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Time of India
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Restored classic Badnaam Basti to headline Indian Film Festival of Melbourne's Pride Night
India's first LGBTQ-themed film Badnaam Basti , originally released in 1971, is set to make a powerful return to the big screen at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025. The restored version of the film will headline the festival's much-anticipated Pride Celebratory Night on August 22nd. A still from Badnaam Basti Now in its 16th year, IFFM has grown into the largest Indian film festival held outside India and remains the only one officially supported by a foreign government, the Government of Victoria in Australia. Year after year, the festival continues to push the envelope on inclusivity and representation in cinema. This year's lineup features around 75 films exploring themes of gender, sexuality, race, disability, and women's empowerment. Among the highlights is the Pride Night , a dedicated celebration of queer cinema and South Asian LGBTQIA+ identity in Australia. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Social Security Recipients Under $2,384/Mo Now Entitled To 15 "Kickbacks" Top 10 Benefits Learn More Undo Still from Badnaam Basti Leading the night is Badnaam Basti, a pioneering film way ahead of its time, which will be screened in its restored form. The screening will be followed by the Australian premiere of We Are Faheem and Karun , a poignant love story by acclaimed filmmaker Onir. Festival Director Mitu Bhowmik Lange spoke about the importance of showcasing diverse stories: 'Cinema is a reflection of society and has the power to spark dialogue. With Pride Night, we're not just celebrating queer identity, we're reclaiming space for stories that were long overlooked. Badnaam Basti paved the way, and films like We Are Faheem and Karun carry the baton forward.' A still from We Are Faheem and Karun With a strong focus on community, representation, and global storytelling, IFFM 2025 is once again set to spotlight voices that truly deserve to be seen and heard.
News18
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Aamir Khan to hoist tricolour at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne
New Delhi, Jul 24 (PTI) Superstar Aamir Khan will hoist the national flag at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) in the Australian city in August, the organisers have said. The ceremony will be part of the festival's annual Independence Day celebration, a tradition that honours India's spirit and its 'vibrant global cultural influence". 'The flag hoisting ceremony at IFFM is more than just a formal tradition it's a deeply emotional and unifying experience. Seeing the Tiranga unfurl on foreign soil, surrounded by artists, filmmakers, and members of the Indian and Australian communities, fills our hearts with pride. Having Aamir Khan, whose voice vision and cinema has had a profound impact on generations of film lovers not just in india but globally, lead this moment is truly a rare honour," festival director Mitu Bhowmick Lange said in a statement. She added that Khan's presence represents 'the strength and integrity of Indian storytelling and the values we stand for at IFFM, equality and unity in diversity". IFFM, backed by the Government of Victoria, is 'the largest Indian film festival" held outside of India. The festival this year will feature a lineup of over 75 films in 31 languages, panel discussions, and events. IFFM will open on August 14 with the Australian premiere of 'Baksho Bondi" (Shadowbox) by Tanushree Das and Saumyananda Sahi. Other guests at the film festival include Shoojit Sircar, Tillotma Shome, Jim Sarbh, Malaika Arora, and Vir Das. PTI MAH MAH MAH view comments First Published: July 24, 2025, 19:45 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
NDTV
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Aamir Khan To Hoist The Indian National Flag At Indian Film Festival Of Melbourne 2025
Mumbai: Aamir Khan will hoist the Indian National flag at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025 in August. The ceremony will take place as part of the festival's annual Independence Day celebrations. "The flag hoisting ceremony at IFFM is more than just a formal tradition; it's a deeply emotional and unifying experience. Seeing the Tiranga unfurl on foreign soil, surrounded by artists, filmmakers, and members of the Indian and Australian communities, fills our hearts with pride,' said festival director Mitu Bhowmick Lange. The festival director added, "Having Aamir Khan, whose voice vision and cinema has had a profound impact on generations of film lovers not just in India but globally, lead this moment is truly a rare honour.' Bhowmick added that Aamir's presence represents the strength and integrity of Indian storytelling and 'the values we stand for