This year has marked the return of many in-person events that the COVID-19 pandemic had prevented since 2020. One we're definitely highlighting in our calendar is the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), taking place from August 12 to August 20.
The 2022 IFFM will feature a combination of in-person screenings and events and an online program (running from August 13 to August 30), promising more than 100 feature films, documentaries, and short films from India and the Indian subcontinent.
Celebrity guests attending include actress Samantha Ruth Prabh as well as director Aparna Sen and her daughter, actress Konkona Sen Sharma. Aparna is the director of feature film, The Rapist, which will be screened during the fest.
Indian cricketer, Kapil Dev will also be attending. He was recently immortalised in Indian film, 83, written and directed by Kabir Khan, who will also be a guest at IFFM.
"We are absolutely delighted to have IFFM come back physically this year alongside an exciting virtual programming," says IFFM Festival Director, Mitu Bhowmick Lange.
"To have with us a legendary cricketer, Mr. Kapil Dev in honour of a film based on his iconic 1983 World Cup Win, we are excited to have him in Melbourne. Being a city of cinema and cricket lovers alike, we are certain the audiences will be excited to see him here. The festival this year has over 100 films from across the India sub-continent and we are excited to celebrate Indian cinema in all its glory and diversity."
Here are the festival's key dates to pop into you diary:
Friday August 12:
IFFM Press Conference, Melbourne CBD
IFFM Opening Night at Hoyts District Docklands
Saturday August 13:
Flag Hoisting Ceremony for the 75th Anniversary Indian Independence at Federation Square, Melbourne
Bollywood Dance Competition at Federation Square, Melbourne
IFFM Talks at Arts Centre, Melbourne
Sunday August 14:
IFFM Awards Night at Palais Theatre, St Kilda
Saturday August 20:
IFFM Closing Night at Hoyts District Docklands
For more information about programming and tickets, click here.