Exclusive: Melbourne Lord Mayor Unveils "My Melbourne 2" at IFFI 2025, Goa.

Swati Bhat

Nick Reece, Lord Mayor of Melbourne

IFFI Premises, Goa: In a dynamic celebration of Indo-Australian cinema and cultural exchange, Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Nick Reece made a major exclusive announcement during an interaction with our Chief Editor Ms. Swati Bhat. Reece revealed that his dream project, "My Melbourne 2", is officially underway. "My Melbourne 2" is a sequel to the Indo-Australian anthology film "My Melbourne," with prominent Indian filmmakers Rajkumar Hirani, Shoojit Sircar, Anjali Menon, and Onir set to produce it.

Speaking to The Communiqué News, Reece expressed his enthusiasm at being part of the IFFI 2025. “It’s so exciting. Of course, everybody knows Delhi is the capital of India, but Melbourne is the Indian capital of Australia,” he said, praising Melbourne’s strong connection with its vibrant Indian diaspora.

Indian Cinema’s Unprecedented Rise in Australia-

Reece highlighted the rapidly growing popularity of Indian films in Australia. He revealed that Indian cinema now ranks as the third-highest box office performer in the country, behind only the USA and England.

“This makes Australia the first English-speaking nation where Indian film has reached at such a high position,” he explained. “It’s wonderful to see so many people enjoying Indian movies. We absolutely love it.”

A major contributor to this success is the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) the world’s largest Indian film festival held outside India.

"My Melbourne": A Cross-Cultural Success Story

The Lord Mayor’s visit marked the launch of the Indian premiere of My Melbourne, an award-winning film created by leading Indian filmmakers in Australia. The film has received critical acclaim and won multiple awards across international circuits.

“We’re here launching the Indian premiere of My Melbourne,” Reece said. “It has been very successful in Australia and has won many awards.” Exclusive: My Melbourne 2 Revealed to The Communiqué News.

During an exclusive conversation with our Chief Editor Ms. Swati Bhat, This exclusive announcement was made only to The Communiqué News, underscoring Melbourne’s commitment to strengthening its cultural partnerships with India. “The first one has been such a great success, and we’re excited to take the story forward.” The sequel promises to deepen Indian-Australian storytelling and celebrate the multicultural spirit of Melbourne. A Warm Bollywood Welcome

Describing his experience at the festival, Nick Reece said, “The color, the energy of Bollywood is like nothing else. I just sit here marveling at it.”

With heartfelt appreciation for India, he concluded his address with: “Jai Hind, Jai Australia.” with a positive laugh.

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Constructing The International Film Festival of India 2025

The 56th International Film Festival of India in Goa is not just a celebration of world cinema — it’s a clear signal of the government’s serious backing for creative talent. At the heart of this edition are major figures from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting: Union I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who chairs the IFFI steering committee, and I&B Secretary Sanjay Jaju, both of whom have emphasized a “Convergence of Creativity & Technology” as this year’s guiding theme.

The International Film Festival of India 2025 is being organized by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), now more directly responsible for the festival after absorbing several film units. At the July 2025 steering committee meeting, Prakash Magdum, the Managing Director of NFDC, joined hands with Mr. Vaishnaw and Mr. Jaju to plan an expansive line-up, new outreach initiatives, and an inclusive vision for young creators.

In a striking move, IFFI has introduced India’s first AI Film Festival & Hackathon, under the aegis of NFDC and supported by the Ministry. This gives filmmakers and technologists a unique platform to explore AI-driven storytelling, with veteran festival director Shekhar Kapur himself heading the jury.

FTII (Film & Television Institute of India)  another institution under the I&B Ministry is also contributing to IFFI 2025’s spirit of learning. According to recent reports, FTII faculty will lead a Film Appreciation course in Goa during the festival, helping journalists and delegates deepen their understanding of cinema. The involvement of FTII underscores how education and policy are converging within the Ministry’s broader push for creative excellence.

Moreover, Press Information Bureau (PIB) leadership is closely connected: the media accreditation office has highlighted the role of PIB in facilitating IFFI’s press coverage, underlining the institutional seriousness behind the glitz.

All in all, IFFI 2025 feels like much more than just a film festival it’s a strategic, state-supported effort to bridge cinema, technology, and talent.