at IFFM, equality and unity in diversity. We look forward to welcoming audiences from all walks of life to witness this inspiring moment.' IFFM, backed by the Government of Victoria, stands as the largest Indian film festival held outside of India. With a legacy of showcasing powerful and diverse Indian stories, the festival continues to be a beacon of inclusivity and cinematic excellence. In other news, the restored version of filmmaker Prem Kapoor's 1971 Badnaam Basti, which is described as India's first gay film, will be showcased at the The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) for its pride celebratory night. This year, IFFM will screen nearly 75 films that reflect themes of inclusivity spanning gender, race, sexuality, disability, and women's representation. One of the most anticipated highlights of the festival is the LGBTQ Pride Night scheduled for August 22, which promises to be a powerful tribute to queer cinema and Queer South Asian identity in Australia. The festival will also have acclaimed actress Tillotama Shome's Bengali film Baksho Bondi – Shadowbox opening the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM). Co-directed by Tanushree Das and Saumyananda Sahi in their directorial debut, Baksho Bondi, which had its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival 2025, is jointly produced by Tillotama and Jim Sarbh. The film features Tillotama Shome as Maya, set against the backdrop of a dusty Kolkata suburb, weaving a powerful narrative of love, resilience, and the quiet strength of a working woman navigating her everyday life.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Aamir Khan to lead flag hoisting ceremony at IFFM 2025
Indian cinema icon Aamir Khan will hoist the Indian national flag at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025, marking a powerful moment of pride and cultural unity. The ceremony, held annually as part of IFFM's Independence Day celebrations in August, is a poignant tradition that honours India's spirit and its growing global influence through cinema. IFFM, supported by the Government of Victoria, is the largest Indian film festival outside India. Known for its celebration of diverse Indian narratives, the festival has become a vibrant platform for cultural exchange and cinematic excellence. This year's flag hoisting ceremony holds special significance with Aamir Khan—whose contribution to Indian cinema has resonated across generations and continents—leading the event. His presence reinforces IFFM's growing stature and global recognition. Festival director Mitu Bhowmick Lange expressed her excitement, saying, 'The flag hoisting at IFFM is more than a tradition—it's an emotional, unifying experience. Watching the Tiranga unfurl in Melbourne, in the presence of artists, filmmakers, and members of both Indian and Australian communities, is profoundly moving. Aamir Khan's participation is a rare honour. His voice, vision, and values align perfectly with what we stand for—equality, inclusion, and unity in diversity.' IFFM 2025 promises an exciting slate of over 75 films in 31 languages, along with panels, talks, and community events—continuing its legacy as a bridge between cultures, powered by the enduring magic of Indian cinema.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Restored classic Badnaam Basti to lead Pride Night at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025 is set to spotlight LGBTQ+ narratives with a landmark Pride Celebratory Night on August, featuring the restored version of Badnaam Basti —India's first-ever LGBTQ-themed film, originally released in 1971. Now in its 16th year, IFFM has cemented its place as the largest Indian film festival held outside India, recognised for championing diversity, inclusion, and cultural dialogue. Backed by the Government of Victoria, Australia, this year's edition will screen close to 75 films, focusing on themes including gender, sexuality, disability, race, and women's representation. The Pride Night promises to be a poignant tribute to queer cinema and South Asian LGBTQ+ identity in Australia. The rare screening of Badnaam Basti —a film long lost in cinematic history—will honour its pioneering legacy, followed by the Australian premiere of We Are Faheem and Karun , a tender queer love story directed by acclaimed filmmaker Onir . Speaking about the initiative, IFFM Director Mitu Bhowmik Lange said, 'At IFFM, we believe cinema has the power to connect and create conversations. This Pride Night is not just about celebrating queer identity but also reclaiming space for LGBTQIA+ narratives in Indian cinema. Through films like Badnaam Basti and We Are Faheem and Karun , we honour the past and embrace a future of inclusive storytelling.' With its continued focus on representation, IFFM 2025 affirms its commitment to showcasing the full spectrum of human experience on an international platform.
