Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have announced a landmark bilateral Audiovisual Co‑production Agreement, further strengthening economic and cultural ties between our two nations.
The agreement, signed today by Trade Minister Don Farrell and Indian Minister of Information and Broadcasting Shri Anurag Singh Thakur in India, will encourage collaboration and creative exchange, leading to more Indian-Australian co-productions showcasing the best of both cultures, landscapes and people.
The initiative will also provide projects in both countries with access to government funding including grants, loans and tax offsets.
Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell saidthe agreement recognised India's role as a cultural powerhouse and would provide opportunities for each country's best screen talent to collaborate and create content.
"India is an important economic and cultural partner to Australia, and our governments have been working hard to bring our two film industries closer together."
"This Agreement will bring our actors, producers and filmmakers together and in turn, bring our people closer together."
The agreement will capitalise on India and Australia's thriving personal and cultural links. The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne is the largest annual celebration of Indian cinema outside of India. Australia's screen industry is widely recognised within India for its unique cultural perspectives.
Minister for the Arts Tony Burke said the agreement will bring a range of cultural and economic benefits to the Australian screen industry and provide an important pathway for our local industry to access international markets and audiences.
"As a long-time Bollywood fan, I'm particularly excited for this agreement. India is a global powerhouse when it comes to film."
"Bringing a slice of Bollywood to Brisbane, while showcasing Melbourne to Mumbai is good news for the Australian screen industry."
"This will open up new audiences and investment for local screen producers, taking Australian stories to one of the largest cinema audiences in the world."
