New Delhi: The National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC) has announced two landmark partnerships with Australian screen industry institutions, signing Letters of Intent (LOIs) with Screen Producers Australia (SPA) and the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA). The move underscores NFDC’s vision to deepen cultural exchange, co-production opportunities, and heritage preservation between India and Australia.
The LOI with Screen Producers Australia lays the foundation for India Connect—a program that will see a delegation of Indian producers travel to Australia in 2026 for the SCREEN FOREVER conference on the Gold Coast. Designed to boost creative collaboration, the initiative includes project-matching forums, curated delegate selection, and structured networking sessions to facilitate long-term partnerships and co-productions.
Meanwhile, the LOI with the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia focuses on heritage preservation and archival collaboration. The agreement will encourage knowledge-sharing in film restoration, digitisation, and preservation practices, enabling both nations to safeguard and celebrate their cinematic histories for generations to come.
Speaking about the strategic partnerships, Information & Broadcasting Secretary Shri Sanjay Jaju said, “These partnerships reaffirm NFDC’s commitment to building global bridges for Indian cinema. With Australia, we share not only creative ambitions but also a responsibility to preserve and promote our screen cultures. Together, we look forward to fostering new collaborations that will inspire filmmakers, audiences, and cultural communities across both nations.”
The collaborations are set to roll out from late 2025, with structured milestones leading up to SCREEN FOREVER 2026 and archival initiatives with NFSA. Additionally, the partnerships will extend to Waves Bazaar, NFDC’s flagship content and co-production market held alongside the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in November. With increased participation from Australian stakeholders, Waves Bazaar will provide new opportunities for creators from both countries to connect, exchange ideas, and explore collaborative projects.
