Film co-production between Australia and India received a significant double boost this week with the ratification of a treaty proposed last year and a significant increase in the Indian government’s film production incentives.
An Australian delegation is attending Film Bazaar, a film market held concurrently with the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. Australian producer Helen Leake (Carnifex, Wolf Creek 2) will serve as a judge for the IFFI International Competition, and Anupam, an Australian filmmaker of Indian origin who is also a board member of the Australia-India Film Council. A documentary by Sharma, “Branded Bollywood Down Under,” was produced. I’m playing at a festival.
“Screen Australia is pleased that the Australia-India Treaty has entered into force. The Treaty provides a framework and opportunity to enhance creative cooperation between Australia and India. “It will enable producers from both countries to share the risks and resources of film financing, providing access to new markets and audiences,” a Screen Australia spokesperson told Variety.
The most high-profile Australian co-production filmed in India is Lion, starring BAFTA winner Dev Patel. ‘Indian’ starring Kamal Haasan, ‘Salaam Namaste’ starring Saif Ali Khan, ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ starring Aamir Khan, ‘Chak De India’ starring Shah Rukh Khan, etc. , Indian films featuring top talent are being shot in Australia. “Hey Baby” and “Singh is King” starring Akshay Kumar.
“As a practitioner, one of the most important things that’s going to happen is that we’ll have more options to hire more creative talent from India without losing out on the huge benefits of Australian content. As an Australian, the films I make are All are eligible for a 40% producer offset, but to qualify for that offset they must pass Australia’s significant content test, which means there are far too many from countries that Australia doesn’t accept. If I hire the creative head of , I lose that benefit if I sign a co-production (deal) with ,” Sharma told Variety.
“Unfortunately, despite the diversity push in Australia, there is still a shortage of Indian talent. However, due to the lack of co-production agreements, we hire people based on race and gender rather than talent. I had no choice but to do it,” Sharma said.
Sharma estimates that the combined budget for the series of films currently in development between Australia and India is AUD 65 million ($42.5 million). These include S. Shaktidharan’s Lakshmi’s Laughter, Bill Bennett’s The Defiant, Ali Syed’s Hindi Vindi, Kathy Roda and Lisa Duff’s Honor, and the documentary The Contains a fictional feature version of “Indian Cowboy: One in a Billion.” ” follows Indian country music singer Bobby Cash as he rises to fame after being invited to perform at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in New South Wales, Australia.
Australian film festivals and foundations are also keen to explore the benefits of the treaty and the fund. The Australian film “Sahera”, which revolves around an Indian couple in Sydney, premiered at the Adelaide Film Festival. Additionally, the Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund spends A$1 million ($650,000) annually. Matthew Kesting, the festival’s chief executive and creative director, told Variety: “The purpose and criteria of the fund is that it’s actually funded by the state of South Australia, South Australian taxpayers’ money. It was a cultural, economic or creative give back to South Australia.But in recent years we have dabbled in co-productions with a number of countries. The announcement regarding the production agreement is very exciting for us. We are really excited to present the world premiere of ‘Sahera’ and know that these stories are truly exciting. I confirmed. It’s a story that delves into diaspora connections and how cultures intersect. ”
Shelley Ramage, awards manager at the Australia-based Asia Pacific Screen Academy, which organizes the Asia Pacific Screen Awards each year, said: together. This feels like a homecoming to me, and what was naturally meant to be together becomes more formal. We look forward to more stories from both sides becoming important and especially recognized by the Australian Government. ”
Mr Sharma added: “Australia has the most professional film industry in the world and of course India has by far the most prolific film industry. And their marriage is a win-win for both parties.”
