Program

Nomination Council​

Deepti Sachdeva

Deepti is an award-winning producer and storyteller with a Master’s in Film and TV from the Mass Communication Research Centre, Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi. With a background in journalism and production at NDTV, she has crafted compelling narratives across film, television, and digital media. She has co-produced projects such as Bollywood Downunder and The Run documentary, as well as led digital campaigns for films like unINDIAN. Her work has been recognised at the Asian Television Awards, World Media Festivals, and IABCA, and she has served as a jury member for the New York Festivals and BANFF Rockie Awards. Currently based in Australia, Deepti continues to champion impactful storytelling and cinematic innovation.

Accountant

Nina Prokhorova

Nina joined the TEMPLE team in October 2018. With over 30 years of experience as an accountant, new to the film industry she has embraced this new challenge with enthusiasm and confidence.

Festival Media Relation (India)

Hema Upadhyay

Hema Upadhyay is the founder of 1H Media Consultants, a leading Mumbai-based public relations firm specializing in the entertainment industry. With over 20 years of experience, Hema has successfully managed publicity and communication strategies for a wide array of clients, including films, celebrities, film studios, and major entertainment events.

1H is known for handling high-profile projects like the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), the Film Bazaar, the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF), and the India Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival. The firm has also worked on PR campaigns for some of the most prestigious entities in the entertainment industry, including Zee Studios, Sony Pictures, FICCI, NFDC, and Motion Picture Association India, among others.

Hema’s extensive experience spans across Hindi, Hollywood, and regional cinema, having worked on over 130 films in Indian regional languages such as Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and more.

Festival Media Relation (Australia)

Holly Byrnes

With 25+ years’ experience in print journalism, digital publishing, network TV communications and unit publicity, Holly Byrnes has earned an outstanding reputation for professionalism, creativity, agility and strategic thinking. Her media career spans the news, entertainment, arts and lifestyle sectors, working with News Corp Australia, NIne Entertainment Company (in roles at Fairfax and 2GB), and the Seven Network. She founded her boutique content, copy and communications agency, Holly Byrnes Media in 2025, specialising in writing, editing, consulting communications, content creation and business support.

Cinema & Diversity Consultant

Sadhana Jethanandani

Sadhana Jethanandani brings over 19 years of experience as a production executive in Australia, having worked on major projects such as the eight-time Emmy-nominated series MythBusters and the iconic fan-favourite Fat Pizza. She brings a wealth of expertise in high-profile, high-stakes productions, for platforms like SBS, Channel 10, Discovery, Disney and National Geographic.

As the Co-Founder of Trikone Australia (trikone.org.au) in 2007, a community organization dedicated to empowering Queer South Asians, and the Founder & Curator of SATRANG (2010), Australia’s first and only South Asian Queer Film Festival, Sadhana has played a leading role in creating spaces for marginalized voices and celebrating diverse cinema. Sadhana is Lecturer (Producing) at the prestigious AFTRS (Australian Film, Television, and Radio School). She also serves as the Australia India Film Council’s Senior Policy & Events Advisor. These roles enable her to engage with industry leaders to facilitate initiatives for cross-border collaborations, policy development, and co-production opportunities. She is passionate about helping diverse, vibrant, and resilient Indian storytellers find platforms to share their stories and celebrate the richness of their multifaceted lives.

Media Advisor

Victoria Buchan

Victoria Buchan is a communications expert with 20 years history operating The Lantern Group, a boutique specialist public relations and events company.  During that time, Victoria provided a range of communications services to government organisations such as Screen Australia and AFTRS, festivals, productions and leading media companies such as Nine Entertainment Company.

Nomination Council

Rhea Raj Shinde

Rhea is a screenwriter and filmmaker with a deep, sustained love for cinema– both as a creative practice and a critical discipline. As a film reviewer, she consistently analyzes, dissects, and contextualizes films, curating recommendations and promoting cinema across platforms while collaborating with multiple brands and creative spaces. Her life is a constant hustle: hopping from word to word, set to set, and always chasing the magic of movies.

