFM. Australia is a great country and with Melbourne being such an amazing city, I’m looking forward to meeting people here”.
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne started today, 10th of August and will conclude on 22nd August in Melbourne, Australia. The festival will screen over 60 films from all across India and the subcontinent in over 22 languages. Film lovers will get to interact with their favourite actors, directors and writers at the festival in event like Panel Discussions and Q&As post the screening.
