by FilmInk Staff
The Australian Film Diversity and Inclusion Foundation Incorporated (AFDIF) is proud to announce its 2nd year AFDIF Film Festival, taking place on September 27, 2024 at Wallis Cinema Mitcham. This year, the festival continues its mission to celebrate diverse voices from marginalised communities by showcasing powerful stories through short films, documentaries, and creative media.
A key platform for emerging filmmakers and content creators, the Festival seeks to encourage cultural diversity and inclusion on the big screen. Audiences can expect a rich selection of films that reflect the festival’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that everyone’s story is heard.
“We are thrilled to bring together talented filmmakers from culturally diverse backgrounds, offering them a platform to share their unique perspectives,” said Yogi Devgan (Festival Director). “Film has the power to drive conversations, challenge perceptions, and foster a greater understanding of different experiences.”
Highlights of the AFDIF Film Festival:
- Cultural Diversity at its Core: This year’s lineup features a wide array of filmmakers whose stories reflect the lives and experiences of marginalised communities, focusing on themes of diversity, inclusion, and social change.
- A Collaborative Effort: The festival is hosted in partnership with leading organisations, including DLi. For over 40 years, DLi has been a trusted not-for-profit leader in providing disability support services across metropolitan Adelaide. They take pride in empowering individuals to live the life they choose, offering a diverse range of services delivered with expertise, dedication, and passion. With the support of DLi accessibility advocate Corey, the venue has been carefully selected to ensure full accessibility for all attendees. Additionally, the films have been reviewed for suitability, ensuring an inclusive viewing experience for all audiences.
- Free Tickets for All: In keeping with our commitment to making this celebration of cinema accessible to everyone, tickets for this year’s event will be free of charge, encouraging community participation and engagement from all corners of society.
- An Awards Ceremony to Remember: The festival will culminate in a prestigious awards ceremony, recognising the filmmakers who have dedicated themselves to breaking boundaries and bridging cultures through their work.
Supported by organisations like the African Communities Council of South Australia (ACCSA), the festival aims to build collaborative relationships and strengthen the societal impact of films focused on inclusion and diversity. ACCSA’s involvement highlights the emotional power of storytelling in creating positive societal change, and their commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices—particularly those from the African community—is deeply aligned with the Festival’s vision.
“We understand that achieving true inclusivity is an ongoing journey, and we welcome partnerships with other organisations that share this vision,” said Yogi. “Together, we can foster awareness, share resources, and create meaningful change.”
The AFDIF Film Festival is proud to enrich Adelaide’s cultural landscape and invites local councils, businesses, and community members to support this important initiative. By showcasing these powerful works on the big screen, we are not only giving filmmakers the exposure they need to thrive, but we are also giving our community the opportunity to engage with stories that matter.
For more information about the festival or to learn how you can get involved in promoting diversity and inclusion in Australian cinema, please visit www.afdif.org.au.