Nomination Council

Aalisha

Aalisha is an internationally experienced VFX, CG and Virtual Production producer with over 15 years of experience spanning India, the Middle East, and Australia. She has led high-end film, episodic, and animation projects for globally recognised studios and platforms, including Netflix, Rising Sun Pictures, Dreamscreen Australia, Technicolor, Prana Studios, Pixel Zoo Animation, and India Today (Aaj Tak), working at the intersection of creative ambition, technical excellence, and large-scale delivery.

Her recent screen credits include major international productions such as Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, The Fall Guy, Disney’s Armorsaurs, and Netflix series including Kohrra, Masaba Masaba, Jogi, and CAT. Aalisha produced the widely recognised animated political satire series So Sorry for India Today Aaj Tak, which received honours from the FICCI–BAF and DIGIPUB Awards.

Specialising in end-to-end production management, Aalisha is known for overseeing complex international pipelines while balancing creative vision, budgets, schedules, and broadcast-level standards. Now based in Australia, she plays an active leadership role within the screen and post-production community and currently serves on the Board of Managers of the Visual Effects Society (VES) Australia, contributing to industry standards, awards programs, and professional advocacy.

Nomination Council

Amruta Apte

Amruta Apte is a multifaceted artist, producer, distributor, and production coordinator at SBS – Broadcasting network, creating engaging TV and online content. Amruta began her creative journey in theatre and radio as a performer in India. After relocating to Australia, she continued to pursue her passion for performance, acting in theatrical plays in Marathi, Hindi, and English across Australia.

An emerging director, Amruta won prize for her short film “Ankur” in a 48-hour film challenge hosted by the Melbourne Women in Film Festival. She assisted in directing the groundbreaking Australian TV series “Four Years Later,” featuring a South Asian cast and blending Hindi and English languages. This project showcased her contribution to the Australian screen scene.

Amruta’s goal is to share authentic stories of first-generation migrants, celebrating their unique experiences and cultural heritage.

Nomination Council

Neeru Saluja

Neeru Saluja is a freelance films and arts writer, widely recognised as a communications expert in the media and communications industry. With a background in journalism, she launched her career with leading publication houses such as The Times of India and Indian Express.

Based in Australia for over two decades, she has been instrumental in giving a voice to South Asian artists globally via her in-depth interviews. Specialising in celebrity interviews, she has interviewed the who’s who of the Indian film industry. Notable events include the Sydney Film Festival, the SXSW Sydney, WOMADelaide, AACTA and the Asia Pacific Screen Awards.

With a passion for the creative arts, she is known for her insightful reviews of films. Her extensive experience has led her to successfully cover a diverse range of artistic platforms from film festivals to theatre, from music concerts to comedy shows, and poetry readings to fashion shows.

Nomination Council

Mansi Joshi

Mansi Joshi is a media producer and storyteller whose work spans documentary, television, and cross-platform media across Australia and Canada. She began her professional journey in Sydney under Research and Production at TEMPLE, where she contributed to international projects that celebrated diversity, cross-cultural cinema, and innovative storytelling.

Mansi holds a Master’s degree in Communication (Television Production and Public Relations) from Deakin University, Melbourne, following her undergraduate training in journalism and mass communication. Her creative practice is grounded in socially resonant storytelling and the responsibilities of representation, bringing both sensitivity and production rigour to the stories she helps bring to screen.

Now based in Canada, Mansi continues to expand her work beyond production through sustained community-engaged initiatives, supporting storytelling practices rooted in access, care, and social impact. As Executive Producer (Canada), she contributes to international collaborations and creative development while strengthening global networks between artists, communities, and producers.

Beyond production, she is committed to advancing media research and discourse, currently exploring doctoral studies in communications and media, deepening her engagement with the critical intersections of media labor, visual culture, and ethical storytelling.

Nomination Council

Achala Datar

Achala’s passion for television and cinema has been the driving force of her career since her early years. Her professional journey began in India, where she worked with prominent production houses like Balaji Telefilms and Aruna Irani Productions before becoming an executive producer at ZEE TV. After relocating to Australia in 2006, she expanded her expertise to include radio production before returning to her primary interest in film production.

