Saturday, 10 July 2021 | Team Viva
Actor Richa Chadha joins the jury at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. By Team Viva
Richa Chadha is no stranger to being part of the jury for prestigious film festivals and yet again she will be part of one of the biggest Indian film festivals in the world. After the incredible success of the virtual Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) in 2020, this year IFFM is gearing to host both online and in cinemas next month.
The 12th edition of the festival, which will be in cinemas from August 12-21, and screened online across Australia from August 15-30, has now opened its doors to entries for the IFFM short film competition. The jury for this year’s short film competition will have producer, actor, and activist, Richa alongside National award-winning filmmaker Onir.
The theme for this year’s short film competition is ‘Modern Slavery and Equality’. Since its inception, IFFM has been committed to promoting the principles of equality, freedom, and inclusion. This year’s theme aims to address the threats to these principles in the contemporary world. Previous winners from India include successful filmmakers like Colin D’cunha (Dostana 2), Varun Sharma (Bunty Aur Babli 2), and Manj Makhijaa (Skater Girl) among others.
On being appointed as a jury member, Richa says, “Being a part of IFFM 2021 as a jury member is an incredible feeling. To be back here again, but as a judge this time, is very exciting. I am sure we all can expect some astounding short films on the theme of modern slavery and equality, both of which are complex subjects. Also, speaking from experience, I am aware of how difficult it is to tell an entire story within a short amount of time, that too on such an important theme so I’m really looking forward to all the short film entries this year.”
The director of IFFM, Mitu Bhowmik Lange shares, “We are thrilled to have Onir and Richa Chadha in the jury for this year’s Short film competition at the IFFM. They are exactly the kind of judges who not only inspire others but have a huge body of work to represent their expertise and flair in their respective fields.”
