Restored versions of landmark Indian films—Shyam Benegal’s Manthan and the cult classic In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones—will be screened as Australian premieres at the upcoming National Indian Film Festival of Australia (NIFFA).
The screenings are part of an initiative supported by the Film Heritage Foundation, a globally recognized organization dedicated to restoring Indian cinema classics.
A Rare Opportunity for Australian Audiences
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | National Indian Film Festival of Australia (NIFFA) 2026 |
| Films | Manthan (Shyam Benegal), In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones (cult classic) |
| Format | Restored versions |
| Premiere | Australian premieres |
“The screenings offer audiences a rare opportunity to experience works that have played a significant role in shaping the cultural and cinematic history of India,” reads a press release from the festival.
The release adds that the initiative “reflects a broader shift in Australia’s cultural engagement with one of the world’s largest film industries.”
Expanding into Regional Australia
NIFFA was founded by Anupam Sharma and a team of young Australian and Indian film professionals, including Raunak Dhupar and Farabee Kabir. The festival, which is Australia’s only national showcase dedicated to Indian cinema, has now notably expanded into regional Australia.
“This is about access and inclusion at a national level,” said Sharma in a statement.
“Thanks to Film Heritage Foundation. We’re taking stories that have defined generations and sharing them with audiences who may never have had the opportunity to experience them on the big screen, whether in Sydney or in the heart of regional Australia in Broken Hill or the centre of Australia in Alice Springs.”
Film Heritage Foundation’s Mission
Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, founder of the Film Heritage Foundation, emphasized the importance of restoration and preservation.
“Restoration is not just about saving films; it is about restoring memory, identity, and cultural continuity. Through these screenings by NIFFA, we are taking these stories beyond archives and into living, breathing audiences across Australia, with historic inroads in the outback, where they can inspire, provoke, and endure.”
He added, “At Film Heritage Foundation, our mission has always been to rescue and revive India’s cinematic heritage. But preservation alone is not enough, these films must be seen, discussed, and rediscovered by new generations.”
About the Films
| Film | Director | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Manthan | Shyam Benegal | Landmark 1976 film about India’s White Revolution; crowd-funded by 500,000 farmers |
| In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones | Pradip Krishen | 1989 cult classic about architecture students in Delhi; known for its raw energy and iconic performances |
Manthan, released in 1976, is a landmark film about India’s White Revolution, famously crowd-funded by 500,000 farmers who contributed ₹2 each. In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones, directed by Pradip Krishen and written by Arundhati Roy, remains a cult classic for its authentic portrayal of life at Jawaharlal Nehru University.
