The film is scheduled for a theatrical release in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji on 6 March 2025, and in India on 14 March 2025.[2]
Plot summaries
My Melbourne comprises four segments, each directed by different filmmakers, addressing themes related to the LGBTQIA+, disability, gender and race.[9][5] The film has four stories titled, Emma, Nandini, Jules, and Setara.[4]
Emma
Directed by Rima Das and co-directed by Samira Cox, Emma tells the story of a talented dancer in her early twenties living with Usher's Syndrome, which is gradually affecting her hearing. Despite her passion for dancing, Emma (Ryanna Skye Lawson) struggles with discrimination in the dance industry and doubts about her future. Supported by her mother, Susan (Mikhaela Ebony), and friends like Jai (Jordan Shome), she meets Nathan (Nathan Borg), a successful deaf dancer whose self-acceptance inspires her to continue pursuing her dreams.[8][3]
Nandini
Directed by Onir[10] and co-directed by William Duan, Nandini follows the emotional reunion of Indraneel (Arka Das), a queer Indian man, and his estranged father, Mihir (Mouli Ganguly). After years of separation, the two come together in Melbourne to perform the Asthi Visarjan (ash-scattering) ceremony for Indraneel's late mother. The story revolves around themes of grief, forgiveness, and the complexities of familial relationships.[8][3]
Jules
Directed by Arif Ali, with Imtiaz Ali as the creative director and Tammy Yang as the co-director, Jules centers on the unlikely friendship between Sakshi (Arushi Sharma), a newlywed food blogger, and Jules (Kat Stewart), a homeless woman in Melbourne. Despite their contrasting lives, the two women, both dealing with feelings of displacement, form a bond as they navigate their individual struggles with societal expectations and personal challenges.[8][3]
Setara
Directed by Kabir Khan and co-directed by Puneet Gulati, Setara tells the story of Setara (Setara Amiri), a 15-year-old Afghan refugee who relocates to Melbourne with her mother and sister after fleeing the Taliban. As the family copes with the trauma of their past, Setara discovers a sense of belonging through cricket, which helps her rebuild her life in a new country. The film is based on Setera's own journey from Afghanistan to Melbourne as she plays herself in this film.[8][3][11]
The film was shot entirely on location in Melbourne, Australia.[3][13] Afghan singer Aryana Sayeed was brought on board to sing the title track of Setera for the film.[14]
The My Melbourne title track is written and performed by Janaki Easwar in English and Parvyn Kaur Singh in Punjabi, with music composed by Tamil Rogeon and Yidaki played by Kiernan Ironfield. The title track for Setara is composed by Anurag Sharma, sung by Aryana Sayeed.[15][16]
My Melbourne is set for a theatrical release in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji on 6 March 2025.[2] It is scheduled to release in India on 14 March 2025.[25] It is the first Australian film to receive distribution in India since 2016.[2]
Reception
The film received a generally positive response, with Kalpa Jyoti Bhuyan of High On Films praising its emotional depth and direction, rating it 3 out of 5.[26]
At the 17th Jaipur International Film Festival 2025, My Melbourne won multiple awards in the Feature Film category, including Best Director (Golden Camel Award), Best Original Screenplay (Monique Nair, William Duan, Gregory Francis, Samira Cox, Arif Ali, Shivangi Bhowmick, Nazifa Amiri), Best Music (Tamil Rogeon, Anurag Sharma), and Best Production Design (Jennifer Davis). The film also received the Green Rose Award for its global message.[27]
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