Press release from Indian Film Festival Melbourne
Indian superstar Vidya Balan will spend two days in Melbourne on 11 and 12 May to launch the program of the 2012 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM). Balan was named the IFFM Ambassador by the Victorian Premier, Ted Baillieu during the Victorian Government’s Super Trade Mission to India earlier this year.
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, running from 11-22 June 2012, showcases the incredible depth and diversity of the thriving Indian film scene. The festival will screen over 35 films from the latest and greatest Bollywood box-office blockbusters, through to art house and independent
cinema exploring the grittier realities of life in the region, and a program of little-seen films from the wider sub-continent, including Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal. IFFM will also run four masterclasses with leading Indian film industry figures, for Victorian filmmakers to tap into the wealth of Indian
film knowledge and experience.
Indian Film Festival of Melbourne Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange said “I am delighted that Vidya Balan is coming to Melbourne to launch the festival program. It is an honour for us, as she is inarguably India’s biggest actor right now. Vidya is the true embodiment of a festival that endeavours to showcase the sheer breadth and evolution of Indian cinema.”
Vidya Balan, who stars in three films screening in the festival, is one of India’s most sought after actors, unafraid to tackle difficult roles and challenging subject matter. She is a game changer who has redefined how women are represented on Indian screens, heralding a new naturalism, eschewing stereotypical roles and bringing a massive new female audience to films. In 2011 she was awarded a National Film Award for Best Actress for her role in The Dirty Picture (2011).
Balan will launch the festival program on Friday 11 May at The Investment Centre, Collins St at 10.00am. On Saturday 12 May, she will soak up the atmosphere at the MCG, presenting the match ball to umpires in the middle of the MCG prior to the Richmond v Sydney match.
Film lovers are invited to attend a special IFFM screening of The Dirty Picture at Hoyts Melbourne Central at 730pm on Friday 11 May introduced in person by Vidya Balan.
For bookings and information go to www.indianfilmfestival.com.au or www.hoyts.com.au