Festival ambassador Vidya Balan, India's reigning contemporary actress along with Hon' Minister Louise Asher and IFFM Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange, headed a star-studded press conference at 55 Collins Street to launch IFFM 2013. Providing a who's who of Indian cinema, fellow festival guests included acclaimed choreographer and director Farah Khan, award-winning directors Kabir Khan, Onir and Prabhudeva (aka "India's Michael Jackson"), pioneering media figure Simi Garewal and rising star Girish Kumar.
This was followed by the Western Union Short Film Competition Press Conference, introducing the winners from India, Australia and New Zealand.
The Competition judges, legendary Australian film maker Paul Cox and Indian film maker Kabir Khan along with Monika Khanna of Western Union and Festival Director, Mitu Bhowmick Lange, along with the three winners from India, Australia and New Zealand were there to take the questions and encourage the upcoming film makers.
This year's theme was ' Freedom ' and entries poured in from the three countries, earning the talented winners flights, screenings and seats at the Press Conference alongside with Indian film royalty.
Premier of Victoria
Minister For Innovation
Festival Director
FESTIVAL AMBASSADOR
the Lord Mayor
