IFFM Curtain Raiser 2015
Manju with festival director Mitu Bhowmick-Lange
By Manju Mittal
Mind Blowing Films organised a great Friday morning on April 10, 2015. Indian Film Festival of Melbourne Curtain Raiser event was held at the Investment Centre Melbourne in the presence of Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick, Festival Ambassador Vidya Balan and Victoria’s Minister for Industries and Equality, Martin Foley. Bollywood diva & legend Vidya Balan, being the Brand Ambassador of Film Festival, was a beautiful and a mind blowing presence at the event.
A group of like minded people, local media representatives from Melbourne and the Sydney media that flew in to Melbourne especially for the curtain raiser event on a very special Friday morning. When Vidya stepped into the doorway leading out to the hall, the crowd surged, as Vidya walked along and everyone crowded around her. Her presence electrified the hall she was wearing plain magenta colour saree with a three fourth sleeve purple blouse and had a golden thin edging all around. She looked simply stunning in her traditional look, the magenta colour suited her and the silver necklace with the design of two peacocks on each side of the silver knob had the nostalgic vibe of the Indian traditional jewellery.
Vidya mostly wears some of best traditional sarees in the Industry. One of the most exciting aspects of the morning was the opportunity for media to have photos with their favourite actress. Vidya shook hands, gave autograph and leaned in for selfies for us. People enjoyed having morning tea mingled with each other as they moved to press conference room for a Q&A session with the star attraction.
Highlight of the year’s program includes a beautiful theme of ”˜Equality’ for this year’s film festival and a fund raiser for Royal Melbourne Children’s Hospital that suited perfectly the theme chosen by the festival. Speaking on the occasion charming festival director Mitu Bhowmick said, “We are very proud to announce that this year Indian Film Festival of Melbourne is special, as event will have recognition of Indian Independence day on 15th August and the festival would feature a fashion show of designs, iconic Indian designer Anamika Khanna along with her models and celebrities and the IFFM awards will be held at the National Gallery of Victoria”.
Mitu also added that a festival program would be out in June and the passion and hard work at every step of organising the festival, she said, “We are elated to see this kind of support and are thankful to everyone who have contributed in their own way.”
After thanking everyone Mitu welcomed festival ambassador Vidya Balan on stage. I have never seen such an energising personality though Vidya had flown on a long flight the previous night from India. Looking fresh and cheerful, Vidya said in her speech “Thank you for having me here I love the whole feel of the city Melbourne. Today when I stepped out of my hotel for the photo shoot for the national gallery it was really chilly, I am not used to this kind of cold but the moment I saw familiar faces my heart was filled with warmth.” Vidya said jokingly, she is the biggest Indian Ambassador for Melbourne. She also added that this year, the festival has a new theme, Equality, which aims to bridge the divide in gender, sexuality, disability and race”.
During the press conference Vidya, Mitu and the Hon. Minister Martin Foley enjoyed an interactive session with the media. To my question, “What is the best memorable experience while hosting a film festival you have had so far”? Mitu Bhowmick, Festival director, replied, “Each and every festival is close to my heart but yes I will never forget my most memorable moment when IFFM chief guest Amitabh Bachchan took a selfie from the stage at last year’s IFFM Awards Night Ceremony as he captured whole audience in it.
I am sure this years’ IFFM by Mind Blowing Films will be great as always with amazing films to be screened in August. I am eagerly looking forward to the event and I sure you all will join me in traveling to Melbourne and see movies together in the midst of all the Bollywood stars.
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