Vidya Balan
MID-DAY (June 28, 2017)

Vidya Balan returns as the ambassador of the Indian Film Festival Of Melbourne (IFFM), which will showcase over 60 films this year. The festival runs from August 10 to 22 and will have diversity as its theme. Apart from feature and indie films, short films in 20 different languages will also be screened.

Says Balan, “I am excited about the female directors and writers who are showcasing their work at the festival in Australia. Over the past few years, a new generation of female Indian filmmakers has begun to shine on the global stage. To see women behind the camera, creating powerful pieces of art, is reflective of the positive steps the film industry in India and the subcontinent are taking.”

The actress has been associated with the event since 2012. Mitu Bhowmick Lange, festival director, is looking forward to screening a diverse range of films. “Films that explore diversity and the endless potential of humanity will be screened,” he said.

IFFM is touted to be the largest film festivals outside India. It is supported by the Victorian Government. The festival has welcomed celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut, Imran Khan, Nikhil Advani and Shahid Kapoor, among others.