Australia India Film Council announced the appointment of Shreerupa Mitra and Achala Datar to its National Board
Australia India Film Council (AIFC), the only Australian film council dedicated to strengthening ties between the country’s screen industry and India’s vibrant cinema sector, has announced the appointment of Shreerupa Mitra and Achala Datar to its national board.
In a press statement, AIFC says that this move highlights its expanding role as a leader in building creative and economic bridges between India and Australia.
The statement adds that Shreerupa Mitra is a globally recognised expert in geopolitics and international cooperation, with a distinguished career in policy, academia and journalism.
Additionally, she currently serves as an advisor to the United States and India Strategic Partnership Forum and has held prominent positions with the US-India Business Council and the Indian government.
“With a co-production treaty in place and growing people-to-people ties, this is a ripe moment for India and Australia to write a new cinematic chapter together. I am honoured to join AIFC and look forward to helping shape this creative dialogue into something meaningful, sustainable and truly global,” says Mitra.
AIFC says that Achala Datar, based in Melbourne, is a media executive with over 15 years of experience in Indian television, film distribution and Australian cinema promotion.
“It is an honour to join the Australia India Film Council. I believe deeply in the power of film to connect cultures and I am eager to help forge new pathways for collaboration and innovation between our thriving industries,” says Datar.
According to the statement, since its founding in 2020, AIFC has supported filmmakers and institutions working across the Australia-India corridor, fostering cross-cultural projects and advising government agencies. The council has played a key role in initiatives such as Australia’s participation in India’s Film Bazaar and collaborations with Indian ministries and festivals.
Anupam Sharma
“I have personally observed and benefited from the calibre, commitment and passion that both Achala and Shreerupa bring to the Australia-India screen space. It is a real privilege to have them on the board, especially at a time when the partnership between our industries is evolving into something much more meaningful and long-term after the co-production treaty,” says Anupam Sharma, Chair, AIFC.
“It is not just inspiring, it is vital to see more women with such international depth and creative intelligence step into leadership roles in our industry. Shreerupa and Achala bring a rare combination of strategic foresight and cultural fluency. Their appointment signals the inclusive, forward-looking, and truly global direction AIFC is committed to,” says Julie Marlow, Vice Chair, AIFC.
Khushaal Vyas
“The appointment of Achala and Shreerupa comes at a pivotal time where Australia-India ties economically, culturally and in film are growing rapidly. We are very excited to have people of their calibre on board and are confident that their expertise will assist AIFC in continuing to meaningfully grow the council’s impact in policy, projects and beyond,” says Khushaal Vyas, COO , AIFC.