IFFI 2024: Aboriginal-Indian film Bidjara Kumari announced, Anupam Sharma to serve as lead producer

The upcoming feature film Bidjara Kumari was unveiled at the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Anupam Sharma serves as the lead producer, with Jodie Bell co-producing alongside acclaimed Australian filmmaker Richard Jameson, who also wrote the film's script. The announcement comes at a pivotal moment, as Australia is the spotlight country for the IFFI's NFDC Film Bazaar.

Set to be the first film to explore the intersection of Australian aboriginal and Indian cultures, Bidjara Kumari is supported by development grants from Screen Australia and Screen Queensland, as well as co-production backing from India.

Anupam Sharma said, “It is an absolute honour to be part of the first film that unites two of the world’s oldest cultures to share their modern-day stories. Collaborating with Richard and Jodie on this culturally authentic project is an incredible privilege, and I look forward to bringing this story to life.”

The film tells the emotionally charged story of Tasha, an Australian girl who goes through a transformative journey through India to find her father. Her journey takes her into a maze of incidents and situations that invoke her emotional memories involving her transnational identity and cultural connections.

“This is a story of identity and understanding culture," said producer and writer Richard Jameson. “Having been raised as a mixed-race kid myself, I know how many Indigenous children struggle with not fitting in. Bidjara Kumari offers an inspiring narrative for kids to begin their own journeys, connecting with their family, community, and culture," he added.

Co-producer Jodie Bell highlighted the importance of cultural accuracy in storytelling. “Bringing Tasha’s story to the screen alongside Richard and Anupm ensures authenticity and cultural safety. It is vital that our stories are told, seen, and heard while representing our cultures truthfully,” she said. She also informed that the project has recently completed a cultural and film location reece in a few areas of northern India.