And The IFFM Award Goes To….

John Noonan

Friday night saw the Melbourne Recital Centre play host to the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne’s Award Night. Kicking off with a spectacular dance performance, the evening continued Indian Film Festival Melbourne [IFFM]’s theme of ‘female empowerment’, featuring performances by Suzanne D’Mello, Sara Haider and Shalmali Kholgade scattered throughout; with the trio joining forces for a touching and heartfelt rendition of John Lennon’s Imagine. Other highlights included a recital by blind pianist Ritchell Lim, who also happened to be the subject of the film Out On A Lim, which picked up Best Short Film later that night.

The awards themselves were presented by the IFFM’s jury including writer Damien Hill (Pawno), writer Andrew Anastasios (The Water Diviner), director Paul Ireland (Pawno) and Producer Sue Maslin (The Dressmaker).

Having opened up for the festival the previous night, Leela Yadav’s Parched also went onto win Best Independent Film and Best Director. The evening also took time to acknowledge the contribution of two of its biggest stars there that night. Pakistani actor Fawad Khan accepted the IFFM diversity award for his sterling efforts.

“I think being honoured with this award, not just on this platform, but on other Indian platforms, goes to show the love and warmth there is in the audience all around the world,” Fawad said, adding, “Art does transcend all kinds of borders and emotions.”

Meanwhile, Bollywood legend Rishi Kapoor (pictured top) received the excellence in cinema award for his four-decade long career. Kapoor’s honour was presented to him by the Lady in White herself, Simi Garewal (pictured below) in front of a standing ovation. Speaking on behalf of the film industry he said, “We are very grateful to people like you, who have extended our legacy. And we want that to continue forever!”

simi