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A still from the\u00a0Hunterwali\u00a0(1935) promotional brochure.<\/p>\n
WAIFC now wants to build a more formal bridge between the two screen industries, spanning film, television, streaming, digital media and other creative sectors.<\/p>\n
The independent not-for-profit Council plans to connect WA and Indian producers and filmmakers, support industry delegations and networking, promote WA as a filming destination, and encourage talent exchange, education, investment and festival partnerships.<\/p>\n
WAIFC Chair and Director Nilesh Makwana (pictured below) said WA was well placed to take a larger role in Australia\u2019s creative relationship with India.<\/p>\n
\u201cWAIFC has been established around a simple proposition: that Western Australia has an opportunity to play a much greater role in the Australia-India creative relationship,\u201d he said. \u201cPerth is geographically closer to Mumbai than Sydney, giving WA a unique position as a gateway between Australia and India and the broader Indian Ocean region.\u201d<\/p>\n
India produces more than 2,000 films each year across more than 30 languages, while WA\u2019s own screen industry is preparing for a major expansion through the new $290 million Perth Film Studios in Malaga<\/a>.<\/p>\n Makwana said the Council hoped to create practical opportunities ranging from co-productions and filming locations to talent exchange and investment.<\/p>\n \u201cIndia has one of the world\u2019s most diverse and dynamic screen industries, spanning film, television, streaming, animation, visual effects and digital content,\u201d he said. \u201cWe want to build meaningful connections between these two creative ecosystems and create practical opportunities for collaboration.\u201d<\/p>\n Consul General of India to Western Australia and the Northern Territory Kajari Biswas said film could also help strengthen the wider relationship between India and WA.<\/p>\n \u201cFilm and storytelling have a unique ability to bring people together, deepen cultural understanding and create new opportunities for collaboration,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n WAIFC says the launch will be followed by a longer-term program of industry partnerships, delegations and cultural initiatives between Western Australia and India.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/1789111211_835_.jpeg\"\/)
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