My Melbourne, starring Kabir Khan, Imtiaz Ali, Rima Das, and Onir, is due to premiere in India at MAMI 2024; more details are inside.
Following its triumphant world premiere at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2024, My Melbourne, a one-of-a-kind anthology directed by four of India's most celebrated filmmakers - Imtiaz Ali, Kabir Khan, Rima Das, and Onir - will have its India premiere at the prestigious Mumbai Film Festival (MAMI) 2024. The film will premiere in the coveted "Gala Section" on October 22nd, with all four filmmakers present. Mitu Bhowmick Lange co-produced My Melbourne with VicScreen and Screen Australia.
My Melbourne features four diverse voices, each interpreting personal and universal experiences of identity and belonging through the eyes of people from various backgrounds living in Australia. This one-of-a-kind cinematic project is the outcome of IFFM and Film Victoria's collaborative campaign to promote cross-cultural storytelling, in which young Melbourne filmmakers collaborated with these renowned directors to create a collection of thought-provoking narratives. The shorts include "Emma" by Rima Das, "Jules" directed by Imtiaz Ali, "Nandini" by Onir, and "Setara" by Kabir Khan. The films address various issues of variety, such as gender, race, sexuality, and disability. The project's goal was to be really inclusive and offer experiences that anyone could understand.
Regarding the approaching MAMI debut, Imtiaz Ali of his segment Jules stated, "It's a privilege to bring My Melbourne to Indian audiences at MAMI. The stories we've recounted are not only about the diaspora, but about anyone who has ever felt displaced or wished to belong. 'Jules' is a highly personal film for me, and I can't wait for the Mumbai audience to see it.
Setara director Kabir Khan said, "Melbourne provided us with the perfect backdrop to explore the emotional complexities of our characters." It was a fantastic experience working with new talent, and our Melbourne crew's enthusiasm transferred brilliantly on screen. I am overjoyed that My Melbourne will now have its India premiere at such a prestigious platform as MAMI. And I am really honored to present my film 'Setara'.
Rima Das, the mastermind behind the Emma part, remarked, "What makes My Melbourne unique is the sincerity of the stories." Each part is a sincere examination of human connections against the backdrop of Melbourne's cultural variety. I am excited to present my film 'Emma' at MAMI, where such narratives are highly valued."
Onir, who directed Nandini, expressed his delight, adding, "Nadini is about breaking emotional and physical barriers and telling human stories that resonate across geographies." It has been a wonderful partnership with budding filmmakers from Melbourne, and I am forward to see how Indian audiences respond to it at MAMI."
Mitu Bhowmick Lange, the film's producer and the proprietor of Mind Blowing Films, stated, "We are incredibly happy with the huge reception to My Melbourne at IFFM. The partnership of Indian filmmakers with Melbourne's rising talents has resulted in an anthology that appeals to a worldwide audience. We are thrilled to showcase this film to MAMI, a festival dedicated to varied storytelling and vibrant, inclusive audience involvement."
The India premiere promises to be a star-studded affair, honouring not only the film but also the unusual collaboration between the Indian and Australian film industries. My Melbourne will be shown in the Gala Section of MAMI 2024 on October 22, marking a crucial milestone in this cross-continental cinematic odyssey.
