Baksho Bondi to Open 2025 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne

New Delhi, Jul 18 (PTI) - The acclaimed Bengali film "Baksho Bondi," starring actor Tillotama Shome, has been selected as the opening feature for the 2025 edition of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM). The film, which marks Shome’s venture into co-production alongside actor Jim Sarbh, is set to make its official Australian premiere on August 14, thereby inaugurating the festival's 16th installment.

Directed by debut filmmakers Tanushree Das and Saumyananda Sahi, the narrative is situated in a Kolkata suburb. It revolves around the character Maya, portrayed by Shome, whose life story unfolds through subtle moments of courage and perseverance. Titled "Shadowbox" in English, this cinematic piece had its grand debut at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival and is a collaborative production involving India, France, the US, and Spain.

"Baksho Bondi holds a profound place in my heart," Shome stated, emphasizing the significance of her portrayal as Maya. "Playing Maya was a lesson in listening to silences, discovering strength in small acts, and understanding the quiet resilience that shapes women’s lives in a world predisposed to overlooking them. After Berlin, showcasing Maya’s story in Melbourne feels exceptionally meaningful, echoing the festival’s spirit of inclusion championed by Mitu, the director of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. This film is a tribute to working women, the charm of dusty afternoons in Barrackpore, and the courage that endures unobserved."

Festival director Mitu Bhowmick Lange lauded the film, describing it as a “tender, honest, and visually stunning” piece. She expressed, "We are privileged to commence IFFM 2025 with 'Baksho Bondi', a film that epitomizes the power of Indian independent cinema while exploring themes that are both intensely personal and universally relevant. Tillotama Shome’s portrayal of Maya is truly remarkable. This is precisely the kind of film we take pride in presenting at IFFM, and we eagerly anticipate Australian audiences experiencing this masterpiece on our Opening Night."

The IFFM 2025, supported by the Victorian Government, will run from August 14 to 24, with the IFFM Awards Night, which celebrates excellence across the film and OTT sectors, scheduled for August 15.

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