GOA/MELBOURNE, 21 November, 2025: In a major breakthrough, the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), led by Mitu Bhowmick Lange has culminated path-breaking creative partnerships between Australia and India, at the Indian Film Festival of India, Goa, 2025.
At IFFI Goa, IFFM leading a powerhouse Australian delegation, formalised three major partnerships (MOUs) that open new doors for filmmakers, students and storytellers across both countries.
Actor and filmmaker Rachel Griffiths, and director Garth Davis (Lion) are part of a delegation of Australian screen leaders attending the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) this week for the signing of a historic memorandum of understanding, as well as panels, masterclasses and the screening of the newly restored in 4K, Australian classic, ‘Muriel’s Wedding’ with Rachel Griffiths gracing the red carpet.
The MOUs were signed in the presence of Ajay Nagabhushan (Joint Secretary, I&B Ministry), Prakash Magdum (MD, NFDC), Lord Mayor of Melbourne Nicholas Reece, Achal Malhotra (CEO, Waves), Sreerag Mukundan (CEO, Waves Bazaar), Additional Secretary Prabhat, Rajesh Das (VP, PVR INOX), Festival Director of IFFM Mitu Bhowmick Lange, Ravneet Pawha (Vice President, Global Engagement and CEO South Asia, Deakin University), and Australian Consul General in Mumbai Paul Murphy — each playing a key role in strengthening these ties.
With new avenues for co-productions, festival exchange, deeper education links between Deakin University, FTII and IICT, and nationwide theatrical access for Australian films through PVR INOX and Mind Blowing Films, the MOUs mark a fresh chapter for the screen industries of both nations.
Mitu Bhowmick Lange, IFFM Director and Founder/Director, Mind Blowing Films said, “These MOUs will strengthen collaboration between the Australian and Indian creative industries, establishing a partnership focused on co productions and Festival exchanges, distribution access, education and training and the showcasing of Australian films, and together launching a new era of Indo – Australian screen collaboration.”
Colin Brooks MP, Minister for Creative Industries, “With a focus on supporting Australian filmmakers to build their networks and audiences in India, and through a groundbreaking agreement to link Deakin University’s film school with premier institutions in India, this agreement will boost the careers of local filmmakers now and prepare our next generation to work collaboratively with one of the world’s biggest film industries.”
This year’s Australian delegation included: Mitu Bhowmick Lange, Payal Lakhotia, Rachel Anne Griffiths, Andrew Edward Taylor, Garth Davis, Jamie Hilton, Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece, Vidyanand Sagaram, Clare Murphy, Ravneet Pawha, Victoria Duckett, Nicholas John Tripodi, Alan Jamie Dickson, and Ana Tiwary, along with Reuben De Melo and others contributing to a vibrant exchange.
1. MOU: IFFI , NFDC and IFFM , Mind Blowing Films
This MOU sets a clear framework between National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Mind Blowing Films, and IFFM to strengthen cultural and industrial ties. The collaboration will include:
● Festival and Market Exchange – Curated showcases, shared programming, and participation across IFFI, IFFM, Film Bazaar, and Waves Bazaar.
● Industry and Talent Development – Producer labs, talent exchange, and connections for filmmakers from both countries.
● Waves Bazaar and IFFM Co-Distribution Fund – This unique initiative supports South Asian films in reaching wider audiences in India and Australia through selective financing and shared risk.
● Special Screenings and Premieres – Collaborations on studio and OTT showcases, premieres, and a “Spotlight India” segment curated with NFDC.
● Training and Capacity Building – Workshops, partnerships in AVGC and immersive technology, and academic opportunities with NFDC-run institutes.
● Visibility and Joint Promotion – A shared communication strategy to showcase Indo-Australian partnerships on global platforms.
2. MOU: Deakin University, FTII, and IICT
This academic MOU will strengthen creative education between India and Australia. It introduces curriculum collaboration, student and faculty exchanges, joint workshops, and new training pathways aimed at preparing filmmakers for the future. This is one of the most thorough educational linkages undertaken between the film schools of both countries shaping the creative minds of tomorrow from India and Australia.
3. MOU: PVR INOX and Mind Blowing Films
Australia’s screen industry gains significant distribution access through this agreement. PVR INOX will collaborate with Mind Blowing Films to ensure a consistent nationwide release of Australian films in India, tapping into one of the world’s largest and most influential theatrical markets. The partnership aims to improve visibility, audience reach, and market confidence for Australian
filmmakers.
A milestone moment for the Indo–Australian screen community and an exciting journey ahead for stories that travel across borders.
