The 2017 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) is delighted to announce this year’s festival will run from 10 to 22 August, with more venues, special guests and events, and screenings of over 60 films. Opening this year’s festival is the award winning and thought-provoking Lipstick Under My Burkha. An acclaimed drama exploring social taboos and personal struggles of four Indian women from diverse backgrounds, the film was initially denied classification in January for being too “lady orientated” by the Central Board Film Certification (CBFC) of India, a decision director Alankrita Shrivastava described as “an assault on women’s rights”. Shrivastava and the film’s star Konkona Sen Sharma are special guests of the festival and will attend opening night.

“Independent films are telling important stories, challenging the status quo and are important artistic expressions.” said Alankrita Shrivastava “I’m delighted to participate in the Festival with Lipstick Under My Burkha and looking forward to the reaction of Australian audiences.”

Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick-Lange said, “This August the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne will present films that explore diversity and the endless potential of humanity. Audiences will immerse themselves in 13 days of film, including Bollywood blockbusters, powerful indie films and stunning documentaries from India and the subcontinent. These films were curated to entertain, inspire, enrage, engage and challenge viewers. We look forward to welcoming a fantastic lineup of guests and welcoming audiences to our screenings and special events.”

IFFM continues to grow and increase its accessibility, responding to the huge appetite for Indian film from Melbourne audiences and will this year screen a number of brilliant Bollywood favourites at Federation Square as well as adding three new screening locations at HOYTS Chadstone, Broadmeadows, and Forest Hill alongside Melbourne Central and Highpoint. Celebrating diversity, the IFFM program features films of over 20 different languages from India and the subcontinent.

The star studded Westpac Indian Film Festival of Melbourne Awards (IFFM Awards), will take place on Friday 11 August at Melbourne’s Recital Centre.

IFFM’s opening week coincides with the Indian Independence Day celebrations and the festival is thrilled to commemorate this event through ceremony, dance and the recognition of excellence in India’s film culture. Celebrations will include the raising of the Indian flag by Indian actress and model, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan on Saturday 12 August at Federation Square, followed by the Telstra Bollywood Dance competition.

A not to be missed highlight of this year’s festival will be a series of In Conversation and Masterclass events with Festival Guests at Federation Square’s Deakin Edge as well as Q&As at a number of the screening venues.

To view full program details and to purchase tickets visit IFFM.