Bollywood and Beyond
Friday 9 February
5pm AEST
EXPLORING THE NEW AUSTRALIA-INDIA CO-PRODUCTION TREATY
An essential forum for those involved in Australian-Indian projects, or those exploring new, lucrative markets for co-productions.
Key developments in this space include the recent enactment of an Australia-India co-production treaty, following extensive senate hearings and parliamentary procedures in both countries. This agreement, effective from November 19, 2023, marks a significant milestone in bilateral film relations.
Simultaneously, India has substantially increased subsidies for screen projects shot within its borders, especially for co-productions, now encompassing Australian collaborations. This initiative is a strategic move to boost the film industry and attract international filmmakers.
In this context, the Australia India Film Council has been formed, comprising leading filmmakers from both nations, to steer this cross-cultural cinematic journey.
Featuring
Anupam Sharma
Anupam Sharma is film maker with Bachelors and Masters in film and a thesis on Indian cinema from University of NSW. Widely credited as having pioneered Australia’s modern links with India since 1997, Anupam has lead a team of film professionals working on more than 380 screen projects including features, TV commercials, festivals and delegations between Australia and India through his Sydney – Disney Studios based company TEMPLE. He set up the first Australia India Film Fund, started An Australian Film Initiative with Peter Castaldi, directed and produced the romantic comedy unINDIAN with Lisa Duff starring Brett Lee, and has recently directed Brand Bollywood Downunder a feature documentary on Australia’s cinematic love affair with India. The film opened across theatres in Australia including special screenings at federal and state parliaments and was termed as ‘must watch’ by many of the leading critics. He is currently working on a slate of features as a director/producer most with development investment from Screen Australia, Screen NSW, SBS, and/or private investors. He is the Chair of Australia India Film Council , on the Diversity Task force of Screen Queensland, and nominated as an Australia Day Ambassador for his work in diversity and films
Pradnya Dugal
Pradnya Dugal is an Australian producer and the founder of Jhumka Films production company in Sydney. Born in Australia, of South Asian heritage, Pradnya is an ardent advocate of the cinematic arts, and is passionate about films that tell authentic stories and explore cross-cultural themes. Pradnya executive produced feature films that premiered in competition at Sundance Film Festival - "Farewell Amor" (2020), and "The Sound of Silence" (2019). Her first Indian production was a Bollywood-style film "Shoor Amhi Sardaar" (2017). Her latest award-winning Marathi-language short film "Maasa" (2022) premiered at the Mumbai International Film Festival, with distribution by SBS Australia and Pocket Films India. She is currently executive producing an Australian feature documentary "Framed", which has been shortlisted as one of the hottest upcoming projects at AIDC (Australian International Documentary Conference).
Grainne Brunsdon
As Director of Content at Screen Australia, Grainne Brunsdon leads on production investment and development, distribution support, and initiatives across Australian screen content, including feature film, television, online, documentary and games; industry development programs for above and below the line practitioners; and international programs.
Grainne has more than 25 years’ experience working in the creative industries, including roles at Screen NSW and Arts NSW, as well as leadership positions in international cultural relations with the British Council and arts organisations in Sydney.
As Head of Screen NSW, Grainne oversaw the state’s investment in the local screen sector, including industry development and international production incentives. Prior to this Grainne was Director of Arts Investment, Engagement and Development at Create NSW, overseeing all arts funding programs and initiatives.
Julie Eckersley
Julie Eckersley is the Head of Scripted content for the SBS Network.
She is responsible for commissioning and leading the scripted development team to deliver on our mandate of narratives that are bold, brave, and showcase under-represented voices in powerful and entertaining television series. Her commissions include Safe Home, While the Men Are Away, Erotic Stories, Swift Street and Four Years as well as a range of ground-breaking Digital Originals content including Latecomers and Appetite.
Prior to joining SBS Julie was a Producer for the esteemed Matchbox Pictures (NBCU) where she developed and produced a wide range of award-winning content. Some of her noteworthy projects include The Family Law (a comedy about growing up queer and Asian in Australia), Maximum Choppage (Australia’s first TV kung fu comedy) and the science fiction drama, Glitch (for Netflix and ABC).
With over 25 years experience Julie has a proven track record of diverse storytelling and gender equity and inclusion. She holds a BA (Drama) and a Masters of Communication as well as qualifications from AFTRS and RMIT in writing and producing. She has recently completed the Executive Leadership Course at Oxford University.