| Message from the Minister for
Innovation, Services and Small Business |
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The Victorian Coalition Government is delighted to bring the Indian Film Festival of
Melbourne to local film fans for the second year running.
This year's festival is bumper to bumper with a dynamic line-up of films from India and the sub-continent, as well as featuring a number of masterclasses and appearances by world- renowned Indian actors, including the return of our very own festival ambassador Vidya Balan.
This year we will also be paying a special tribute to legendary Indian filmmaker Mr Yash Chopra who was Patron of the Festival and filmed two major blockbusters in Victoria, Salaam Namaste and Chak De India. |
The festival plays a key role in raising the awareness of Melbourne and Victoria as a cultural and tourist destination. India is a close friend to Victoria and through the festival we seek to further strengthen this bond.
Delivering an Indian film festival in Melbourne is a key part of the Government's commitment to closer engagement between India and Victoria, and showcases the multiculturalism of Melbourne, as well as Victoria's world class capacity for screen production.
The festival is just one of a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening the relationship between India and Victoria. Last year, the Victorian Government launched a new three year fellowship program, Screen Skills – International Fellowships, to support Victorian screen practitioners to gain international experience with production companies in India, North America and the United Kingdom. We are also delivering a Victoria/India Co-production initiative aimed at fostering relationships and encouraging co-production or joint partnerships between the Victorian and Indian film and television industries.
The 2013 festival program is sure to delight local film audiences and showcase the breadth of Indian cinema. To all Victorians – enjoy the festival, and to our Indian guests – welcome to Melbourne, the world's most liveable city.
The Hon Louise Asher MP
Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business
Minister for Tourism and Major Events
Minister for Employment and Trade |
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Premier of Victoria
Minister For Innovation
Festival Director
FESTIVAL AMBASSADOR
the Lord Mayor
