Imtiaz Ali, Onir, Rima Das, and Kabir Khan’s ‘My Melbourne’ triumphs at 27th UK asian film festival
London, 12 may 2025 — The critically acclaimed anthology film My Melbourne has secured two prestigious accolades at the tongues on fire, flame awards 2025, part of the 27th UK asian film festival. The film was honoured with the coveted ‘Best Film’ award alongside a special festival award celebrating the theme of ‘Longing and Belonging’. The dual recognition marks a significant milestone for the cross-cultural project, which has already garnered widespread acclaim from audiences and critics alike since its release.
My Melbourne is a striking anthology comprising four evocative narratives, each meticulously crafted to delve into the complexities of identity, belonging, and the migrant experience. The film is the result of an extraordinary collaboration between renowned Indian filmmakers Imtiaz Ali, Onir, Rima Das, and Kabir Khan, alongside emerging Australian directors from diverse and often marginalised backgrounds. Together, they weave an intricate cinematic tapestry that offers an authentic portrayal of multiculturalism, migration, and the universal quest for acceptance and community.
In a heartfelt statement following the announcement, Mitu Bhowmick Lange, director of the indian film festival of melbourne and producer of My Melbourne, expressed her joy and gratitude. “We are incredibly honoured and grateful for this recognition. My Melbourne is a labour of love that celebrates authentic, diverse voices and lived experiences. These awards are not just wins for the film, but for every story of identity, resilience, and community it represents,” she said.
Director Onir, who helmed one of the anthology’s segments, shared his sentiments about the project’s significance. “This project was close to my heart because it gave us the opportunity to tell stories that matter, stories that cross boundaries and touch the universal emotions of longing and belonging. I’m humbled and proud to be part of this beautiful journey,” he remarked.
Celebrated filmmaker Imtiaz Ali also reflected on the film’s impact, noting, “Working on My Melbourne was a deeply enriching experience. To see it being honoured in this way reaffirms the importance of stories that explore human emotions beyond geographical limits. It’s a proud moment for all of us.”
Rima Das, acclaimed for her sensitive portrayal of ordinary lives, added, “My Melbourne was born out of a desire to reflect the nuanced, everyday realities of migrants and their emotional journeys. This recognition is special because it tells us that these personal stories are also universal.”
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Echoing similar emotions, Kabir Khan highlighted the film’s role in fostering empathy and dialogue. “Cinema has the power to bridge cultures and foster empathy, and My Melbourne is a testament to that. I’m truly grateful to have been part of a project that brings such meaningful narratives to life and gets recognised on a global platform,” he commented.
The film’s recognition at the UK asian film festival stands as a moment of pride for both Indian and Australian cinema. Known for championing diverse voices and stories from across asia and the diaspora, the festival’s flame awards hold a reputation for celebrating films that challenge, inspire, and resonate deeply with global audiences.
My Melbourne not only highlights the lived realities of the migrant experience in contemporary Australia but also invites audiences to engage with broader conversations around acceptance, identity, and belonging. Its success reaffirms the significance of cross-cultural storytelling and the enduring power of cinema as a medium to unite people across divides.
As My Melbourne continues its journey across international film festivals, the accolades it has received at the flame awards 2025 further cement its status as a landmark work in diasporic cinema. The film’s heartfelt exploration of human connections, rendered through diverse perspectives, is a timely reminder of the need for empathy and understanding in an increasingly polarised world.
