Rishab Shetty will receive the prestigious Leadership in Cinema Award at the 2026 edition of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), recognising his contributions as an actor, writer and filmmaker.
The festival said the award acknowledges Rishab Shetty's work in taking stories rooted in the culture, folklore and traditions of coastal Karnataka to audiences beyond India. Through the Kantara films, he has emerged as one of the country's most recognised filmmakers, blending local storytelling with themes that have found wider appeal.
Rishab Shetty will attend IFFM 2026 as one of the festival's guests. The Leadership in Cinema Award is among the festival's top honours and has previously been presented to several prominent names in Indian cinema.
Reacting to the recognition, Rishab Shetty said, "I am deeply honoured to receive the Leadership in Cinema Award from the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. Storytelling has always been my way of celebrating our culture, our traditions and the communities that inspire us. It is incredibly meaningful to see stories rooted in our heritage resonate with audiences across the world. I look forward to being in Melbourne and celebrating the diversity and strength of Indian cinema with fellow filmmakers and audiences."
IFFM Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange said Rishab Shetty's work reflects a new generation of Indian filmmakers whose stories remain rooted in local culture while connecting with global audiences. She added that the festival was pleased to honour him with the award.
The 2026 edition of IFFM will feature screenings, panel discussions, industry events and the annual IFFM Awards, bringing together filmmakers and artists from Indian and South Asian cinema.
