MELBOURNE: The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) is back for its 16th edition, running from 14–24 August 2025, and is set to once again transform Melbourne into a hub of cinematic celebration, creativity and cultural dialogue.
As the largest annual celebration of Indian cinema outside of India, IFFM 2025 will kick off with a major highlight — Emmy Award-winning comedian, actor and writer Vir Das will be honoured for his remarkable global impact in comedy and entertainment. Recognised as a fearless voice and creative trailblazer, Das will be celebrated in a special event acknowledging his achievements in shaping India’s contemporary cultural identity on the world stage.
Vir Das, who has become one of the most recognisable names in global comedy, continues to break boundaries in 2025. He is set to make his directorial debut with Happy Patel, produced by Aamir Khan Films, and will also release his first book, The Outsider. His award-winning Netflix specials, sold-out international tours, and success in both Indian and international television and film, position him as a truly global Indian artist.
Speaking on the recognition, Vir Das said:
“It’s incredibly humbling to be recognised by IFFM — a festival that champions the diversity and depth of Indian storytelling. Comedy has been my way of understanding the world, and I’m honoured to share that journey with audiences in Melbourne. To be celebrated for this path, while stepping into new creative chapters with my directorial debut and book, is truly meaningful.”
Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Vir Das to IFFM 2025. His work embodies the spirit of contemporary Indian creativity — bold, original, and boundary-breaking. Honouring him at this year’s festival is not just a celebration of his global achievements, but of the evolving voice of Indian entertainment.”
IFFM 2025 will once again take place across key Melbourne venues, offering an exciting mix of feature films, regional cinema, documentaries, red carpet premieres, industry panels, masterclasses, and in-conversation sessions. The festival continues to serve as a powerful platform for cross-cultural exchange, creative excellence, and community connection, drawing audiences from across Australia and around the world.
About Vir Das
Vir Das is an International Emmy Award-winning comedian and actor, hailed by The New York Times as the artist who "embodies the globalisation of stand-up." He is the first Indian comedian to win the International Emmy for Best Comedy with his Netflix special Landing (2023), which he also directed.
Known for his sharp, socially reflective humour and global resonance, Vir’s previous Netflix special For India earned him his first Emmy nomination in 2021. His comedy has reached audiences in over 35 countries, including sold-out performances at Carnegie Hall, Dubai Opera, The Esplanade in Singapore, and Eventim Apollo in London.
Beyond stand-up, Das has starred in global productions including Netflix's The Bubble, ABC’s Whiskey Cavalier, Netflix’s Hasmukh, and Amazon's Destination Unknown. In 2025, he will debut his first book The Outsider and make his directorial debut with Happy Patel, produced by Aamir Khan Films.
IFFM 2025 will run from 14–24 August across Melbourne. The full program and ticketing details will be available soon at: www.iffm.com.au
