Australian distributors praise Bollywood at IFFI

Panaji: Australian distributors are of the opinion that Bollywood connects brilliantly with its local audience, something filmmakers Down Under are yet to learn. "Australia has a small audience for its local cinema whereas India has an enormous and enthusiastic audience for its local cinema," said Julia Marlow from Screen Producers Association of Australia at the Film Bazaar in IFFI here.

Representatives from the association are in India as a part of the three-day business to business event to facilitate co-productions between India and Australia.

Marlow, who has been a regular at the film bazaar in Goa, feels that Indian movies have been wrongly stereotyped as song and dance dramas.

"There are misconceptions about Bollywood that its all about song, dance and romance. But Bollywood, with its complex multi-layered narrative have managed to cut right through the heart of the local audience. We need to learn how to connect to our local audience from them," Marlow added.

The Australian government is in discussion with its Indian counterparts for the past two years to sign a pact to enable Indian filmmakers to enter into a co-production with Australia.

"The pact is under discussion for the past two years, which is not a very long time for such a thing. We are hoping that it will be signed by next year," said Marlow.

Once the agreement is in place, the Indian filmmakers will have access to finances from the Australian government and be eligible for tax rebate if their film is an official co-production. It will also facilitate shooting of the films in the country.

"When the treaty is finalized, Indian filmmakers will be counted as Australian filmmakers, and vice versa. It would be immensely beneficial for both," said Kathleen Drumm from Screen Australia.

A number of Bollywood films, including 'Salaam Namaste', 'Chak De' and 'Heyy Babyy' have been extensively shot in Australia. "Currently From Sydney with Love is being shot in Australia," said Drumm.

TV series 'Bade Acche Lagte Hain" has also been shot in Sydney recently.