WaveX and T-Hub Collaboration Revolutionizes India's Media Technology Sector

Swati Bhat

In a groundbreaking move to enhance India's media-tech ecosystem, WaveX has teamed up with T-Hub, a premier innovation hub situated in Hyderabad. This partnership is set to empower the next wave of startups in the media technology sector, equipping them with the vital resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities they need to succeed in today's competitive market.

The media-tech industry in India is changing rapidly, spurred by technological advances and shifting consumer behaviors. Digital content consumption is on the rise, with statistics indicating that internet users in India are expected to increase to 900 million by 2025. This demand has created a pressing need for innovative solutions that can elevate user experiences. With this collaboration, WaveX and T-Hub are ready to nurture startups adept at tackling these new challenges.

The Vision Behind the Partnership

The core aim of the partnership between WaveX and T-Hub is to promote innovation and entrepreneurship within the media-tech sector. By combining WaveX's experience in startup acceleration with T-Hub's vast network and resources, these organizations intend to build a thriving ecosystem that supports aspiring entrepreneurs.

WaveX contributes a rich reservoir of knowledge in mentoring startups, including access to funding, strategic guidance, and insights into industry trends. Conversely, T-Hub acts as a springboard for innovation, connecting startups with investors, industry leaders, and potential clients. This collaborative effort is likely to create a substantial impact on India's media-tech landscape.

Key Initiatives and Support for Startups

WaveX and T-Hub have outlined a series of initiatives aimed at providing tailored support for media-tech startups. These encompass:

1. Mentorship Programs: Startups will connect with experienced industry mentors and successful entrepreneurs who can share actionable insights and guidance. For instance, last year, T-Hub helped over 200 startups gain crucial expertise through its mentorship programs.

   
   

2. Workshops and Training Sessions: Regular workshops will be organized to equip startups with essential skills relevant to the media-tech sector. These sessions will cover topics such as digital marketing and content creation, ensuring that startups can effectively navigate the current landscape.

   
   

3. Networking Events: Startups can interact with potential investors and partners at curated networking events. For example, a recent event saw 150 startups engage directly with over 50 investors, emphasizing the value of building connections.

   
   

4. Access to Funding: WaveX is dedicated to helping startups obtain the financial resources they need to grow. In the past, WaveX facilitated over $5 million in funding for various startups, showcasing its commitment to financial support.

   
   

The Impact on India's Media-Tech Ecosystem

The partnership between WaveX and T-Hub is likely to transform the media-tech ecosystem in India. By equipping startups with necessary tools and resources, this alliance seeks to encourage innovation and inspire a wave of solutions tailored to meet evolving consumer needs.

Furthermore, this partnership aligns with India's broader goal of becoming a global leader in technology and innovation. By supporting local talent and fostering a robust culture of entrepreneurship, WaveX and T-Hub are helping build a sustainable media-tech ecosystem capable of competing at international levels.

Shaping the Future of Media-Tech Startups

The collaboration between WaveX and T-Hub represents a significant turning point for India's media-tech startups. By offering essential support and resources, this partnership is set to empower a new generation of innovators who will redefine the future of media technology in India. As the sector continues to evolve, the initiatives launched by WaveX and T-Hub will be key to driving growth and nurturing a vibrant startup culture.

With their strong commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship, WaveX and T-Hub are forging a path toward a promising future for India's media-tech landscape.

About WaveX

WaveX is the dedicated startup accelerator platform launched under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting’s WAVES initiative, aimed at nurturing innovation in the media and entertainment sectors. At the WAVES Summit held in Mumbai in May 2025, WaveX provided pitching and networking  opportunities to more than 100 promising startups, enabling direct engagement with government agencies, investors, and industry leaders. WaveX continues to support breakthrough ideas through targeted hackathons, incubation, mentorship, and integration with national platforms.

About T-Hub

T-Hub is the world’s largest startup hub supporting more than 2,000 startups through curated programs, market access, funding opportunities, and world-class infrastructure. T-Hub also serves as a prominent incubator of incubators, supporting programs like iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) along with hosting and nurturing entities such as AIC (Atal Incubation Centre) and MATH (Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Technology Hub).