The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) has opened its 17th edition, bringing Indian cinema, culture and community together across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Running from 13 to 23 August, the festival is presenting more than 130 films in 38 languages, highlighting the enormous linguistic and cultural diversity of Indian cinema. The program includes mainstream productions alongside independent films, regional-language cinema, documentaries and stories from different parts of India and the wider South Asian region.

Now one of the largest celebrations of Indian cinema outside the subcontinent, IFFM has developed into an important cultural event for Australia’s Indian and South Asian communities. Beyond film screenings, the festival provides a space for audiences to connect with language, heritage and contemporary cultural experiences.

The 2026 program features films representing a wide range of communities and perspectives. Its awards program includes 15 women filmmakers, 17 women-led films and six queer stories, with films spanning nine languages.

The festival also features a strong line-up of Indian cinema talent, including Rani Mukerji, Pankaj Tripathi, Kirti Kulhari, Malaika Arora and Rishab Shetty. Rani Mukerji is also set to receive an Honorary Doctor of Letters from La Trobe University during the festival.

The program extends beyond Melbourne, with selected screenings and events in Geelong, Bendigo and Shepparton, bringing Indian cinema to audiences across regional Victoria.

Alongside screenings, the festival includes filmmaker discussions, cultural events, an Indian Independence Day celebration, a flag-raising ceremony, dance programs and the annual IFFM Awards.

With films spanning 38 languages and stories ranging from commercial cinema to independent and regional productions, this year’s festival reflects the changing landscape of Indian film making.

For audiences in Australia, the event offers more than an opportunity to watch films. It provides a platform for cultural exchange and a way for different communities to experience the languages, traditions and stories that make up India’s diverse cinematic landscape.

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne continues through 23 August 2026.