‘My Melbourne’ – a powerful anthology film exploring the four pillars of diversity: sexuality, gender, disability, and race – is set to make its debut in Australia on March 6, 2025. This landmark Australian-Indian co-production is a truly inclusive film, celebrating diverse voices, experiences, and talent.
Directed by renowned filmmakers Onir, Rima Das, Imtiaz Ali, and Kabir Khan, My Melbourne brings together an array of powerful stories based on true incidents, which reflect the unique challenges faced by individuals in their journey for identity and belonging.
The film features four distinct stories, each highlighting the intersection of identity, culture, and human connection in the migrant experience. From family dramas to stories of self-discovery, My Melbourne brings a fresh and heartfelt perspective to the screen.
• EMMA (by Rima Das) follows a deaf dancer, struggling with self-doubt and discrimination, who finds the strength to embrace her uniqueness.
• NANDINI (by Onir) explores the reconciliation between a queer Indian man and his estranged father in Melbourne, delving into themes of grief and forgiveness.
• JULES (by Imtiaz Ali) tells the story of a newlywed woman and a homeless man who form an unlikely bond, finding connection despite their struggles.
• SETARA (by Kabir Khan) highlights the journey of a 15-year-old Afghan girl, who, after fleeing the Taliban, finds her sense of belonging through cricket in Melbourne, amid family tensions and trauma.
A Truly Cross-Cultural Project:
My Melbourne stands out as a film that seamlessly combines Australian and Indian cinematic storytelling. The film is not only an artistic expression but also a cultural bridge, highlighting the experiences of migrant communities and offering a unique perspective on Australian-Indian collaboration. This film represents a new frontier for Hindi cinema, pushing boundaries and offering fresh narratives to audiences around the globe.
Notable Filmmakers and Talented Cast:
• Kabir Khan, known for films like Bajrangi Bhaijaan and 83, brings his exceptional cinematographic vision to the project.
• Rima Das, celebrated for her heartfelt storytelling in Village Rockstars and Bulbul Can Sing, brings emotional depth to the film.
• Imtiaz Ali, the celebrated director behind Bollywood hits like Jab We Met and Tamasha, continues his exploration of love and identity with Jules.
• Onir, a pioneering filmmaker in the LGBTQI movement, known for My Brother...Nikhil, also contributes to the anthology, tackling complex themes of identity and social justice.
Music:
The film’s title track, performed by Janaki Easwar (English) and Parvyn Kaur Singh (Punjabi), with music by Tamil Rogeon and Yidaki Kiernan Ironfield, adds another layer of emotional resonance to the film.
International Recognition:
My Melbourne has already gained significant attention at prestigious film festivals, including the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2024, MAMI Mumbai Film Festival Gala Premiere 2024, and the Kolkata International Film Festival 2024, where it received widespread acclaim.
Film Trailer and More Information:
• Watch the My Melbourne trailer: YouTube Link
• Learn more about the film: Mind Blowing Entertainment
• Watch highlights from the Kolkata International Film Festival: Kolkata Screening
Final Thoughts:
My Melbourne is a must-see film for those interested in stories that explore the complexities of identity, culture, and human connection. The anthology brings to life the challenges faced by migrants in a foreign land while celebrating the shared human experiences that unite us all. With its release in Australia and India in 2025, ‘My Melbourne’ is poised to make a significant impact in global cinema.
About Mind Blowing Entertainment:
Mind Blowing Entertainment is a leading production company known for producing culturally relevant and socially conscious films. My Melbourne is one of their latest projects, reflecting their commitment to telling diverse and impactful stories.
My Melbourne:
Release Date in Australia: March 6, 2025
Release Date in India: March 14, 2025
Language: Auslan, Bengali, Dari, English, Hindi (With English Subtitles)
Producer: Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM
Production Company: Mind Blowing Entertainment
Director: Onir, Arif Ali, Rima Das, Kabir Khan, Rahul Vohra
Cast: Arka Das, Arushi Sharma, Kat Stewart, Ryanna Skye Lawson, Setara Amiri, Brad Hodge