IFFM kicks off My Melbourne project with Onir’s film based on sexuality

Melbourne, May 8  The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne wrapped up the much-anticipated shooting of the first film out of four films under the ‘My Melbourne Project’.

The film, which is yet to be named, is co-directed by Onir and William Duan.

It stars Arka Das, Mouli Ganguly, and Jackson Gallagher.

The film was shot in five days and the story is based on grief and forgiveness.

The film follows the reunion of a queer Indian man, Indraneel, played by Arka, and his father, Mihir, played by Mouli, after many years of estrangement.

Onir said: “I am happy to be a part of My Melbourne as it is a unique and special film. It’s the first time such a unique cross-country initiative has been taken to bridge cultural ties and bring the two communities together using the medium of cinema. The films of My Melbourne are based on diversity and are focused on bringing forth talent locally from Melbourne and I can vouch that there are such incredible local talents waiting to be discovered and this project has done just that.”

“My film tells one such story of an integral part of diversity, bringing forth a warm story of a father trying to rebond with his gay son. It was a great experience to work and collaborate with talent from Melbourne. I am glad that Film Victoria and Mitu Bhowmick Lange have taken this step to celebrate cinema and diversity.”

Mitu Bhowmik Lange, director of the festival, said: “The key idea was to provide a platform to emerging creatives from diverse marginalized backgrounds from various walks and abilities of Australia, mentored by some of the Worlds best filmmakers.”

“Its an anthology of four stories weaved into one feature film called My Melbourne based on authentic migrant experiences. We cannot be what we cannot see.”

IFFM is one of the biggest film festivals abroad, which is in association with the Australian Government.

My Melbourne project brings four iconic filmmakers from India to mentor young filmmakers from Australia, which will be shot in Melbourne, and will be on the themes of Diversity — Race, Disability, Sexuality, and Gender.

Apart from Onir, the other three films will be helmed by Kabir Khan, Imtiaz Ali, and Rima Das.