The critically acclaimed anthology film continues its winning streak with major honours at the prestigious Tongues on Fire – Flame Awards 2025.
The cross-cultural anthology My Melbourne has earned significant international acclaim, most recently winning Best Film and a Special Festival Award celebrating Longing and Belonging at the Tongues on Fire – Flame Awards 2025. This recognition cements the film’s status as a landmark in diasporic storytelling and multicultural cinema.
A cinematic tapestry woven through four deeply moving stories, My Melbourne explores powerful themes of identity, displacement, cultural belonging, and the human condition. The film is the result of a distinctive collaboration between renowned Indian filmmakers and emerging Australian talents from underrepresented backgrounds. Together, they have created a project that resonates across cultures, blending authenticity and emotional depth with artistic finesse.
Speaking on the film’s success, Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM, producer of My Melbourne and director of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, remarked,
“We are incredibly honoured and grateful for this recognition. My Melbourne is a labour of love that celebrates authentic, diverse voices and lived experiences. These awards are not just wins for the film, but for every story of identity, resilience, and community it represents.”
Celebrated filmmaker Onir, who directed one of the anthology’s segments, reflected on the project’s emotional impact:
“This project was close to my heart because it gave us the opportunity to tell stories that matter — stories that cross boundaries and touch the universal emotions of longing and belonging. I’m humbled and proud to be part of this beautiful journey.”
Director Imtiaz Ali echoed these sentiments, highlighting the emotional core of the film:
“Working on My Melbourne was a deeply enriching experience. To see it being honoured in this way reaffirms the importance of stories that explore human emotions beyond geographical limits. It’s a proud moment for all of us.”
Award-winning Assamese filmmaker Rima Das, known for her intimate storytelling style, shared,
“My Melbourne was born out of a desire to reflect the nuanced, everyday realities of migrants and their emotional journeys. This recognition is special because it tells us that these personal stories are also universal.”
Acclaimed director Kabir Khan added,
“Cinema has the power to bridge cultures and foster empathy, and My Melbourne is a testament to that. I’m truly grateful to have been part of a project that brings such meaningful narratives to life and gets recognised on a global platform.”
With its layered portrayal of multicultural life and emotional honesty, My Melbourne stands as a beacon of contemporary diasporic cinema, bringing together two nations through the universal language of storytelling. Its success at the Flame Awards not only honours the film’s artistic achievements but also signals a growing appetite for stories that reflect the true diversity of human experience.
As My Melbourne continues to captivate audiences around the world, its voice grows stronger — one that champions representation, empathy, and above all, a shared sense of belonging.
