Competing commitments from Victoria’s major parties could shape the future of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne and deepen its role in the state’s cultural and multicultural agenda.
MELBOURNE, 25 August, 2026: The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2026 has received funding boosts from Victoria’s major political parties, highlighting the festival’s growing cultural, community and economic significance ahead of the state election in November. The support reflects the important role of Indian cinema in connecting Victoria’s diverse communities and strengthening ties between Australia and India, while positioning IFFM as a significant feature of the state’s multicultural arts calendar.
The announcements close to the November 28 state election and during this year’s program, places IFFM prominently within the election campaign. The timing of the announcements are impertinent as a recognition of the festival’s growing importance, competition for support among multicultural communities and a broader effort to present Victoria as a global screen and creative hub.
IFFM 2026 was the 17th year of the festival and become one of the largest celebrations of Indian cinema outside India. Its 2026 program featured more than 130 films in 38 languages, with screenings in Melbourne and regional Victorian centres.
At the IFFM 2026 media conference Minister for Creative Industries Vicki Ward MP announced a $600,000 election commitment to continue the largest celebration of Indian cinema in the Southern Hemisphere.
Leader of the Opposition Jess Wilson MP announced the commitment at the IFFM Awards Night at the Palais Theatre, pledging $700,000 a year for four years to support the festival’s continued success and expansion across Victoria.
Over the years the IFFM has been gaining strength amid the Indian community becoming the fastest growing community in Victoria and Australia. The new census data will be handy once it is out. Far Right One Nation’s surge and diatribes against migration and some warning against ‘Indian invasion’, could be in minds when voting in November. That is why the competition between Labor and Coalition to win over the Indian vote. It remains to be seen how much a community traditionally Labor, will do at the hustings. And, how much role the IFFM will play.
Minister for Creative Industries Vicki Ward MP says, “A strong Victoria is a state where everyone can contribute, belong and see their stories reflected. Labor is proud to back the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, celebrating the contribution of Victoria’s strong multiculturalism, and strengthening our place as a global screen destination.”
Shadow Minister for Arts and Creative Industries David Davis MP said “The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne is one of the great success stories of Victorian cultural and creative arts policy, and it started with a Liberal Government prepared to back a bold idea.”
The contest over IFFM funding is not only about one festival; it is also a window into how Victoria values multicultural culture, creative industries and its relationship with the Indian diaspora.
