UPDATE: The highly anticipated Bengali-language drama “Baksho Bondi – Shadowbox” will officially open the 16th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) on August 14, 2025. This marks the film’s Australian premiere after its world debut at the prestigious Berlin Film Festival.
Starring acclaimed actress Tillotama Shome, the film tells the poignant story of Maya, a woman juggling multiple jobs to support her family while caring for her husband Sundar, who struggles with PTSD. When Sundar is implicated in a murder investigation, Maya must confront societal prejudices and her own troubled past.
Shome, who also co-produced the film, expressed her deep connection to the character, stating, “Playing Maya was a lesson in listening to silences… and understanding how quiet resilience shapes women’s lives in a world that often overlooks them.”
The festival director, Mitu Bhowmick Lange, praised the film as “a perfect start for the 2025 edition,” highlighting Shome’s extraordinary performance and the film’s powerful themes of resilience and hope.
The IFFM, running through August 24, aims to showcase the diversity of contemporary Indian cinema. This year’s lineup includes films like Rima Das’ award-winning “Village Rockstars 2” and Fasil Muhammed’s “Feminichi Fathima,” among others, reflecting a wide range of narratives from across India.
The festival will also hold its awards ceremony on August 15, recognizing excellence in film and streaming categories. Supported by the Victorian Government, IFFM continues to stand as the largest celebration of Indian cinema outside of India, offering a platform for regional independent filmmakers.
With the festival just days away, excitement is building for the spotlight on Indian storytelling that resonates with global audiences. Don’t miss the chance to witness this compelling journey of resilience and hope through cinema. Share this news and mark your calendars for an unforgettable opening night!
