A Potpourri of Vestiges Feature
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| Shreerupa Mitra |
The Australia India Film Council, the only
dedicated Australian film council committed to promoting and supporting the
growing links between the Australian and Indian screen industries, announced
the appointment of Shreerupa Mitra and Achala Datar to its National Board.
This announcement marks a significant step
in AIFC’s expanding role as the leading force in boosting partnerships, and
pathways between the two nations’ film economies.
Shreerupa Mitra is an internationally
recognised expert in geopolitics and international cooperation, with a
distinguished career spanning policy, academia, and journalism. She currently
serves as an advisor to the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum and has held
senior roles with the U.S.-India Business Council and the Government of India.
A former United Nations journalist based in Geneva, she has reported on
critical global developments and peace negotiations. Alongside her policy work,
Shreerupa has cultivated a growing presence in cinema, appearing in
Goutam Ghose’s Miles to Go, researching the Indo-Italian co-production
Parikrama, and performing in the upcoming Indo-Sri Lankan-French feature
Turtles Gaze on Spying Stars.
Speaking from Delhi, Shreerupa Mitra shared,
“With a co-production treaty in place and growing people-to-people ties, this
is a ripe moment for India and Australia to write a new cinematic chapter
together,” said Mitra. “I am honoured to join AIFC and look forward to helping
shape this creative dialogue into something meaningful, sustainable, and truly
global.”
Achala Datar is a Melbourne-based media
executive with over 15 years of experience across Indian television, Indian
film distribution, and Australian cinema promotion. Currently leading Zee
Studios’ operations in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, she has played a key
role in bringing both mainstream and regional Indian films to diverse audiences
and mentoring young media professionals through education networks like INLLEN.
With roots in Indian television production and a career that spans Indian film
distribution, regional cinema, and grassroots media mentorship in Australia,
she brings a deep understanding of both markets.
Achala Datar, reflecting on her journey,
added, “It’s an honor to join the Australia India Film Council. I believe
deeply in the power of film to connect cultures, and I’m eager to help forge
new pathways for collaboration and innovation between our thriving
industries.”
Welcoming the new appointments, AIFC Chair
Anupam Sharma said, “I have personally observed and benefited from the calibre,
commitment, and passion that both Achala and Shreerupa bring to the
Australia-India screen space. It’s a real privilege to have them on the board,
especially at a time when the partnership between our industries is evolving
into something much more meaningful and long-term after the co-production
treaty.”
Vice Chair Julie Marlow added, “It’s not
just inspiring, it’s vital to see more women with such international depth and
creative intelligence step into leadership roles in our industry. Shreerupa and
Achala bring a rare combination of strategic foresight and cultural fluency.
Their appointment signals the inclusive, forward-looking, and truly global
direction AIFC is committed to.”
Sydney-based lawyer and Australia Day
Ambassador Khushaal Vyas, COO of AIFC, said, “The appointment of Achala and
Shreerupa comes at a pivotal time where Australia-India ties economically,
culturally and in film is growing rapidly. We’re very excited to have people of
their calibre on board and are confident that their expertise will assist AIFC
in continuing to meaningfully grow the council’s impact in policy, projects and
beyond.”
Established in 2020, the Australia India
Film Council supports filmmakers, screen professionals, and institutions
operating across the Australia-India corridor.
AIFC’s core objectives include nurturing
diverse, cross-cultural projects and film talent, advising government bodies,
providing Australian screen agencies and creatives insight into Indian cinema
sector and vice versa. The Council has played a key role in initiatives such as
Australia’s representation at India’s Film Bazaar, strategic engagement with
Indian ministries and festivals, and facilitating collaboration between
producers, screen bodies, and academic institutions, through its volunteer
leadership with Executive Volunteers like Sadhana Jethanandani and Khushaal Vyas
COO.
With the addition of these two accomplished
members, AIFC reaffirms its commitment to a thriving, equitable, and globally
engaged film future for Australia and India, one powered by policy,
partnerships, and the stories we choose to tell together.
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