Australia to Host Biggest Indian Film Festival Outside India

Australia is set to host the National Indian Film Festival of Australia (NIFFA) in 2026, poised to be the largest celebration of Indian cinema beyond India's borders. The expansive program is scheduled to run until July 5, 2026.

NIFFA 2026 will reach audiences across 14 cities and 18 Indian languages, featuring over 32 films. All films in the official selection will mark their Australian premieres. The festival recently launched in Geelong with a red-carpet screening of 'Boong'.

Major Australian capitals and regional centers, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Alice Springs, and Broken Hill, will host festival events. A significant highlight will be the International Indian Cinema Icon Award presented to veteran actor Anupam Kher.

Kher will also present his directorial project, 'Tanvi The Great', as part of the new Able & Diverse initiative. The festival directors describe NIFFA as a national platform for discussions on cinema, culture, community, and commerce, reflecting growing demand for Indian films in Australia.

Filmmakers Anubhav Sinha and Leena Yadav will be honored with the Nishtha (Dedication) Award. NIFFA 2026 also partners with various cultural and institutional organizations, underscoring its broad national reach.