Australian cinema in focus at IFFI 2024

Australia is named the Country of Focus at the 2024 International Film Festival of India (IFFI), showcasing the dynamic and growing cultural and creative relationship between India and Australia. Running from November 20-28 in Goa, the festival will see over 50 Australian delegates attend, including filmmakers, industry leaders, and creatives, who will participate in screenings and events that highlight the strength of both countries' screen industries.
The Australian delegation includes prominent representatives from Screen Australia, Ausfilm, Screen Producers Australia (SPA), and various filmmakers and producers who will engage in key activities, including the Film Bazaar and IFFI screenings. A key event during the festival will be Co-Production Day, organized by Screen Australia, which will provide a platform for filmmakers from both nations to explore the potential of the recent Australia-India audiovisual co-production agreement. This agreement has opened doors for collaborative filmmaking, allowing both Indian and Australian creatives to join forces in telling stories that resonate with global audiences.
Grainne Brunsdon, Chief Operating Officer of Screen Australia, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “We’re thrilled to celebrate the growing cultural and creative ties between India and Australia at IFFI 2024. Australian screen content is known for its bold, diverse, and thought-provoking storytelling, and we are excited to see these stories reach new audiences in India. The increasing exchange of content between our two nations presents vast opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration, and we are proud to be part of this new era of storytelling.”
Australian cinema will be prominently featured at the festival, with Better Man selected to open the event. Seven additional Australian films will be screened, reflecting the country’s diverse storytelling landscape. These include The Moogai, Runt, In Vitro, Force of Nature: The Dry 2, The Rooster, The Speedway Murders, and Addition. The film Home Before Night will also participate in the Film Bazaar Co-Production Market, marking an exciting opportunity for international collaboration.
The Australian Deputy High Commissioner to India, Nick McCaffrey, highlighted the significance of the partnership, noting, “Today, Indians are woven into the contemporary Australian story, and Australia and India’s shared interests increasingly extend into cultural conversation and exchange. The more than one million Indian diaspora in Australia is a catalyst for this connection, fostering mutual understanding and creative collaboration. Given these linkages, the future of our film partnership is highly promising.”
In a note, the High Commission said,"The 2024 IFFI presents a unique opportunity for both Australian and Indian filmmakers, along with international audiences, to explore the rich and diverse world of Australian cinema. As Australia and India continue to deepen their creative ties, the collaboration between the two nations is set to pave the way for more innovative and impactful global storytelling."
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