
My Melbourne, an anthology of four stories made by Kabir Khan, Imtiaz Ali, Rima Das, and Onir, is all set for its Indian theatrical release. The film will release in theatres on March 14.
The anthology film had its world premiere in Australia at the 15th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne in August 2024 and its subsequent India premiere at the MAMI Film Festival 2024.
My Melbourne comprises four stories exploring themes of race, gender, sexuality, and disability. The anthology features Nandini directed by Onir, Setara directed by Kabir Khan, Emma directed by Rima Das, and Jules directed by Arif Ali and creatively guided by Imtiaz Ali.
Mitu Bhowmick Lange, producer of the film, who conceptualized and spearheaded this project, shared her excitement, stating, "My Melbourne is not just a collection of stories; it is a reflection of our shared experiences , our shared humanity and the importance of inclusivity and diversity in storytelling. The idea of bringing together Kabir Khan, Imtiaz Ali, Rima Das, and Onir on one platform was born out of the need to create meaningful cinema that bridges cultures and sparks important conversations.”
Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, Kabir said, "Stories have the power to connect people across borders, and My Melbourne does just that. My film Setara delves into themes of resilience and identity.”
Reflecting on the uniqueness of the anthology, Imtiaz Ali shared, “Each filmmaker has brought a distinct flavour to this anthology, making it an emotional and thought-provoking journey. It’s rare to see a project that so seamlessly blends multiple narratives while staying true to a shared vision of inclusivity."
Rima Das expressed, “I love telling human stories that resonate deeply with the heart and soul. Emma is a profoundly personal film that explores the essence of human connection, overcoming limitations and circumstances to reveal our shared humanity.”
Adding to the conversation, Onir said, "For me, storytelling is about bringing marginalized voices to the forefront. Nandini is about representation and identity, themes that need to be addressed now more than ever. Being part of My Melbourne was a profoundly moving experience, and I am proud to contribute to a film that speaks of acceptance and self-discovery.”