The 2017 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) will open with award winning Indian film Lipstick Under My Burkha in Melbourne on August 10th.
The film directed by Alankrita Shrivastava explores social taboos and personal struggles of four Indian women from diverse backgrounds. The film was initially denied a classification by India’s Central Board Film Certification (CBFC) of India but was later directed to give an ‘A’ certificate with “voluntary and some additional cuts and deletions” after the director challenged it with The Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT).
Shrivastava and the film’s star Konkona Sen Sharma will be special guests at the festival and will attend the opening night.
“Independent films are telling important stories, challenging the status quo and are important artistic expressions,” said Alankrita Shrivastava.
“I'm delighted to participate in the Festival with Lipstick Under My Burkha and looking forward to the reaction of Australian audiences."
IFFM this year will run from August 10th to 22, with screenings of over 60 films and various events across Melbourne.
Indian blockbusters Dangal, Sultan, Dear Zindagi, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Baahubali 1 & 2 are some of the films which will be part of the festival this year.
Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley said, “The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne promotes the cross cultural exchange of ideas between Indian and Australian audiences through its unique and diverse selection of films and events. The Victorian Government is proud to support the festival and welcome it back to Victoria for another year. This film is just our first look at what promises to be another exciting program.”
Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick-Lange said, “This August the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne will present films that explore diversity and the endless potential of humanity. Audiences will immerse themselves in 13 days of film, including Bollywood blockbusters, powerful indie films and stunning documentaries from India and the subcontinent. These films were curated to entertain, inspire, enrage, engage and challenge viewers. We look forward to welcoming a fantastic lineup of guests and welcoming audiences to our screenings and special events.”
The IFFM program features films of over 20 different languages from India and the subcontinent and will be attended by Bollywood stars Karan Johar, Konkana Sen Sharma, Raveena Tandon, Malaika Arora, Shoojit Sircar, Rahul Bose, Tannishtha Chatterjee and Simi Garewal.
The star studded Westpac Indian Film Festival of Melbourne Awards (IFFM Awards), will take place on Friday 11 August at Melbourne’s Recital Centre.
IFFM’s opening week coincides with the Indian Independence Day celebrations and the festival is thrilled to commemorate this event through ceremony, dance and the recognition of excellence in India’s film culture.
Celebrations will include the raising of the Indian flag on Saturday 12 August at Federation Square in Melbourne, followed by the Telstra Bollywood Dance competition.