With over 15 years of industry experience, Achala has built an impressive portfolio working on major Bollywood productions such as Kurbaan, Main aur Mrs Khanna, and Bachna Ae Haseeno through an Indian film production and distribution company in Australia. She has also contributed to the Australian film industry, developing distribution strategies for notable films like Backyard Ashes and Babadook. Currently, she leads film distribution operations for Zee Studios across Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, and has played a crucial role in bringing quality Marathi language films to these regions.

Beyond her professional commitments, Achala dedicates herself to nurturing future talent through mentoring media students via the Inner Northern Local Learning and Employment Network (INLLEN). Her community involvement extends to various local and global organizations, where she serves as both volunteer and mentor, demonstrating her commitment to giving back to the industry and society at large.

Social Media Manager (Australia)

Saesha Senanayke

Saesha Senanayke discovered her passion for films studying Media at high school and decided to pursue it formally with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication majoring in Digital and Social Media at the University of Technology Sydney. Her communication skills and high grades led to her getting opportunities at Sky News Australia, undertaking multiple roles as a News Producer, Syndication Producer, Sky News Extra Producer and Liaison Producer. This experience has enabled her to share stories that resonate with the broader public.

She was then headhunted by Australia’s first and only national celebration of Indian Cinema. Coming on board NIFFA as a Social Media and Digital Content Creator, Saesha is looking forward to the opportunity to add her South Asian migrant background to the mix, ensuring that South Asian stories can be shared within the multicultural blend of Australia.

Brand Design, Website & Graphics

40 Graphix

40 Graphix is a dynamic creative studio, known for an exceptional blend of design expertise and branding acumen. With over 45 years of collective experience, our portfolio demonstrates our dedication to excellence; encompassing everything from brand identity curation and intuitive website development to video storytelling and marketing-centric graphic design.

The talented team specializes in crafting impactful digital experiences, focusing on user-driven UI/UX designs that elevate brand profiles. With a strong emphasis on visually engaging websites and mobile apps, we ensure that businesses captivate their audiences and establish seamless user journeys.

With experience working with diverse clientele across the globe, we at committed to bringing brand visions to life through strategic design solutions and consistently delivering outstanding results that propel businesses forward.

Festival EP (Australia)

Farabee Kabir

Farabee Kabir is one of the few female Australian-Bengali film producers, seamlessly merging business expertise with a passion for storytelling. A Chartered Accountant and graduate of the prestigious AFTRS Master of Arts Screen: Producing program, she began her career at Deloitte Australia, where she spent five years managing projects for clients like Matchbox Pictures and Universal Pictures before fully immersing herself in filmmaking. Her work spans short films and feature-length vertical series, exploring psychological horror, magical realism, and dark comedies. Her projects have received international recognition—“Bőr” won the Emerging Australian Filmmaker Award at MIFF 2024 and was nominated at SXSW Sydney 2024. “The Method” won an APDG Award, while “Occam’s Circus” was nominated for the same award. “Cut” premiered at VIFF 2023 before screening globally. Her versatility extends to roles as an assistant director and production manager, having also managed a series pilot as part of the ABC Fresh Blood initiative.

Currently a Development and Production Executive at Films and Casting Temple, Farabee oversees a diverse slate of scripted and non-scripted projects. She also serves as Executive Producer of NIFFA Australia’s inaugural festival, leading its expansion across seven cities and into New Zealand and Fiji. Committed to amplifying underrepresented voices, she continues to push the boundaries of traditional storytelling and deliver bold, impactful stories.

Festival Head (South Asia)

Raunak Dhupar

Raunak Dhupar is a filmmaker and producer with a passion for sharing powerful stories on a global stage.

After earning her degree in Journalism from Lady Shri Ram College in Delhi, Raunak embarked on her directing journey with the documentary Band Darwazein. She followed this with Khat, an award-winning short film that won the prestigious PSBT Fur Lotus Award.

Raunak’s professional path has led her to roles such as Assistant Director on the Discovery documentary India’s Space Odyssey and producing independent projects and social media campaigns as an Assistant Producer at Vaak Creatives.

