In a landmark cultural exchange, the National Indian Film Festival of Australia (NIFFA) continues to grow as one of the largest and most significant celebrations of Indian cinema outside India, bringing stories, voices, and creative talent to audiences across the country.
This year’s festival is expanding across more than 13 Australian cities, featuring over 40 films, including 32 official selections, all premiering in Australia. Showcasing films in 15 languages, the festival reflects the extraordinary diversity of Indian cinema while reinforcing its core mission of bringing Australia and India closer through cinema, culture, and community.
The festival was opened with a grand reception hosted by the Lord Mayor of Greater Geelong and began its long journey across Australia over the next three months including a historic footprint in outback and regional Australia, supported by government agencies across Australia, reflecting the growing recognition of Indian cinema as a powerful tool of cultural diplomacy. Next important step is Dendy in Sydney from 9th to 12th April and Dendy in Canberra from 9th to 12th April.
- Sydney: https://niffa.com.au/program/sydney/
- Canberra: https://niffa.com.au/program/canberra/
Tickets went on sale to a heavy demand for the films which are all Australian premiere. The festival is also doing historic Australian premiers of two Indian classics “Manthan” and “In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones” starring Arundhati Roy and Shah Rukh Khan in one of his first performances. This has been done with partnership with Film Heritage Foundation
NSW will also see Broken Hill and Dubbo Editions. With support from Screen NSW, Multicultural NSW, ICCR and various Indian and government associations and agencies NIFFA is turning into an important national platform for Indian diaspora
Launched as Australia’s first national film festival dedicated exclusively to Indian cinema, NIFFA has quickly established itself as a powerful platform for cultural connection. Under the directorship of Anupam Sharma, the festival has evolved into one of the most prestigious Indian film festivals outside India, celebrating creativity, diversity, and the shared spirit of storytelling.
Audiences can expect a rich and diverse program, including mainstream blockbusters, independent productions, and regional cinema, with a special focus this year on Punjabi cinema. Initiatives such as “Able and Diverse” aim to promote inclusivity and representation, while industry-focused sessions, including investment seminars from India, create opportunities for cross-border collaboration and co-production.
Beyond screenings, NIFFA serves as a dynamic hub for filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals from both countries to connect, collaborate, and share their stories. From red carpet events to community screenings across theatres nationwide, the festival promises an immersive cultural experience that goes far beyond cinema.
By presenting films in multiple languages and across diverse genres, NIFFA provides Australian audiences a rare opportunity to experience the breadth of India’s cultural landscape. The festival highlights stories that explore identity, migration, tradition, and modern life, reinforcing the power of cinema as a bridge between nations.
As NIFFA continues to expand in scale and influence, it is not only entertaining audiences but also strengthening cultural ties and friendships between Australia and India through the universal language of film. The festival is a true celebration of cinema, culture, and dosti, bringing communities together while showcasing the best of Indian filmmaking to the world.
