Indian Film Festival of Melbourne begins with star-studded 2026 program

Melbourne has once again become a meeting point for Indian cinema, culture and storytelling as the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) kicking off for its 17^th edition from August 13.

Running until August 23, the festival will screen more than 130 films in 38 languages across Melbourne and regional Victoria, with the vast majority being shown to Australian audiences for the first time.

Now regarded as the largest celebration of Indian cinema outside India, IFFM has grown into an important fixture on Melbourne’s cultural calendar, bringing together filmmakers, actors and audiences while showcasing everything from major commercial releases to independent and regional productions.

This year’s program also places a strong emphasis on diversity, with 40 per cent of films directed by women and dedicated attention given to women-led narratives, queer stories and Indigenous filmmaking.

Among the major attractions is a formidable line-up of Indian screen talent travelling to Melbourne.

Legendary actor Rekha will receive the Excellence in Cinema Award and lead IFFM’s traditional Indian Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony at Federation Square on August 15.

She will also attend a special screening of Umrao Jaan alongside the film’s director Muzaffar Ali.

Actor Pankaj Tripathi will receive the Artist of Distinction Honour, while Dulquer Salmaan, Kirti Kulhari, Malaika Arora, Rishab Shetty and filmmaker Rima Das are among the other major guests attending.

The festival’s official guest of honour is Rani Mukerji, one of India’s most respected actors, who will be awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters by La Trobe University at a ceremony at Federation Square on August 14.

Festival director Mitu Bhowmick Lange said the program reflected the breadth of contemporary Indian and South Asian cinema.

“At IFFM we believe that great storytelling transcends language, geography and identity,” Ms Lange said.

This year’s films reflect the incredible creative diversity shaping Indian cinema today – from women filmmakers breaking new ground to powerful women-led narratives, queer stories that deserve to be seen and celebrated, and films representing the rich linguistic tapestry of our region.

The festival officially gets under way with the NAB IFFM Awards at the Palais Theatre on August 13, where nominated works span nine languages.

Opening night follows at HOYTS District Docklands on August 14 with the Australian premiere of Tamil film Members of the Problematic Family, fresh from its world premiere at the Berlinale.

Other highlights include the Australian premiere of Rima Das’ Not a Hero at HOYTS District Docklands on August 19, IFFM Pride Day on August 21 and a special discussion at The Wheeler Centre on August 22 bringing together Indian and Australian Indigenous filmmakers.

The popular IFFM Dance Competition will also return to Federation Square following the Independence Day flag ceremony on August 15.

The festival will extend beyond metropolitan Melbourne through its Regional Rhapsody program, with screenings in Geelong, Bendigo and Shepparton on August 22 and 23.

IFFM closes on August 23 at Village Cinemas Crown with Full Plate, directed by Tannishtha Chatterjee and starring Kirti Kulhari, with both expected to attend.

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne runs from August 13 to 23 at cinemas and venues across Melbourne and regional Victoria.