Currently specializing in Producing for Films and TV at SRFTI, Raunak’s keen eye for storytelling and attention to detail have caught the attention of both national and international organizations. Her impressive work has led to opportunities with the Australia India Film Council, the first Aboriginal/Indian film Bidjara Kumari, and collaboration on Anupam Kher’s upcoming international co-production, where he is directing.

Festival Co-director​

Peter Castaldi

Peter has worked in entertainment journalism, film exhibition, distribution and marketing and festival programming and management for all of his professional life. He is a highly experienced festival and film marketing consultant and manager.

He is also highly regarded as film and entertainment journalist and commentator.

Between 1977 and 1981 Peter managed and programmed Valhalla independent cinemas in Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney.

From 1984 until 2001 Peter worked as an entertainment industry journalist, producer & presenter with the ABC & SBS in TV and Radio across multiple channels. He also worked as a writer, producer and presenter for commercial FTA, Cable TV and in Radio and Print.

In 1994 he was the first Australian journalist invited to sit on the Cannes Film Festival FIPRESCI Jury.

In 1999 and 2000, Peter delivered the City of Sydney Goat Island Film Festivals and the Olympics Arts Film Festival as artistic director and general manager.

In 2001 he built the 3-screen cinema complex in holiday resort town of Byron Bay. He programmed and managed the cinema until 2004 to be one of the most successful regional cinemas in Australia.

From June 2004 until November 2006 Peter was the Big Screen Festival Director and Project Manager for the Australian Film Commission (now Screen Australia) delivering both the regional tours and the pilot Regional Digital Screen Network.

He has also worked as an independent distributor and established the theatrical division for Umbrella Entertainment. He was Producer, Marketing & Distribution for the international release of the digital full-dome work “Coral Rekindling Venus” in 2012 and a national North American tour with Sundance New Frontiers in 2013.

He was curator and co-director, with Anupam Sharma, of the Australian Film Festival of India which annually toured Australian screen content (features, shorts and documentaries) to multiple Indian cities.

He has also produced the Brunswick Picture House and consulted to HOTA on education programs.

Peter is currently Managing Editor Education Services and Partnerships Manager with Australian Teachers of Media Inc.

He is acknowledged as a Cinema Pioneer.

He is also a qualified chef and former owner of successful restaurants. But that’s another story!

Festival Founder and Director

Anupam Sharma

Anupam Sharma is the founder and festival director of Australia’s first and only National celebration of Indian Cinema – NIFFA. Anupam is an award-winning filmmaker and film entrepreneur with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Films & Theatre and a post-graduate thesis on Indian cinema from the University of NSW. Widely credited for pioneering Australia’s film links with Bollywood/India, he was named as one of the fifty most powerful and influential Australian film professionals. Anupam is the founding head of TEMPLE, a prolific and award-winning international film production and consultancy firm based out of Disney Studios – Sydney, where he has led a team of film professionals on over 415 projects as producer, EP, or Line Producer.

Anupam is a rare film festival director who is also a prolific filmmaker (Click for his Film Making Profile). He has pioneered unique Indian film festivals in Australia and Australian film festivals in India starting with one of the first Indian films festivals in Sydney called “Bossom, Belly, and Bollywood” by AFTRS and Safina Uberoi, and then was a consultant on Sydney City’s Goat Island Festival of Indian Cinema in 2000 by Peter Castaldi.

Anupam and his team were awarded a prestigious DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Australia) contract to promote Australian films in India at various festivals between 2004 and 2007 when he produced delegations to India and curated Australian films with his team and support from Australian Film Commission.

Anupam Sharma and Peter Castaldi then launched An Australian Film Initiative producing Australian film festival around India with support from Hugh Jackman, Baz Luhrman, and Philip Noyce among others. producing Australian film festivals in India. He has been on the advisory council of Asia Pacific Screen Awards , and advisor (India) on the Australian Academy of Cinema TV and Arts (AACTA) Asia Initiative.

