NFDC Partners with Australian Institutions to Strengthen Film Ties

The National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC) has announced a significant partnership with two leading Australian institutions, Screen Producers Australia (SPA) and the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA). This collaboration aims to enhance cultural and creative ties between the Indian and Australian screen industries.

On August 30, 2023, NFDC signed two Letters of Intent (LOIs) with SPA and NFSA, marking the beginning of a new chapter in international film cooperation. One of the key initiatives, named India Connect, intends to bring a delegation of Indian producers to Australia in 2026 for the SCREEN FOREVER conference held on the Gold Coast. This initiative will serve as a vibrant platform for co-production opportunities, cultural exchange, and the establishment of enduring business partnerships.

The agreement with Screen Producers Australia outlines a series of project-matching forums, delegate selection processes, and structured networking opportunities. These activities are designed to foster creative and commercial collaboration between Indian and Australian filmmakers.

In parallel, the LOI with the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia focuses on heritage preservation and knowledge-sharing. This aspect of the collaboration emphasizes the importance of safeguarding cinematic history through archival partnerships. The initiative aims to facilitate mutual learning in film restoration, digitization, and preservation practices, ensuring that future generations can access and appreciate the rich film legacies of both countries.

Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of Information and Broadcasting, commented on the strategic partnerships, stating, “These partnerships reaffirm NFDC’s commitment to building global bridges for Indian cinema. With Australia, we share not only creative ambitions but also a responsibility to preserve and promote our screen cultures. Together, we look forward to fostering new collaborations that will inspire filmmakers, audiences, and cultural communities across both nations.”

The rollout of these collaborations is scheduled for the latter part of 2025, leading up to the SCREEN FOREVER 2026 conference and additional archival initiatives with the NFSA.

Furthermore, the partnerships will extend to the Waves Bazaar, NFDC’s flagship content and co-production market, which is set to take place alongside the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in November. This alignment aims to strengthen participation at Waves Bazaar and enhance opportunities for filmmakers from both countries.

This strategic initiative signifies a promising future for collaboration in the film industries of India and Australia, fostering an environment ripe for creativity and cultural exchange.