ANNOUNCING RICHA CHADHA AND ONIR AS THE JURY OF THE IFFM 2021 SHORT FILM COMPETITION FILM MAKERS INVITED TO ADDRESS THE THEME OF MODERN SLAVERY AND EQUALITY

The Indian Film FesDval of Melbourne (IFFM) is delighted to announce acclaimed independent director Onir and producer, actor and  ac4vist Richa Chadha as the jury members for the 2021 Short Film CompeDDon which this year invites filmmakers to address the theme  of ‘modern slavery and equality’.  

IFFM director Mitu Bhowmick Lange said: “IFFM has been commiFed to promo4ng the principles of equality, freedom, and inclusion  since its incep4on. This year’s theme aims to address the threats to these principles in the contemporary world. We are thrilled to have  Onir and Richa Chadha as the jury for this year’s Short Film Compe44on. They are exactly the kind of judges who inspire others by both  the calibre of their work and the subjects they choose.” 

Onir said: “I believe that the severe exploita4on of people comes in many forms. While our Cons4tu4on says that every single person  has the right to equality, is that really the case? This year’s theme gives filmmakers a chance to explore those sides of society which re flect the humanity of these 4mes.”  

Richa Chadha said: “I am excited and honoured to have the faith of IFFM in judging the 2021 Short Film Compe44on. The theme of this  year’s compe44on is of extreme importance and requires our urgent aFen4on. I can’t wait to see the entries we receive. It’s important  to celebrate all formats of entertainment and shorts are such a founda4on for budding filmmakers and storytellers, to give voice and  recogni4on to their style of filmmaking. Speaking from my personal experience having both acted in and directed short films, it’s ex 

tremely tough to tell an en4re story within such a short period of 4me”.  

Previous winners of the IFFM Short Film Compe44on have gone on to direct feature films in India or are in various stages of developing  and crea4ng films and include Varun V. Sharma (Bunty Aur Babli 2) and Manj Makhijaa ( Skater Girl).  

The Indian Film Fes4val of Melbourne invites filmmakers to enter the IFFM Short Film Compe44on 2021. This is your chance to show case your incredible work at this year’s fes4val. Entries close on 20 July. For guidelines on how to enter go to: iffm.com.au 

About the Judges  

Richa Chadha is an acclaimed Indian actor who has featured in numerous celebrated Bollywood movies including Fukrey, Goliyon Ki  Raasleela Ram-Leela, Panga, and Gangs of Wasseypur which premiered at the 65th Cannes Film Fes4val. In 2015, Richa Chadha starred  in Masaan (Fly Away Solo) portraying a small-town girl s4fled by the social s4gma of pre-marital sex. Masaan screened at the 68th  Cannes Film Fes4val and won in the Un Certain Regard sec4on. Earlier this year, she starred in Madam Chief Minister, a powerful poli4- 

cal drama char4ng the life of a powerful Dalit leader. In 2021, Richa Chadha launched her own produc4on company, Pushing BuFons  Studios, with Ali Fazal. The company’s first venture, Girls Will Be Girls is a mother-daughter story set in a small Himalayan town, wriFen  and directed by Shuchi Tala4. The movie has been selected for numerous pres4gious script labs around the world.  

A true representa4ve of inclusivity and diversity in Indian cinema – Onir is an acclaimed director, screenwriter, editor and producer.  Movies include My brother…Nikhil (2005) and I Am (2011) exploring the depths of human connec4ons with sexuality, and the breaking  of stereotypes and Raising the Bar – a documentary on Down syndrome which won the Hollywood Interna4onal Independent Documen tary Award. His movie I Am won the Na4onal Award for Best Hindi Feature Film in 2011. Onir is currently working on developing a sequel  to I Am, 4tled We Are, exploring four LGBTQ themed stories from different corners of the South Asian subcon4nent.  

ABOUT THE 2021 INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL OF MELBOURNE  

Following last year’s virtual fes4val – which reached IFFM’s largest audience to date – IFFM returns this August as a hybrid fes4val with both physical cinema and virtual screenings, ensuring audiences around the country can join in and celebrate the best of contemporary  Indian cinema, in the 75^th year of Indian independence.  

In 2021, IFFM takes over five key venues in Melbourne’s CBD and suburbs, while an extended virtual season will see films stream for free via the fes4val’s website, iffm.com.au. IFFM has partnered with the Mental Health Founda4on Australia, and viewers will be encouraged to donate to the organisa4on when they stream Fes4val films 

The Indian Film Fes4val of Melbourne is the southern hemisphere’s greatest annual celebra4on of Indian cinema and films from the  Indian sub-con4nent. Established in 2010, it is recognised as an important feature of the State’s cultural calendar. IFFM is proudly sup ported by the Victorian Government via Film Victoria – principal partner of the fes4val. 

The full 2021 IFFM program launches on 20 July.  

2021 Indian Film FesDval of Melbourne dates: August 12-21 in cinemas; August 15-30 online  

hZps://www.iffm.com.au/