Indian Film Festival shortlisted for Melbourne Awards

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2016 has been shortlisted forMelbourne's prestigiousawards for its contribution to multiculturalism in the coastal Australian city.

TheIFFM, runby Mitu Bhowmick Lange'sMind Blowing Films, was selected as one of the 30 finalists this yearfor the annual 'Melbourne Awards', which honour significant contributions to the city'senvironmental sustainability, community, profile, and multiculturalism by corporations and community organisations.

TheIFFM, which celebrates Indian cinema internationally, was selected under the 'Contribution to Multiculturalism by a Corporation' category,which includes initiatives like promoting racial harmony and cultural understanding.

Dubbed as the largest Indian film festival in the Southern Hemisphere, IFFM ran its fifth edition in August thisyear on 'Female Empowerment' theme.
 

The other finalists in this category wereCrown Melbourne's Indigenous Employment Programme andMelbourne Museum - Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre that works to educate and celebrate the culture of Koorie people.

Lange, Director Mind Blowing Films said: "A big big thank you to the City of Melbourne for recognising our humble efforts.

"To be nominated alongside some of Melbourne's top institutions like Crown and Melbourne Museum is itself an honour."

Lange said that she wasdelighted that IFFM's motto of promoting diversity has contributed to Melbourne's multicultural lifestyle.

City of Melbourne Chief Executive Officer Martin Cutter congratulated the finalists and said, "This year's finalists embody the true spirit of our city. Our finalists vary in their areas of focus and expertise but they are all exemplary in their commitment to Melbourne."

The final result will be announced here on November 12.