Indian Film Festival of Melbourne
In 2026, La Trobe University proudly celebrates 17 years of partnership with the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), the largest festival of its kind in the southern hemisphere.
From 13 to 23 August, the 2026 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) will showcase over 75 films in 31 languages, offering both in-cinema and online screenings to audiences across Australia.
A Defining Moment for La Trobe and IFFM:
Honouring Rani Mukerji in 2026
In 2026, La Trobe and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) will celebrate a major milestone in their ongoing partnership, with acclaimed actor Rani Mukerji attending as the festival's Chief Guest. On Friday 14 August, La Trobe will award Rani Mukerji an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Indian cinema, global cultural influence, and longstanding humanitarian work. The recognition reflects the strong cultural and creative exchange at the heart of La Trobe's partnership with IFFM.
Our enduring partnership reflects our deep commitment to supporting the cultures and communities of our international students, particularly those from the Indian subcontinent. With over 11,000 graduates born in the region, La Trobe continues to be a vibrant hub for cultural exchange and academic excellence.
For more than 50 years, La Trobe has championed Indian studies and research, offering the only Hindi language course at a Victorian university and housing the largest collection of Indian literature in Australia.
Our students play a vital role in the success of IFFM. Each year, dozens of La Trobe students join the festival workforce, gaining hands-on experience in event management, media production, hospitality, and public relations. These roles offer invaluable career-building opportunities, allowing students to network with industry professionals, contribute to high-profile events, and develop skills that translate directly into future employment.
La Trobe is proud to support two recipients of the prestigious Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship, a transformative initiative designed to empower emerging female researchers from India. Each valued at over $225,000 AUD, the fully funded four-year scholarship enables recipients to pursue groundbreaking research with a focus on creating positive social change. These scholars exemplify a commitment to advancing knowledge and justice, reflecting the values shared by both La Trobe and Shah Rukh Khan.
As a founding partner, La Trobe is proud to help build cultural bridges through film, music, and dance. The IFFM continues to be a celebration of diversity, showcasing stories from India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, and offering Australians a unique opportunity to experience the richness of South Asian cinema.
Over the past decade, La Trobe has welcomed some of Indian cinema’s most celebrated figures to its campuses, including:
Watch films from the Indian Film Festival
The extended online season of the festival will continue throughout the year, allowing audiences to watch films for free from the festival’s website.