Following the success of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne’s first Summer Festival last year, IFFM announces the
launch of the second iteration on 29 February – 2 March. This three-day celebration of cinema is part of IFFM’s intention
to evolve the festival into bi-annual celebration.
The opening night film, Laapataa Ladies, marks Kiran Rao’s return to directing. Following its world premiere at the
Toronto International Film Festival, the film left an impeccable mark on the global stage. The film will have its Australian
premiere on 29 February at IFFM Summer Festival ahead of its Australian release on 1 March.
Laapataa Ladies (pictured) is a tale of two young brides embarking on
a transformative journey after accidentally getting separated from their
new husbands on a train. Filled with humour, heart and profound
insights, the film is set to enchant viewers with its exploration of
womanhood and the complexities of life.
IFFM recently announced the commencement of its 15th-year
celebration, marking a milestone in showcasing the vibrant spirit of
Indian cinema to audiences worldwide.
Director Kiran Rao says, “It’s a great honour for Laapataa Ladies (Lost Ladies) to be the Opening Film at IIFM. I am
absolutely delighted and would like to convey my heartfelt gratitude to the festival. I hope the Melbourne audience enjoys
the film, and that I get to visit this great city in person soon!”
Festival Director, Mitu Bhowmick added her enthusiasm for the second IFFM Summer Festival stating: “This festival’s
maiden summer edition will have Laapataa Ladies as an opening film, directed by the talented Kiran Rao. We are thrilled
to kickstart our latest venture with such a heart-warming dramedy set within a world of such beautifully written
characters. Encouraged by the success of IFFM365, we are broadening the scope of Indian films down under and we
are excited to have Kiran’s remarkable film be the first film of the second edition of the IFFM Summer Festival”.
VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said, “IFFM is the largest celebration of Indian cinema in the southern hemisphere,
lighting up Melbourne every year with incredible films and unforgettable star power. VicScreen is proud to support the
expansion of the festival, with the return of a three-day summer program, which includes the highly anticipated Australian
premiere of Laapataa Ladies.”
The IFFM Summer Festival program
29 Feb – Laapataa Ladies
1 Mar – Kayo Kayo Colour
2 Mar – Film to be confirmed
All films scheduled for 6pm at HOYTS District Docklands
https://www.iffm.com.au/iffm-summer-festival.html
Laapataa Ladies (Lost Ladies)
Language: Hindi (with English Subtitles)
Director: Kiran Rao
Producer: Aamir Khan, Jyoti Deshpande, Kiran Rao
Cast: Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta. Sparsh Shrivastava, Ravi Kishan, Chhaya Kadam
Synopsis: Set in 2001, somewhere in rural India, Laapataa Ladies is about the adventures of two young brides who
get lost from the same train. The chaos that ensues is both funny and moving; and sparks an unexpected series of
events that lead them into a journey of immense discovery, about themselves, womanhood and life itself.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9VMEIMGtR4
Kayo Kayo Colour (Which Colour?)
Language: Hindi, Gujarati, English (with English Subtitles)
Director: Shahrukhkhan Chavada
Producer: Wafa Refai and Shahrukhkhan Chavada
Cast: Bilkish Refai, Fahim Shaikh, Imtiyaz Shaikh
Synopsis: Set in Kalupur, a neighbourhood in the old city of Ahmedabad, India, this slice-of-life film follows the daily
life of Razzak and his family through an observational lens. Razzak, an unemployed father of two, endeavours to own
an auto-rickshaw for business while his daughter, Ruba, is introduced to an interesting drink worth 100 rupees that she
can’t afford. Through a series of everyday events, the film uncovers the family’s struggles, interpersonal conflicts, joys,
and ways of life as they navigate through the intertwined yet unassuming layers of social and political influence.
The family is caught off guard as an unexpected move threatens their fate and alters life as they know it.
Trailer: https://youtu.be/xUnXkv2vwbw
Background
IFFM is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest annual celebration of Indian cinema; a nine-day extravaganza of Indian film
and culture, featuring some of India’s biggest sporting and screen superstars. In 2024, IFFM will present over 120 films
in more than 20 languages, including 100 Australian Premieres, braiding together South Asian stories from across the
globe.
Established in 2010 by director Mitu Bhowmick Lange (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.
Celebrating the rich and diverse universe of Indian film culture, IFFM hosts celebrities, trailblazers, and disruptors. From
the high glamour of the Awards night at Hamer Hall Melbourne with the red carpet and visiting stars, to the new My
Melbourne film series, IFFM truly speaks to a wide audience of moviegoers.
