Premier Jacinta Allan Inaugurates ‘My Melbourne’ in ‘Saree’, Hints at a Bollywood Cameo Dream

Victoria’s Premier, Jacinta Allan, made a significant cultural statement by inaugurating the special screening of the much-anticipated film My Melbourne in New Delhi during her visit to India.

The film, produced by the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), is directed by Four renowned Bollywood filmmakers— Rima Das, Imtiaz Ali, Kabir Khan, and Onir —whose storytelling expertise brings to life the essence of Melbourne’s multicultural landscape. The event marks a crucial step in fostering deeper cultural and creative ties between Victoria and India.

Draped in a stunning traditional saree, Premier Allan delivered an impassioned speech at the special screening.

“It is an honor to be here in New Delhi to present My Melbourne, a film that captures the spirit of our great city—one that thrives on its diversity and inclusivity,”

Allan remarked.

She further highlighted the power of film as a medium that transcends boundaries, bringing people together and fostering understanding between cultures. She also revealed a light-hearted personal ambition, saying,

“I dream of being the first Victorian Premier to appear in a Bollywood film!”

This remark was met with laughter and applause from the audience, underscoring her genuine enthusiasm for India’s vibrant film industry.

Cultural Exchange Through Film

My Melbourne is a unique project, born out of a collaboration between IFFM and the Victorian Government, and is set to tell compelling stories about Melbourne’s diverse communities. The anthology film is composed of four short stories, each reflecting the experiences of migrants in Melbourne.

Directed by four of Bollywood’s most celebrated filmmakers—Imtiaz Ali, known for Jab We Met and Tamasha; Kabir Khan, director of Bajrangi Bhaijaan; and Onir, famous for his socially conscious films like My Brother…Nikhil—the film explores themes such as race, identity, and the challenges faced by people from different cultural backgrounds in a foreign land.

Onir, who directed one of the most touching and a story of inclusivity, shared his excitement about the project: “It’s a rare opportunity to tell stories that resonate globally, and Melbourne is the perfect backdrop to explore these universal themes of belonging and identity.”

Imtiaz Ali echoed these sentiments, stating that “Melbourne’s cultural landscape is rich, and the stories here are waiting to be told. I am thrilled to be a part of this journey.”

Building on Victoria’s India Strategy

The film’s special screening is just one of many engagements that Premier Allan is participating in during her visit to India, which focuses on strengthening ties between Victoria and India across multiple sectors. Film, in particular, is a key focus of the visit, given Melbourne’s growing reputation as a global hub for arts, film, and culture. The state of Victoria is home to a large Indian community, making collaborations like My Melbourne not only culturally relevant but also a celebration of shared values between the two regions.

At the event, Premier Allan emphasised the role of Victoria as a global leader in film production and cultural initiatives.

“Victoria is a state where arts and culture thrive.

We are home to a vibrant Indian community, and the stories they bring enrich the cultural fabric of Melbourne. Through this film, we aim to highlight our shared values and strengthen the bonds between our two nations,”

she said.

This focus on cultural diplomacy is aligned with Victoria’s broader India Strategy, which aims to enhance ties between the two regions across various domains including education, tourism, and trade. During her visit, Allan is also expected to release a comprehensive India Strategy report, outlining the state’s plans to boost trade and collaboration in fields such as advanced manufacturing, technology, and education.

Victoria’s Growing Influence in the Indian Film Industry

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne has long been a cultural bridge between India and Australia. Each year, it showcases the best of Indian cinema to Australian audiences, fostering cultural exchange through film. Premier Allan’s participation in the inauguration of My Melbourne further cements Victoria’s place as a key player in the global film industry.

Mitu Bhowmick Lange, Director of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, expressed her excitement about the project: “This film is a celebration of the diversity that Melbourne is known for. We are thrilled to have these incredible directors onboard, and we hope this project will inspire more collaborations between India and Australia in the future.”

A Strong Foundation for Future Collaborations

Premier Allan’s visit to India, which focuses on deepening ties in tourism, technology, and education, has been a significant diplomatic milestone. The film inauguration serves as a reminder of the power of cultural exchange in strengthening international relations. By fostering collaborations in the creative industries, Victoria continues to position itself as a leading cultural hub on the global stage.

As Allan’s trip progresses, it is clear that both Victoria and India stand to benefit from this cultural diplomacy. The special screening of My Melbourne is just the beginning of a series of initiatives that will undoubtedly strengthen the bonds between these two regions for years to come.

In her closing remarks, Premier Allan shared her hopes for the future of Victoria-India relations: “As we continue to deepen our ties, I look forward to more collaborations that celebrate our shared values and build a future where Victoria and India grow together—both culturally and economically.”

Her inauguration of My Melbourne is a fitting representation of this future, where art, culture, and community come together to tell stories that transcend borders.

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