INDIA: The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), scheduled to take place in Goa from November 20–28, 2024, will shine a spotlight on Australia as the Country of Focus. This marks a landmark moment in the growing cultural and cinematic ties between the two nations. Hosting over 50 Australian delegates, the event represents one of the largest international delegations in the festival’s history.
Anupam Sharma, Chair of the Australia India Film Council and a celebrated filmmaker, underscored the significance of this milestone. “This is not just the biggest Australian delegation to date, but it comes at a pivotal moment. With a co-production treaty in place and the Indian diaspora in Australia now the largest after the British, the opportunities for collaboration are unparalleled. It’s the perfect time to forge deeper screen connections between the two nations,” he said.
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Spotlight on Collaboration and Storytelling
The Australian delegation includes prominent industry organizations such as Screen Australia, Ausfilm, and Screen Producers Australia (SPA), along with a host of filmmakers and creative professionals. A highlight of the festival is Co-Production Day, organized by Screen Australia to promote the Australia-India audiovisual co-production agreement. This initiative aims to foster partnerships and inspire storytelling that resonates globally.
Grainne Brunsdon, Chief Operating Officer of Screen Australia, shared her enthusiasm: “Australian screen content is known for its bold, diverse, and thought-provoking storytelling. The co-production treaty marks an exciting step forward in strengthening the partnership between our countries, offering vast opportunities for filmmakers to co-create content that speaks to both local and global audiences.”
Showcasing Australian Cinema
The festival will spotlight Australian cinema, opening with the highly anticipated feature film Better Man. In addition, seven other Australian films—The Moogai, Runt, In Vitro, Force of Nature: The Dry 2, The Rooster, The Speedway Murders, and Addition—will be screened, showcasing a range of genres from thrilling dramas to heartfelt narratives.
The festival also highlights creative collaboration through the participation of Home Before Night in the Film Bazaar’s Co-Production Market, offering filmmakers opportunities to engage in innovative projects.
A Platform for Learning and Collaboration
IFFI 2024 goes beyond film screenings to offer avenues for knowledge sharing and skill development. Australian delegates from leading film institutions will participate in workshops and panel discussions, emphasizing expertise in screenwriting, digital technologies, and film production. These sessions are designed to inspire Indian filmmakers and foster academic exchange between the two nations.
Strengthening Ties
Nick McCaffrey, Australian Deputy High Commissioner to India, reflected on the cultural synergy between the countries: “Today, Indians are woven into the contemporary Australian story. The more than one million Indian diaspora in Australia is a catalyst for fostering mutual understanding and creative collaboration. Given these linkages, the future of our film partnership is highly promising.”
Highlighting the financial and creative impact of these collaborations, Sharma added, “With over $80 million worth of Australian screen content connected to India, much of it supported by organizations like Screen Australia and Screen Queensland, the collaboration is set to grow stronger. The time is ripe to share compelling stories on screen, capitalizing on this fertile creative partnership.”
IFFI – A Promising Future
IFFI 2024 celebrates the creative spirit of Australian cinema while setting the stage for deeper cross-cultural storytelling and impactful film education. This collaboration represents more than just a celebration of cinematic art; it is a gateway to a future filled with dynamic and interconnected creative exchanges, heralding a new era in the global screen industry.
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