The eigth edition of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2017 today kicked off with the Australian premiere of Alankrita Shrivastava's Lipstick Under My Burkha. The festival is seeking to highlight diversity in cinema, by including a large variety of films, short films, and inspiring stories and experiences from the festival guests. The festival, the largest Indian film festival in Australia will show over 60 Bollywood Films, indie films and short films in 20 different languages.
The festival was officially opened in the presence of festival director, Mitu Bhowmick, with Konkona Sensharma and Shrivastava present. Shrivastava and Sensharma lit the ceremonial lamp at the event.
Besides screening, the fest will also hold several special events including a dance competition, master classes, and a special awards night.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will be hoisting the Indian national flag at Melbourne’s Federation Square. In addition, the actress will also be felicitated by the government at the Westpac IFFM Awards night on 11 August, for her contribution to global cinema. Among the other guests expected to attend this festival are Karan Johar, Sushant Singh Rajput, Rajkummar Rao, Adil Hussain, Malaika Arora, Nitesh Tiwari, Rajeev Masand, Vikram Phadnis etc.
Festival director Bhowmick said, "It was indeed a great pleasure to host the Australian premiere of Lipstick Under My Burkha. The audience was thrilled to have seen a film that has literally redefined the way women oriented content has been shaping up in India for the past few years. Alankrita and Konkona graced the opening night and also addressed questions of the curious audience post the film. We are happy to have Lipstick... as the opening night film because the film doesn't only entertain but also makes us think.''
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne began on 9 August and will have its closing ceremony on 22 August.