The Indian Film Festival of Sydney (IFFS) is back this October, celebrating its 11th anniversary edition with three unforgettable days of cinema, culture, and conversation. After a pause during the COVID years, IFFS proudly returns in person from 9–11 October 2025, once again bringing to Sydney audiences the very best of Indian storytelling and voices from across the diaspora.
This year’s festival opens with the Sydney premiere of Full Plate — the highly anticipated directorial debut of acclaimed actor-turned-filmmaker Tannishtha Chatterjee, produced by Ashutosh Goswami and Anup Chitnis. The film stars Kirti Kulhari in a career-defining role, alongside Sharib Hashmi, Monica Dogra, and Indraneil Sengupta.
Full Plate recently made its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival 2025, where it received strong critical praise. The film tells the moving story of a Muslim homemaker in Mumbai whose husband’s sudden accident compels her to step into the workforce, sparking both her own journey of self-discovery and her husband’s insecurities. It is a tale of resilience, identity, and transformation that resonates far beyond its cultural setting.
Reflecting on the film’s journey, Tannishtha Chatterjee shared:
“This film was born out of struggle, grit, and hope, and sharing it with the Sydney audience feels like bringing the journey full circle.”
Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM, the visionary also behind the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, expressed the significance of opening with Full Plate:
“There is something deeply resonant about this film. Tannishtha’s courage and determination to tell this story despite overwhelming odds reflects exactly why Indian cinema matters — because it does more than entertain, it reveals, it heals, it challenges. We are honoured to welcome Sydney audiences back with Full Plate and three days of cinema that probe, celebrate, and uplift.”
A Rich Lineup of Cinema and Conversation
Beyond the Opening Night, this year’s IFFS offers a carefully curated program of 15+ films, spanning multiple languages, genres, and perspectives. The lineup will feature:
- Independent gems from emerging voices across India and the diaspora.
- Feature films, shorts, and documentaries that push creative boundaries.
- Panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and filmmaker conversations, creating opportunities for audiences to engage directly with the art and artists.
From powerful dramas to thought-provoking documentaries, the festival showcases the diversity and dynamism of Indian cinema, reaffirming its place as a global cultural force.
A Moment of Revival
For Sydney, the 2025 edition marks not just the festival’s return but a revival of connection through storytelling. The Indian Film Festival of Sydney has always been more than a film showcase — it is a celebration of culture, identity, and dialogue. This October, the city will once again experience the richness of Indian cinema, welcoming filmmakers and audiences to come together in a shared love of stories that inspire, challenge, and unite.
The Indian Film Festival of Sydney runs 9–11 October 2025.
Opening Night: Full Plate by Tannishtha Chatterjee, Thursday 9th October, with director Tannishtha Chatterjee and lead actor Kirti Kulhari in attendance.
