Melbourne: Celebrated Indian actor and filmmaker Aamir Khan will hoist the Indian national flag at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025 this August.
The event, a centerpiece of the festival’s annual Independence Day commemorations, will take place in the heart of Melbourne, drawing together members of the Indian diaspora, Australian film enthusiasts, and dignitaries.
Backed by the Government of Victoria, IFFM is the largest Indian film festival held outside India, known for its wide-ranging showcase of Indian cinema across languages and genres. This year’s edition will screen over 75 films in 31 languages, while also hosting panels, masterclasses, and cultural exchanges.
The flag hoisting ceremony has grown to become one of the festival’s most anticipated and emotionally resonant events, symbolizing unity, heritage, and identity. Khan’s participation is expected to add a special significance to the moment, given his global stature and enduring impact on Indian cinema.
Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange stated that, “The flag hoisting ceremony at IFFM is more than a formal tradition — it’s a heartfelt moment that connects us to our roots. Seeing the Indian flag unfurl on foreign soil, in the presence of filmmakers, artists, and audiences from across cultures, is incredibly powerful.”
It’s become a cherished tradition to hoist the Indian flag at Federation Square every year as part of IFFM’s Independence Day celebrations.
This year, adding to the pride, it’ll be none other than global icon AAMIR KHAN leading the ceremony. pic.twitter.com/FSpvBcO9gk
— Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (@IFFMelb) July 24, 2025
Aamir Khan’s involvement is an honor for us. His voice and vision have shaped Indian cinema in profound ways, and his presence reflects the values we stand for: equality, unity in diversity, and the power of storytelling.”
This will mark Khan’s first appearance at IFFM’s Independence Day celebration. Known for critically acclaimed films like Lagaan, Taare Zameen Par, and Dangal, the actor has earned international recognition for addressing complex social themes through cinema.
With the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) defense summit scheduled in China this August and speculation about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attendance, IFFM 2025 is poised to be more than just a film festival; it is set to be a cultural statement of India’s soft power and global engagement.
The flag hoisting ceremony, slated for August 15, is expected to be attended by key Australian leaders and members of the diplomatic community, alongside artists and fans from both countries.
