Australia is set to host the largest celebration of Indian cinema outside India, as the National Indian Film Festival of Australia (NIFFA) recently unveiled its expansive 2026 programme.Spanning 14 cities and showcasing more than 32 films across 18 Indian languages, NIFFA 2026 will run through to 5 July, bringing a diverse slate of screenings, gala events and panel discussions to audiences nationwide. All films in the official selection will have their Australian premieres.The festival recently launched with a red-carpet screening of Boong, the first Indian film to win a BAFTA. The opening event was hosted by the Mayor of the City of Greater Geelong, the City of Greater Geelong and the Geelong Waterfront Film Foundation, marking a high-profile start to what organisers describe as a landmark cultural event.Following its launch, the festival will travel to all major Australian capitals – including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide as well as regional and outback centres such as Alice Springs and Broken Hill.Australia holds a very special place in my heart: Anupam KherA major highlight of NIFFA 2026 will be the presentation of the International Indian Cinema Icon Award to veteran actor Anupam Kher, recognising a prolific career spanning art-house cinema, Bollywood blockbusters and international productions such as The Big Sick, Bend It Like Beckham and Silver Linings Playbook.Kher, a BAFTA-nominated actor and Padma Bhushan recipient, said,”Australia holds a very special place in my heart. Ever since my first visit and filming experience here many years ago, to being on the Jury of AACTA, headed by Russell Crowe, I have always felt a deep warmth from its people and a genuine curiosity about Indian stories and culture. It is therefore a great pleasure to receive this award from NIFFA.”The actor will also present his latest directorial project, Tanvi The Great, a deeply personal film inspired by his autistic niece. The screening forms part of NIFFA’s new Able & Diverse initiative, which explores disability representation across Indian, Australian and First Nations storytelling traditions. Lead actress Shubhangi Dutt will attend as a special guest.‘NIFFA has become a national platform for inclusive, diverse and robust conversations around cinema’Festival director Anupam Sharma said the event reflects growing demand for Indian cinema across Australia, particularly in regional areas.“NIFFA is no longer just a film festival -it has become a national platform for inclusive, diverse and robust conversations around cinema, culture, community and commerce,” Sharma said.The festival has partnered with a range of cultural and institutional organisations, including the WA Museum Boola Bardip, the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory and the Australia India Business Council, underscoring its broad national footprint.NIFFA 2026 will also honour filmmakers Anubhav Sinha and Leena Yadav with the Nishtha (Dedication) AwardNIFFA 2026 will also honour filmmakers Anubhav Sinha and Leena Yadav with the Nishtha (Dedication) Award, celebrating their contributions to contemporary Indian cinema. Yadav will curate a selection of her work and engage directly with Australian audiences.Short films and emerging vertical storytelling formats will be explored in collaboration with Pocket Films, with CEO Saameer Mody hosting masterclasses.
