The award winners for the 15th annual Indian Film Festival of Melbourne have been announced, showcasing a diverse range of talent and inspirational stories. Stars from India, the subcontinent, and across Australia, flew into Melbourne and graced the red carpet at The Palais Theatre on 16 August for a night of glitz and glamour, honoring some of the best in the business.
The Ambassador of Indian Art and Culture was awarded to Ram Charan. (pictured left) Ram Charan’s song ‘Naatu Naatu’ from the hit film RRR made history by becoming the first Indian film song to win an Oscar.
The Festival was thrilled to welcome Charan for its 15th iteration, which also saw the star greet fans at Federation Square for the Indian Independence Day celebration and flag raising ceremony on 17th August. Thousands of adoring fans took over the Main Square to get a glimpse of Charan on this very special day.
The very prestigious IFFM Award for Best Performance (Male) went to Kartik Aaryan in Chandu Champion, directed by Kabir Khan, who walked away with Best Director Award for this film. Chandu Champion tells the powerful story of a man who faced one adversary after another with an undying spirit. His unwavering zeal led to India’s first individual gold medal in any form of the Olympics.
The Best Director Award was also shared by Nithilan Swaminathan for Maharaja.
The Excellence in Cinema Award went to Dr. A.R, Rahman (pictured left) India’s most celebrated musician, Dr AR Rahman is also a Grammy, Oscar, BAFTA and Golden Globe winner.
This year’s Short Film Competition winner went to The Vegemite Sandwich directed by Robbie Fatt. In addition, a special mention goes to Echo, directed by Sandeep Raj.
The IFFM Award for Best Performance (Male) Series went to Arjun Mathur in Made in Heaven S2. The IFFM Award for Best Performance (Female) Series went to Nimisha Sajayan in Poacher , and the Best Series Award went to Kohrra.
The Best Film from the Subcontinent Award was awarded to The Red Suitcase, directed by Fidel Devkota. Best Documentary went to Trolley Times.
This year Adarsh Gourav took home the IFFM Disruptor of the Year award. The Diversity Champion Award went to Rasika Dugal, and Breakout Film of the Year went to Amar Singh Chamkila, directed by Imtiaz Ali.
Best Performance (Fe
male) went to Parvathy Thiruvothu (pictured left) in Ullozhukku (undercurrent).
The IFFM People’s Choice Award went to Rocky Aur Rani Kil Prem Kahaani. The Equality in Cinema Award went to Dunki, directed by Rajkumar Hirani.
The IFFM Award for Best Film – Critics Choice was awarded to Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao. The critically acclaimed film tells the story of two young newly-wed brides who get exchanged during a train ride to their husband’s homes.
The IFFM Award for Best Film and Best Performer (Critics Choice) got swept away by Vikrant Massey for 12th Fail.
The IFFM Award for Best Director – Critics’ Choice went to Dominic Sangma for Rimdogittanga (Rapture).
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne continues until 25 August, with screenings and events across the city and into regional Victoria.
Background
IFFM is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest annual celebration of Indian cinema; an extravaganza of Indian film and culture, featuring some of India’s biggest screen superstars. Presented by the Victorian government, the festival is one of the most popular events in Australia’s cultural calendar and the biggest annual celebration of Indian cinema outside of India. Established in 2010 by director Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM (Mind Blowing Films), the festival consistently strives to program films that provide a robust forum for conversation and that enhance not only India’s rich storytelling tradition, but also looks to challenge people’s notions of India.
15th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne
Festival dates: 15 – 25 August
