This August, the city of Melbourne once again transformed into a vibrant hub of storytelling, culture, and celebration as it welcomed the 16th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM). Running from August 14 to 24, 2025, this year’s festival didn’t just screen films — it sparked dialogue, honored legends, and spotlighted bold new voices in Indian cinema.

With a rich mix of retrospectives, premieres, and social themes, IFFM 2025 stood out not only as a film festival, but as a cultural bridge connecting Indian storytelling to audiences across Australia and beyond.

A Tribute to Timeless Legends

One of the emotional and intellectual highlights of the festival was its heartfelt homage to two titans of Indian cinema: Ritwik Ghatak and Guru Dutt.

In honor of Ghatak’s centenary, a curated showcase brought his poetic, politically charged films back to the screen, sparking renewed interest among younger cinephiles.

The legacy of Guru Dutt was also celebrated with special screenings of his most iconic works, reminding viewers of his mastery in blending artistry with emotional depth.

These retrospectives weren’t simply nostalgic — they invited audiences to rethink how cinema can carry history, protest, and art, all at once.

Aamir Khan: The Soul of IFFM 2025

Bringing star power and social weight to the festival was Aamir Khan, this year’s chief guest. Revered for his thought-provoking filmography, Khan opened the festival and participated in key discussions, including a special event highlighting his latest release, Sitaare Zameen Par.

In a symbolic gesture, he also hoisted the Indian national flag during Melbourne’s Independence Day celebrations, creating a poignant moment of cultural unity for the Indian diaspora.

Khan was joined by his partner Gauri Spratt, and the duo’s presence at the press events added a personal, stylish touch to the festival’s opening moments.

Opening Night & Red Carpet Moments

The festival kicked off with the premiere of Baksho Bondi, a Bengali-language indie film rooted in themes of grief and rediscovery. Introduced by Aamir Khan himself, the film brought together a powerful cast, including Tillotama Shome and Jim Sarbh.

This year’s red carpet glittered with talent: actors Aditi Rao Hydari, Vir Das, and Jaideep Ahlawat, as well as filmmakers Shoojit Sircar, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, and R.S. Prasanna made appearances that highlighted the diversity and reach of the Indian film industry.

Bold Voices, Brave Films

One of the most powerful moments of IFFM 2025 was the restored screening of Badnam Basti, India’s first-ever queer-themed film, originally released in the 1970s. Its revival wasn’t just archival — it was political, emotional, and timely, as it sparked urgent conversations around representation and censorship.

In line with its commitment to inclusion, the festival also honored regional cinema, women directors, and neurodivergent characters — proving that Indian cinema is evolving far beyond the mainstream.

IFFM Awards: Celebrating Impact

This year’s IFFM Awards Night shone a spotlight on meaningful storytelling and creative risk-taking. Some standout winners included:

• Best Film: Homebound (Dir. Neeraj Ghaywan)

• Best Indie Film: Angammal

• Best Actor (Film): Abhishek Bachchan for I Want to Talk

• Best Actress (Film): Geetha Kailasam for Angammal

• Best Actor (Series): Jaideep Ahlawat for Paatal Lok S2

• Best Actress (Series): Nimisha Sajayan for Dabba Cartel

• Excellence in Cinema: Aamir Khan

• Leadership in Cinema: Arvind Swamy

• Diversity in Cinema: Aditi Rao Hydari

• Disruptor Award: Vir Das

The festival also awarded standout short films, with Kalar Pencils (India) and Drifters (Australia) earning praise for fresh storytelling.

A Festival with Purpose

More than just a celebration of cinema, IFFM 2025 positioned itself as a platform for representation, activism, and cross-cultural dialogue. With strong backing from the Victorian Government and support from partners like La Trobe University, the festival continues to create space for filmmakers and audiences alike to ask the hard questions — and to dream big.

As the curtain falls, one thing is clear: IFFM isn’t just a film festival. It’s a movement.