The 30th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) recently spotlighted My Melbourne, an anthology film that beautifully captures the essence of Melbourne, showcasing the city’s vibrant diversity and inclusivity. Held at the historic Nandan Film and Cultural Centre, the screening was a memorable occasion for both Melbourne and Kolkata—two cities united by a unique connection through trams. This shared bond, explored in the film, added an extra layer of significance to the event.
The screening was made even more special by the presence of the film’s directors—Imtiaz Ali, Onir, and Rima Das—who participated in a unique tram ride with the audience. The directors shared their insights and stories from the making of My Melbourne, allowing the audience to connect more deeply with the journey of the film.
Held at the iconic Nandan-I, Kolkata’s renowned cultural venue with a seating capacity of 960, the screening was completely sold out, reflecting the deep enthusiasm and interest of the local audience. The success of this screening mirrored the film’s impact at other prestigious festivals, further establishing My Melbourne as a standout film that resonates with audiences around the world.
An Anthology of Diversity
My Melbourne, an anthology directed by Onir, Kabir Khan, Imtiaz Ali, and Rima Das, features four short stories based on true events that explore powerful themes of sexuality, gender, disability, and race. Set in Melbourne, the film highlights the city’s spirit of inclusivity and celebrates the voices of marginalized communities. Each segment offers a unique perspective on the human experience, making it a universally relatable film that transcends cultural and language barriers.
Producer Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM shared her thoughts on the overwhelming response at the Nandan Theatre, where the audience’s emotional connection to the stories mirrored the appreciation My Melbourne had received in Melbourne. “The audience responded just like they did in Melbourne, with applause and appreciation,” Lange said. She emphasized that the universal nature of the film’s themes allowed it to resonate deeply with the audience, regardless of cultural background. “The human emotions portrayed in the film are universal,” she noted.
A Vision of Empowerment and Inclusivity
The journey of My Melbourne began at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, where Mitu Bhowmick Lange and Onir recognized the need to create a platform for marginalized voices in Australian cinema. “We wanted to mentor emerging creatives, especially within the South Asian film community in Australia,” Mitu explained. This vision led to the creation of My Melbourne, a project that amplifies underrepresented voices both on-screen and behind the scenes.
Each short film in the anthology embodies this commitment to inclusivity. Rima Das’s segment tells the story of a deaf girl who dreams of becoming a dancer, and it features an entirely authentic cast and crew, including a deaf writer and actor. Kabir Khan’s short film focuses on race, following a 15-year-old Afghan cricket player who escapes the Taliban and finds a sense of belonging in Melbourne through sport. The character, Setara Amiri, is played by an Afghan refugee who was part of a cricket team before fleeing to Australia. This story captures the authenticity of the refugee experience in a compelling way.
Producer Lange highlighted the importance of celebrating diversity not only on-screen but also behind the scenes. “All the films are set in Melbourne, told through the lens of migration. The four iconic directors worked closely with local cast and crew from underrepresented backgrounds,” she said. This collaborative effort was crucial in bringing the film’s stories to life while honoring Melbourne’s spirit of inclusivity.
From Kolkata to Chennai: A Global Celebration
After its successful screening at the 30th Kolkata International Film Festival, My Melbourne was also showcased at the 22nd Chennai International Film Festival (CIFF), where it received an equally enthusiastic reception.
The audience in Chennai was excited to see Melbourne on the big screen for the first time, and many expressed a newfound appreciation for the city through the film. “What made this experience even more special was witnessing the long waiting queues and the eagerness of the audience to watch My Melbourne,” Mitu shared. The full-house screening on a Saturday afternoon highlighted the growing global interest in diverse, authentic storytelling.
The Stories of My Melbourne
The film’s four interconnected stories delve into different aspects of diversity, each offering a unique narrative. One story follows Indraneel, a queer Indian man who reunites with his estranged father in Melbourne to complete a ceremonial ritual. The story explores the complexities of their relationship, navigating grief and the power of forgiveness. In another segment, newly married Sakshi forms an unexpected bond with Jules, a homeless woman, as they confront their personal struggles and find a sense of connection despite their differences.
Rima Das’s segment tells the inspiring story of Emma, a talented deaf dancer who grapples with self-doubt and discrimination. Her journey takes a turn when she meets another deaf dancer who helps her embrace her uniqueness. The final story centers on Setara, a 15-year-old Afghan refugee who rebuilds her life in Melbourne after fleeing the Taliban. Through her love for cricket, she finds a sense of belonging and healing, despite the trauma of her past.
Film Details
Producer: Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM
Directors: Imtiaz Ali, Kabir Khan, Rima Das, Onir
Cast:
- Kat Stewart
- Arushi Sharma
- Arka Das
- Brad Hodge
- Setara Amiri
- Ryanna Lawson
Synopsis: My Melbourne is an anthology film centered around the four pillars of diversity—sexuality, gender, disability, and race. The four interconnected stories, based on real-life incidents, unfold in Melbourne and explore themes of identity, belonging, and resilience. Indraneel, a queer Indian man, reconciles with his father. Sakshi and Jules, from vastly different backgrounds, form a connection. Emma, a deaf dancer, overcomes self-doubt to embrace her identity. Setara, a 15-year-old Afghan refugee, navigates life in Melbourne through cricket.
A Global Phenomenon
As My Melbourne continues its journey across global film festivals, it remains a powerful testament to the universality of human experiences and the importance of celebrating diversity. Through its authentic portrayal of Melbourne’s multicultural landscape, the film connects deeply with audiences worldwide, inviting them to reflect on shared themes of identity, belonging, and resilience. My Melbourne is not just a celebration of a city, but of the human spirit that binds us all together.
