Restored classic Badnaam Basti to headline Indian Film Festival of Melbourne’s Pride Night

India’s first LGBTQ-themed film Badnaam Basti, originally released in 1971, is set to make a powerful return to the big screen at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025. The restored version of the film will headline the festival’s much-anticipated Pride Celebratory Night on August 22nd.

Now in its 16th year, IFFM has grown into the largest Indian film festival held outside India and remains the only one officially supported by a foreign government, the Government of Victoria in Australia. Year after year, the festival continues to push the envelope on inclusivity and representation in cinema.

This year’s lineup features around 75 films exploring themes of gender, sexuality, race, disability, and women’s empowerment. Among the highlights is the Pride Night, a dedicated celebration of queer cinema and South Asian LGBTQIA+ identity in Australia.

Leading the night is Badnaam Basti, a pioneering film way ahead of its time, which will be screened in its restored form. The screening will be followed by the Australian premiere of We Are Faheem and Karun, a poignant love story by acclaimed filmmaker Onir.

Festival Director Mitu Bhowmik Lange spoke about the importance of showcasing diverse stories:
“Cinema is a reflection of society and has the power to spark dialogue. With Pride Night, we’re not just celebrating queer identity, we’re reclaiming space for stories that were long overlooked. Badnaam Basti paved the way, and films like We Are Faheem and Karun carry the baton forward.”

With a strong focus on community, representation, and global storytelling, IFFM 2025 is once again set to spotlight voices that truly deserve to be seen and heard.