The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has selected Australia as the featured country for its next 55th edition, to be held in Goa from November 20 to 28. The selection followed the recently ratified audiovisual co-production treaty between the two countries.
The FIAPF-sanctioned festival will screen seven Australian films highlighting the work of both Indigenous and contemporary filmmakers. Oscar-winning cinematographer John Seale (Mad Max: Fury Road, The English Patient) will be conducting a masterclass as part of the Australian delegation.
Film Bazaar, South Asia’s largest film market, will be held concurrently with IFFI and will include representatives from Screen Australia, State Film Boards and Ausfilm. The Australian Government is providing funding to explore co-production opportunities with up to six producers on board.
The market will feature Australian project ‘Home Before Night’ in the co-production market lineup. To foster networking between filmmakers from both countries, a day dedicated to Australian co-productions is being planned, which will also include panel discussions focusing on bilateral production opportunities.
Australia’s presence extends to Film Bazaar’s Film Office exhibition area, where attendees will be introduced to Australian filming locations and production incentives. Under the new co-production treaty, qualifying projects can receive grants from both countries.
India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said in a statement: “This special recognition highlights Australian cinema’s rich storytelling tradition, vibrant film culture and innovative film technology, and highlights Australian cinema’s dynamic contribution to the global film industry. “It’s also about celebrating contributions.”
The 55th and 56th edition of IFFI will be led by filmmaker Shekhar Kapur. Australian actor Cate Blanchett received her first Oscar nomination for her role in Kapoor’s Elizabeth.
The most high-profile Australian co-production filmed in India is the BAFTA-winning Lion. ‘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.