Anupam was voted as Chair of Australia India Film Council the first and only Australian film council promoting film links between Australia and India. In recognition of his work in films and diversity, Anupam has been appointed as an Australia Day Ambassador and appointed to the board of the Diversity Task Force of Screen Queensland.

He has advised many government and private bodies in relation to Indian films, including Baz Luhrman’s Moulin Rouge, the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Governments of Queensland and NSW among others. In 2012 he was the chief judge and advisor to the first India-centric Australian reality television show on SBS – Bollywood Star.

He is a respected commentator and frequent speaker at various conferences and on television/radio programs including the ABC, the Nine Network, SBS TV, SPA, Art Gallery of NSW, and the Powerhouse Museum.

Rajiee M Shinde

CEO of PTC Entertainment

Rajiee M Shinde is the CEO of PTC Entertainment Channels and a pioneering force in the Punjabi entertainment industry. She has played a key role in the launch and growth of Punjabi television, from Punjabi World to ETC Punjabi and Zee Punjabi, before going on to lead and scale the PTC Entertainment Network as a distinct and independent Punjabi network.

She also conceptualised and launched the first-ever Punjab Music Awards and Punjab Film Awards, creating landmark platforms to celebrate Punjabi music and cinema. For PTC Films, she has been associated with successful Punjabi films including Disco Singh starring Diljit Dosanjh and Zorawar starring Yo Yo Honey Singh.

Mr Stephen P. Jenner

Vice President, Communications (Asia Pacific), Motion Picture Association

Stephen Jenner is Vice President, Communications, of the Asia-Pacific Region for the Motion Picture Association, whose global mission is to advance and support the film, television and streaming content industry.   Stephen manages all communications, public relations and educational outreach projects, with the objective of promoting and protecting the commercial and creative interests of the MPA’s represented studios and Asia’s screen communities.

Prior to his role with the MPA, Stephen worked as a special projects and communications consultant for screen industry associations throughout the Asia-Pacific region.  He has also been involved in the film and television industry, both as a writer and producer for a number of television series, screen novelizations, short films, documentaries, and television commercials, winning the Australian Film Institute (AFI) Byron Kennedy Award in 2000 for establishing Inside Film Magazine and the Inside Film Awards.  

Stephen has worked with large global media organizations, including Getty Images and image.net Ltd. in several senior Asia-Pacific roles. He held the position of Managing Director of Inside Film Magazine and Executive Producer Inside Film Awards from 1996 to 2001.

Stephen graduated from the University of Leicester in the UK with degrees in English and Philosophy.

Hon Mr Jinson Charls, MLA

Northern Territory Minister for People, Sport and Culture; Disability; Arts; Youth, Seniors and Equality; Multicultural Affairs; & Veterans.

Jinson Charls was appointed a Northern Territory minister in September 2024.

Holding ministerial portfolios for People, Sport and Culture; Disability; Arts; Youth, Seniors and Equality; Multicultural Affairs; Veterans, Mr Charls is a strong supporter of equality and diversity.

Born in Kerala, India, Mr Charls moved to Darwin in 2015. He is a strong supporter of multicultural affairs, and said that the connection between people, sport and culture and the arts, were important foundations of what made the Territory so special.

A father of two, Mr Charls is passionate about helping people and creating a safe and optimistic place to live, work and raise a family. He said that helping to strengthen social connections, supporting the local economy and working to improve health outcomes through community initiatives, and were all part of his mantra.

Prior to taking on his portfolio responsibilities, Mr Charls worked as a Registered Nurse specialising in mental health, alcohol and other drugs, emergency, and critical care. Mr Charls also held senior leadership roles in NT Health, including heading up Acute Care, Recovery and Rehabilitation Services, at the Top End Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Services.

Ms Charishma Kaliyanda, MP

Member for Liverpool, NSW Legislative Assembly

Charishma Kaliyanda was raised, educated and has worked in southwest Sydney for most of her career. In 2023, she was elected as the first Indian-born Australian Member of Parliament for Liverpool.

