Aamir Khan to Hoist Flag at IFFM 2025

Bollywood icon Aamir Khan will hoist the Indian National Flag at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025 in August, marking the festival’s annual Independence Day celebration. Festival director Mitu Bhowmick Lange described the ceremony as a “deeply emotional and unifying experience,” emphasizing the pride of seeing the Tiranga unfurl abroad. “Having Aamir, whose cinema resonates globally, lead this moment is a rare honour,” she added, noting his presence embodies IFFM’s values of equality and diversity.

Supported by the Government of Victoria, IFFM is the largest Indian film festival outside India, showcasing nearly 75 films in 2025 that highlight inclusivity across gender, race, sexuality, disability, and women’s representation. A key highlight is the LGBTQ Pride Night on August 22, featuring the restored 1971 film Badnaam Basti, India’s first gay film, celebrating queer South Asian identity.

The festival opens with Baksho Bondi – Shadowbox, a Bengali film starring Tillotama Shome as Maya, a resilient working woman in Kolkata. Co-directed by Tanushree Das and Saumyananda Sahi, and co-produced by Shome and Jim Sarbh, the film premiered at the Berlin Film Festival 2025.

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Also Read: India’s First LGBTQ Film ‘Badnaam Basti’ to Shine at IFFM