In a landmark moment for global cinematic cooperation, India and Australia have entered a new era of creative and institutional partnership at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.
Spearheaded by the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), a diverse Australian delegation of screen leaders arrived in Panjim to formalise one of the most ambitious Indo-Australian collaborations ever announced.
The delegation’s presence at IFFI 2025 marks a strategic shift in how the two nations approach film, culture, education and distribution. On November 21, IFFM and IFFI signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding establishing a three-year partnership aimed at strengthening ties between the Australian and Indian screen industries.
The day also saw the signing of three new MOUs, solidifying a long-term roadmap for shared festivals, industry exchange, distribution access and academic cooperation. These agreements were inked in the presence of Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece, Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, and representatives from both film fraternities.
Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece underscored the cultural significance of the collaboration, noting the scale and impact of the Indian diaspora in Australia. “Australia has one of the biggest Indian diasporas in the world, fuelling the growth of the local Indian film sector. More Australians than ever are embracing Indian cinema and all its colour, passion and energy. This agreement will strengthen the relationship between India and Melbourne, and create more local jobs, more films and more global exposure in the Indian film industry,” he said.
IFFM Festival Director and Mind Blowing Films founder Mitu Bhowmick Lange called the moment “transformative,” emphasising its scope and cultural value. “India and Australia have enjoyed a long and meaningful cultural connection, but what we are witnessing now is a truly transformative moment for our screen industries. These new partnerships reflect a shared commitment to collaboration, exchange and long-term creative growth,” she said.
She added that the agreements would help shape a holistic ecosystem benefiting filmmakers, producers, students and audiences on both sides. “From expanded festival linkages to academic partnerships and increased distribution access, the initiatives announced at IFFI represent the strongest and most holistic framework we have ever established together. I am deeply grateful to our Lord Mayor, Sanjay Jaju, the NFDC and IFFI for making this moment a reality that shall be etched in the new cultural landscape,” Mitu stated.
The collaborations announced at IFFI 2025 are set to significantly strengthen the Indo-Australian screen ecosystem, opening new pathways for co-productions, talent exchange, filmmaking education and global distribution. With IFFM leading the delegation, this alliance also marks a milestone in cultural diplomacy — one that uses cinema to bridge worlds, foster partnerships and expand creative horizons for the next generation of storytellers.
