by NR INDRAN / INT

Mumbai : Premier Ted Baillieu and Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business, Louise Asher today announced that Mind Blowing Films has secured the contract to deliver the Indian film festival in Melbourne – a key initiative by the Victorian Government to strengthen screen industry ties between Victoria and India.

Speaking at an Indian film industry event in Mumbai, Mr Baillieu said the Victorian Government is supporting an annual Indian film festival in Melbourne, presenting the best contemporary Indian cinema to Victorian audiences.

“The festival will celebrate Indian cinema and create bonds of greater understanding and experience between the communities of Victoria and India,” Mr Baillieu said.

“Today’s announcement delivers on the Victorian Government’s election commitment to deliver an annual Indian Film Festival in Melbourne.”

The inaugural Indian Film Festival will take place in mid- 2012 and will encompass a dynamic screening program over ten days, showcasing the extraordinary depth and diversity of the Indian film industry.

The festival will host prominent Indian filmmakers and screen professionals and provide an interactive program of master classes, creating opportunities for Victoria as an international screen production location and for Victorian screen practitioners as individuals.

Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher said India is one of the largest film industries in the world and it makes sense to develop initiatives to strengthen ties between our film industries.

“I am delighted that Mind Blowing Films has been selected to deliver the festival from 2012-14, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience about Indian cinema to Victoria,” Ms Asher said.

“The festival complements a range of initiatives to develop ties between the Victorian and Indian film industries, including a Victoria/India Co-production Initiative which will see ten Victorians travel to FICCI Frames in Mumbai in March.

“The initiative will also support up to three Victorian companies to develop a feature film, television or digital media project as a joint venture with a production entity based in India,” Ms Asher said.

Mr Baillieu also announced that Bollywood star Vidya Balan will be the Brand Ambassador for Victoria’s Indian Film Festival.

Ms Balan said “I am delighted to be named as the Brand Ambassador for the Indian Film Festival in Melbourne. I love the format of the festival and the wide range of films screened. It not only showcases the best of Indian cinema but also provides a platform for young upcoming film makers through its short film competition.”

“When I was in Melbourne I was smitten by the city and its love for films from all parts of the world and its multi cultural spirit. I am sure the Indian Film Festival will contribute greatly to add to that spirit,” Ms Balan said.

Mitu Bhowmick Lange of Mind Blowing Films said the festival will embrace the spectacle and unique style of Indian cinema, and showcase diverse cinematic voices, from well-known Bollywood films to other lesser known regional areas of India that have so much to offer audiences.

”We are thrilled to be part of this wonderful opportunity to engage audiences with the best that Indian cinema has to offer, provide a platform for upcoming filmmakers and bring some incredibly talented filmmakers to Melbourne to take part in our festival program,” Ms Lange said.

Jenni Tosi, Film Victoria CEO said she was excited to see the festival join Melbourne’s rich screen activities and events calendar.

“This is such a great opportunity for Victorians to enjoy a unique aspect of the film industry. We look forward to Victorian audiences enjoying the breadth of culture and diversity of Indian cinema,” Ms Tosi said.

Mr Baillieu said strengthening our ties to Indian cinema is a chance for Victoria to showcase all that we have to offer in the arts.

“India’s burgeoning film industry offers opportunities for Victorian co-production projects that build on our state’s strengths in the creative arts,” Mr Baillieu said.

“Our government seeks to promote Victoria as a place that has the skills and infrastructure to work in film production, and where film producers can find a variety of people who can speak a range of languages and possess a cultural understanding.”

The event was held during Victoria’s largest-ever trade mission to India, with more than 200 Victorian companies travelling on the mission to boost Victoria’s two-way trade and investment relationship with India.

The trade mission will focus on Victoria’s strengths to generate more jobs for Victorians and substantial new export opportunities and investment for Victorian businesses.

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