Melbourne Khush Hua!

Galaxy came to a halt in August! And why wouldn’t it as all the stars were under one roof in Melbourne as Mind Blowing Films organized the renowned annual “Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2015”, popularly known as IFFM.

Before you read through the below snapshot of the event captured by Mind Blowing Films, don’t forget to check out BYSQ Itz Showtime for our exclusive reports on the star studded event and personal interviews.

From Anil Kapoor hoisting the Indian Flag in the heart of Melbourne at Federation Square to a gossipy chat with Palak aka Kiku Sharda of ‘Comedy Nights with Kapil’ fame, we bring to you all the details…very soon!

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IFFM2015: a celebration of film, fashion and cultural collaboration!

-Mind Blowing Films

In April, IFFM ambassador Vidya Balan launched the theme of IFFM2015 as ‘Equality’, citing the theme as “reflecting a dialogue that’s on in every which way, that’s happening in theatre and dance as well as cinema. And not just in art, but in everyday lives”.

IFFM2015 was our largest and most ambitious yet: with 50+ screenings,Q&As and masterclass sessions, a flag-hoisting by Anil Kapoor for Indian Independence Day, the Telstra Bollywood Dance Competition (with 27 dance groups performing across the afternoon at Federation Square); and the second IFFM Awards Night, with the inaugural Equality Fashion Show!

IFFM2015 kicked off with a bang with a screening of the Sundance award-winning film, Umrika, starring Suraj Sharma. Crowds gathered at Hoyts Melbourne Central for the two opening screenings: with very very special guests, Anil Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor, and Katti Batti trio, Nikhil Advani, Imran Khan and Kangana Ranaut.

We celebrated Indian Independence Day with an emotional and memorable flag-hoisting by Anil Kapoor, who led a packed Federation Square in a rousing rendition of Jana Gana Mana. Jai Hind!

The huge crowd swelled for the Telstra Bollywood Dance Competition: as

Federation Square filled as far as the eye could see. The sun came out for the festivities; and Katti Batti trio Nikhil Advani, Kangana Ranaut and Imran Khan acted as judges for the afternoon of dance and celebration. Indian funnyman Kiku Sharda, dressed as his moniker Palak, kept the captive crowd in stitches; and 27 diverse, talented and captivating Bollywood dance groups (or brave individuals) danced the afternoon away.

The overall winners of the day were:

Presented by Telstra:

The Dancing Bird (preteen)

Natya Bollywood and Bollywood Dimensions

Presented by Air India:

Hannah Dawson (solo)

Equality was our overarching theme for the festival: of race, sex, gender and ability: encapsulated in our film curation and, most significantly, in our inaugural Equality Fashion Show.

Our IFFM Awards Night, with Equality Fashion Show, celebrated individuals from all walks of life, as models and non-models walked the ramp in exquisite pieces by Australian and Indian designers. Cate Sayers – CEO of e.motion21, walked the ramp with her daughter, Alle, who delighted the audience with a hair-whip at the edge of the ramp.

Edgy Kannada film, Naanu Avanalla…Avalu (I Am Not He…She), explored the lives of the transgender within India, and director BS Lingadevaru explained the challenges of creating a film on such a taboo topic. Australian filmmaker Ana Tiwary screened her pertinent documentary Sunshine & Shade, and discussed the effect of racism upon students in our current climate. Nagesh Kukunoor captivated, thrilled and inspired an immersed audience at his filmmaking masterclass: sharing anecdotes, insight into his filmmaking processes, and insider industry information. A silent auction of the designers’ clothes was held: with all funds going to the Royal Children’s Hospital.

This festival was the biggest yet: with more events and screenings than any years’ prior. Fed Square was filled as far as the eye could see, and the Great Hall at the NGV was crammed to capacity for the IFFM Awards and Equality Fashion Show. Packed cinemas soaked up inspiration from award-winning filmmakers and producers: and the masterclass sessions thrilled film and comedy-lovers alike!

INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL OF MELBOURNE AWARDS 2015 – WINNERS

Best Actor: Irrfan Khan – Piku / Shahid Kapoor – Haider

Best Actress: Bhumi Pednekar–Dum LagakeHaisha

Best Director: Shoojit Sircar–Piku

Best Film: Piku

Best Indie Film: Kaaka Muttai (Crows Eggs)

IFFM Excellence in Cinema: Anil Kapoor

Telstra People’s Choice Award: PK

Western Union Short Film Competition Winners

It’s Your Fault – All India Bakchod (India)

Road to Grand Final – Mark Hellinger and Jesse Maskell (Australia)