A cinematic journey through Melbourne’s immigrant stories

A new anthology film titled “My Melbourne” is set to captivate audiences with its rich tapestry of immigrant experiences in Australia’s cultural capital. This project, supported by VicScreen and Screen Australia, brings together four renowned Indian directors alongside emerging filmmakers to delve into themes of identity and belonging. The film is slated to open the 15th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), running from August 15 to 25.

Diverse narratives in ‘My Melbourne’

The anthology is composed of four distinct segments, each focusing on a unique aspect of diversity.

Nandini: A tale of reconnection

Directed by Onir and co-directed by William Duan, “Nandini” follows the emotional journey of a queer Indian man as he reconnects with his estranged father. This segment promises to explore the complexities of familial relationships and the quest for acceptance.

Jules: Unlikely friendships

“Jules,” directed by Arif Ali with Imtiaz Ali as the creative director and co-directed by Tammy Yang, tells the story of an unexpected friendship between a newlywed and a homeless individual. This narrative highlights the serendipitous connections that can form in the most unlikely of circumstances.

Emma: Embracing self-acceptance

Rima Das, along with co-director Samira Coxx, brings to life “Emma,” which chronicles the journey of a deaf dancer striving for self-acceptance. This segment is a poignant exploration of overcoming personal challenges and embracing one’s true self.

Setara: Finding a place through sport

“Setara,” directed by Kabir Khan and Rahul Vohra and co-directed by Puneet Gulati, portrays the story of a young Afghan refugee who finds her place in a new country through the sport of cricket. This narrative underscores the power of sports in bridging cultural divides and fostering a sense of community.

Watch the trailer

For a sneak peek into these compelling stories, watch the My Melbourne trailer.

A multilingual masterpiece

Produced by Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM, who also serves as the IFFM festival director, “My Melbourne” features dialogue in English, Bengali, Hindi, Dari, and Auslan. This multilingual approach not only adds authenticity to the narratives but also reflects the diverse linguistic landscape of Melbourne’s immigrant communities.

Sony Pictures Networks India appoints new general counsel

In a significant move, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has announced the appointment of Ritesh Khosla as its new general counsel, effective September 1. Khosla, who has been with SPNI for six years as deputy general counsel, will succeed the retiring Ashok Nambissan.

A seasoned legal expert

With over two decades of experience in the legal field, Khosla brings a wealth of expertise in mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, regulatory matters, and intellectual property protection. His extensive background positions him well to oversee SPNI’s legal, regulatory affairs, and corporate relations.

Strengthening compliance and CSR initiatives

Khosla’s vision for his new role includes bolstering SPNI’s compliance framework and legal infrastructure, particularly in international markets. Additionally, he will spearhead the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, aiming to build on the strong foundation established under Nambissan’s leadership.

“I’m honored to take on this role and build on the strong foundation established under Ashok Nambissan’s leadership,” Khosla said, expressing his commitment to advancing SPNI’s legal and regulatory strategies.

Reflections for cinema, TV series, and music enthusiasts

As a cinema and TV series enthusiast, the announcement of “My Melbourne” is particularly exciting. The film’s exploration of diverse immigrant experiences through the lens of acclaimed directors promises to offer a rich, multifaceted view of Melbourne’s cultural landscape. Each segment’s unique narrative provides a window into the lives of individuals navigating their identities and finding their place in a new world.

For music lovers, the integration of various languages and cultural elements in “My Melbourne” is akin to discovering a new album that blends different genres and styles. It’s a reminder of how art, whether through film or music, can transcend boundaries and bring people together.

In the realm of corporate developments, the appointment of Ritesh Khosla as SPNI’s new general counsel is a noteworthy event. His extensive experience and strategic vision are likely to drive significant advancements in the company’s legal and regulatory frameworks. For those interested in the intersection of law and media, Khosla’s role will be one to watch.

both the cinematic and corporate worlds are abuzz with developments that promise to enrich our understanding and appreciation of diverse narratives and strategic leadership. Whether through the powerful storytelling of “My Melbourne” or the strategic legal maneuvers at SPNI, there’s much to look forward to in the coming months.