Two thought provoking films will premiere on the Opening Gala Night of IFFM 2021 at HOYTS Melbourne Central on 12 August.
The program for the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2021 was formally launched today by Mitu Bhowmick Lange, Festival Director. The annual event celebrates the diversity of India through its cinema. Screening of ‘Bittu’ by Karishma Dube and ‘WOMB-Women of My Billion’ by Ajitesh Sharma will mark the Opening Gala Night at HOYTS Melbourne Central at 8 PM on 12 August 2021.
Over 100 films in 26 languages will be screened during the festival. IFFM 2021 has partnered with HOYTS to screen a selection of films in theatres. All the films will be available for viewing free online, with an option to donate to the Mental Health Foundation Australia. There will also be a Short Film Competition as part of the rich calendar of events.
The screenings in cinemas will be between 12-21 August at HOYTS in Melbourne Central, Docklands, Chadstone and Highpoint. The online screenings, free to watch Australia-wide, will be available between 15—30 August.
There will also be a Flag Hoisting Ceremony to commemorate India’s 75th Independence Day.
Other events during IFFM include Panel Discussions, Dance Competition, and an Awards Ceremony.
The films being showcased have been divided into categories that are:
Hurrah Bollywood
Beyond Bollywood
Short Films (Official Selection)
Documentaries
Film India World
Films from the Subcontinent
Made in Melbourne
There will be special screenings ‘Celebrating the Centenary of Satyajit Ray’, ‘Tribute to Dilip Kumar’ and ‘Celebrating the Music of SP Balasubrahmanyam’ at Federation Square and online. Details will be available on iffm.com.au.
The festival organisers plan to release a mobile phone app to enable ‘Apple TV style’ streaming of online movies on television sets.
