Kabir Khan, Imtiaz Ali, Rima Das, and Onir's My Melbourne set for screening at MAMI

My Melbourne will be showcased in the "Gala Section" on Tuesday, with all four directors present at the screening.

After its world premiere at the 2024 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), My Melbourne, a distinctive anthology directed by four renowned Indian filmmakers—Imtiaz Ali, Kabir Khan, Rima Das, and Onir—is gearing up for its India premiere at the 2024 Mumbai Film Festival (MAMI).

My Melbourne will be showcased in the "Gala Section" on Tuesday, with all four directors present at the screening. Produced by Mitu Bhowmick Lange in collaboration with VicScreen and Screen Australia, the anthology features four short films: Emma by Rima Das, Jules by Imtiaz Ali, Nandini by Onir, and Setara by Kabir Khan. Each film explores diverse themes, including gender, race, sexuality, and disability.

"It’s an honor to present My Melbourne’ to Indian audiences at MAMI. The stories we’ve told are not just about the diaspora but about anyone who has ever felt a sense of displacement or longed to belong. Jules is a deeply personal film for me, and I can’t wait for the audience in Mumbai to experience it," Imtiaz Ali said.

Khan said the city of Melbourne provided him and other filmmakers with the perfect backdrop to explore the emotional complexities of the characters. "It was an incredible experience working with new talent, and the enthusiasm of our Melbourne crew translated beautifully on screen. I am thrilled that My Melbourne will now have its India premiere at such an esteemed platform like MAMI. And I am deeply honoured to showcase my film Setara," said Kabir Khan.

Das, known for her film "Village Rockstars", said, "What makes My Melbourne special is the sincerity of the stories. Each segment is a heartfelt exploration of human connections, set against the cultural diversity of Melbourne. I look forward to showcasing my film ’Emma’ at MAMI, where such narratives are deeply appreciated." Onir described his film Nandini as a story that transcends both emotional and physical boundaries, aiming to tell human stories that connect with audiences regardless of geography.

The India premiere promises to be a star-studded event, celebrating not only the film but the unique partnership between the Indian and Australian film industries. Lange said the collaboration between the Indian filmmakers and Melbourne’s rising talents has resulted in an anthology that speaks to global audiences.