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Tag: Indian filmmakers

  • ‘My Melbourne’ hits home, Indian directors put Aussie city on silver screen

    ‘My Melbourne’ hits home, Indian directors put Aussie city on silver screen

    MUMBAI: Ever felt the urge to pack your bags for Melbourne, but your wallet disagreed violently? Relax, India’s finest filmmakers are bringing the Aussie charm straight to you. Forget about flight costs and pesky visas—My Melbourne is your cinematic passport, presenting a city bursting with diversity, cricket fever, and more multicultural spice than your favourite curry.

    Premiering in Australia and New Zealand on 6 March 2025 and released in India on 14 March, My Melbourne is co-presented by Visit Victoria and is an anthology of four unique stories. Directed by India’s film powerhouses—Kabir Khan, Imtiaz Ali, Onir, and Rima Das—the film explores identity, belonging, and the spirit of multicultural Melbourne through true-to-life narratives.

    Each director puts their signature spin on stories woven around diversity’s four pillars: sexuality, gender, disability, and race. Curious yet? Let’s dive into these captivating tales:

    In Nandini, directed by Onir, Indraneel, a queer Indian man, reunites with his estranged father in Melbourne for a ceremonial ritual. Expect some father-son fireworks, raw emotions, and maybe a box of tissues.

    Jules, directed by Arif Ali under the creative guidance of Imtiaz Ali, follows Sakshi, a newly married woman bonding with Jules, a homeless local. Who knew friendship could bloom amid Melbourne’s streets, coffee shops, and unpredictable weather?

    Rima Das directs Emma, a heartfelt story of a talented deaf dancer overcoming discrimination and self-doubt after an inspiring meeting with another deaf dancer. Talk about dancing to your own rhythm!

    And then there’s Setara, a real-life epic directed by Kabir Khan, about a courageous 15-year-old Afghan girl rebuilding her life in Melbourne after fleeing the Taliban. Cricket and resilience? Move over, Hollywood superheroes.

    “Through this cinematic journey, explore the uniqueness of Melbourne that makes it every bit different. Enjoy Melbourne through this creative lens that showcases art, culture, food, sport, entertainment and hidden laneways. Don’t miss this colourful celebration of unity and diversity!” says the film’s promotional team. A bit dramatic? Maybe. But hey, it’s cinema!

    So, why not grab some popcorn and experience Melbourne’s captivating diversity right from your couch? Beats battling jetlag any day.

  • TP Aggarwal re-elected as Film Federation of India president

    TP Aggarwal re-elected as Film Federation of India president

    NEW DELHI: Filmmaker and distributor TP Aggarwal has been unanimously elected as president of the apex body of Indian filmmakers, the Film Federation of India (FFI).

    Aggarwal, who has headed FFI earlier, succeeds JP Chowksey. The new post will be effective from 1 January. He was elected at the first meeting of the FFI executive committee held immediately after the 62nd Annual General Meeting.

    Aggarwal represents the Indian Motion Picture & Producers Association (IMPPA).

    Supran Sen will continue as the secretary general of the FFI.

    Other office bearers elected are as follows:

    Vice Presidents: J. P. Chowksey (Central); Bobby Bedi (West); N. Datar (West); C Kalyan (South); T Siva (South); Thomas D’Souza (South); Kaimal Nanda Kumar (South); Murali Mohan Rao (South); Krishna Daga (East); and G D Mehta (North).

    Honorary General Secretaries: Ravi Kottarakara (South) and Hirachand Dand (West).

    Honorary Treasurer: Sangram Shirke (West)

  • Film Commission to facilitate Indian and foreign filmmakers shoot in country

    Film Commission to facilitate Indian and foreign filmmakers shoot in country

    NEW DELHI: A Film Commission of India is proposed to be set up to serve as a single-window clearance system for foreign and Indian filmmakers who propose to shoot their films in the country.

    Information and Broadcasting Ministry sources told indiantelevision.com that the Commission will provide all permissions required from different agencies in the Government of India for filming of feature films, short films, documentaries, television programmes, commercials and music videos.
     
    The sources added that the Commission will also provide support to these filmmakers in obtaining requisite permissions from the state governments and local authorities.

    A proposal in this regard is in the final stages of preparation in the I & B ministry for being put up before the Union Cabinet for its approval.

  • Thailand taps Indian filmmakers with beautiful locales

    Thailand taps Indian filmmakers with beautiful locales

    MUMBAI: In its bid to pep up the number of Indian filmmakers shooting their films in Thailand, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is making fresh initiatives. As films are the most effective medium to attract tourism, the TAT is looking at tapping the Indian film industry in a big way.


    Said Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Suraphon Svetasreni, “Over the years, the number of Indian films shot in our country have been increasing. Indians prefer shooting at locations like Bangkok and Pattaya. Now these are the times that we introduce them and educate the filmmakers on new avenues that would be best captured in films.” He was hinting at places like Rayong, Phuket, Koh Chang and Krabi.


    In this connection, people at TAT plan to showcase new destinations to filmmakers. Incidentally, TAT has been inviting filmmakers of big-budget films like Race 2 and Housefull 2 on one hand while on the other, it has been tapping small budget and regional filmmakers. Out of 100 films shot in Thailand last year, over 44 were Telugu films.


    According to TAT marketing and public relations officer Sonalee Vaz, Thailand is a value for money destination and, hence, doesn’t look at giving investment perks.