The Andrews Labor Government will help bring more stories of migrant life to the silver screen, backing local talent to create short films with a new development program.
The Labor Government will invest $1.4 million over the next two years – for the My Melbourne screen initiative to be delivered in partnership with Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.
The program will support local South Asian screen talent to take a big career step, while creating short films based on diverse migrant experiences.
Each short film will showcase the talent of South Asian writers, actors and crew living and working in Melbourne and offer skills development opportunities for emerging screen industry workers.
Local talent will be mentored by high-profile Indian film directors Kabir Khan, Rima Das, Imtiaz Ali and Onir as they develop and produce their short films. The four short films will be released as a feature length anthology and will screen at next year’s festival.
The Government backing will support film creators to showcase diverse stories addressing race, gender, sexuality and disability while also investing in the careers of up-and-coming on and off screen talent.
Supported through VicScreen, the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne is the largest annual celebration of Indian cinema outside of India. A program of over 100 films showcasing a wide range of genres, themes and voices opens in Melbourne today.
The four short films will commence production in Melbourne in the coming months, are set to premiere at the 2023 festival. For more information about My Melbourne, visit iffm.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos
“Home to more than a third of Australia’s Indian migrants, Victoria proudly embraces Indian culture through major events like the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.”
“My Melbourne is an exciting addition to IFFM and to our screen industry offering, bringing new local stories and diverse perspectives to the screen while showcasing our next generation of talent to audiences across the world.”
Quote attributable to IFFM Director Mitu Bhowmick
“This unique initiative will empower and upskill emerging creatives from diverse backgrounds and celebrate authentic stories made in the most inclusive and accessible way - while creating strong ties between the Indian and Victorian screen communities "
Reviewed 12 August 2022