NIFFA opens Perth edition

National Indian Film Festival opens Perth chapter, unveiling Punjab Focus and boosting India-Western Australia screen partnerships

The Western Australian edition of the National Indian Film Festival of Australia (NIFFA) opened in Perth with a sold-out red carpet gala at Reading Cinemas Belmont. The event received support from the City of Perth, Murdoch University, WA Museum, State Library of Western Australia and the Consulate of India in Perth.

NIFFA has become one of the biggest celebrations of Indian cinema outside India, spanning over 13 cities and showcasing 32 films in 15 Indian languages. The Perth programme includes BOONG, the first Indian film to win a BAFTA, along with ASSI, Tanvi The Great and Manthan.

The Perth chapter also saw the launch of Punjab Focus and PTC ANZ. PTC CEO Raji M Shinde announced plans for Punjabi co-productions between India and Australia, with Western Australia proposed as a filming base.

Festival Director Anupam Sharma said Perth now holds an important place in the global conversation around Indian cinema.