She is the Parliamentary Secretary for Customer Service, Digital Government, Emergency Services and Youth Justice. In this capacity, Charishma supports Minister Jihad Dib to drive better service provision across these portfolios to deliver for every resident of NSW.

Before entering Parliament, Charishma worked as a registered Occupational Therapist working in the youth mental health sector.

Charishma believes in integrity and equity. She works for her community in Sydney’s south-western suburbs every day and is focused on ensuring that all people in her community have the opportunity to pursue their ambition of a better life for themselves and their families.

Charishma currently serves as a member of the board of the Whitlam Institute, which is a research and policy think tank, and prime ministerial public museum that commemorates and draws inspiration from the life and work of the Honourable Gough Whitlam AC QC, former Prime Minister of Australia.

Mr Brian Hayes, KC

King’s Counsel; former Chairman, Australia India Business Council

Admitted to Practice: 1971             Signed Bar Roll: 1984            Appointed Silk: 1986

Brian is a Kings Counsel with over fifty years’ experience in environmental, heritage, and land use planning and appellate advocacy, commercial, and public administration. He has, been involved as a principal in major reviews of environmental, heritage and land use planning, and other legislation and has acted as consultant to Federal, State and Local Governments on the drafting of environmental land use planning legislation and local government legislation. He has also advised three State Governments on the establishment of Planning and Environmental courts and the jurisdiction of such Courts.

In addition to his practice at the Senior bar, he is acknowledged internationally in building legal and justice capacity in developing countries including the Russian Federation Laos Vietnam Indonesia and India. He is the founder of the Legal and Justice Project Alliance. He is the former National Chairman of the Australia India Business Council and was the Premier of South Australia’s strategic advisor on India and the Special Envoy to India. In these roles, he has been active in building bilateral trade and business links with India.

Outside of the law, Brian has been involved in the film industry with credits as co producer of Hotel Mumbai and producer of Emotion is Dead. He is the Deputy Chair of the South Australian Film Corporation and Chair of the SA Advisory Council on Gambling.

Hon Dr Parwinder Kaur, MLC

Member of the Legislative Council, Western Australia

Hon Dr Parwinder Kaur is an award-winning scientist, advocate, and Member of Parliament, deeply committed to advancing science, community, and inclusive leadership. Her journey from the lab bench to the Western Australian Legislative Council—as a first-generation migrant, mother, and woman of colour—reflects her passion for innovation and transformative change. Elected in May 2025 as a Member of the Legislative Council for the Australian Labor Party, she brings a powerful voice for progress and inclusion.

Dr Kaur has received numerous accolades for her sustained contributions to science. Drawing on her expertise in biotechnology, she connects people with their environments in new and meaningful ways. Recognised with prestigious honours—including the Australian Academy of Sciences’ Science and Innovation Award (2013), Microsoft’s AI for Earth Award (2019), and induction into the Western Australia Women’s Hall of Fame (2023)—she champions diversity in STEM and evidence-based policy. She empowers people from all walks of life and age groups to see that individuals can drive change. As a Member of Parliament, professor of science, first generation migrant, and mother, Dr Kaur stands as an inspiring role model for the next generation of diverse scientists to pursue their passion for discovery, translation, and public service.

In her role as Deputy Chair of Committees, member of the Standing Committee on Environment and Public Affairs, and Member of the National Policy Forum of the Australian Labor Party, she continues to demonstrate her belief that science and service together can create a sustainable, equitable future for all. Her work embodies the spirit of storytelling that bridges nations, echoing the mission of NIFFA: to celebrate cultural connection and collaboration through the arts. Through her leadership, she demonstrates that science, culture, and service together can illuminate a more sustainable, inclusive, and imaginative future for Australia, India, and the world.

Mr Warren Kirby, MP

Member for Riverstone, NSW Legislative Assembly

Warren Kirby MP has been the State Member for Riverstone since 2023. Prior to entering Parliament, Warren was a local businessman and Vice President of the North West Business Chamber. He left his business to run for Parliament after watching the former Liberal Government neglect the infrastructure needs of the North West.

Since he was elected, Warren has worked with Premier Chris Minns to build a better community for the North West.