Mumbai, April 1 (NationPress) The beloved Hindi film ‘Manthan’ and ‘In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones’ have undergone restoration and are set to be showcased at the current edition of the National Indian Film Festival of Australia (NIFFA).

The screenings present a unique chance for audiences to engage with cinematic masterpieces that have significantly influenced India’s cultural and film landscape. This initiative goes beyond mere festival programming, signifying a notable evolution in Australia's cultural interaction with one of the globe's largest film industries. By extending the reach of these restored classics from urban hubs to regional audiences, the program seeks to enhance access to international cinema.

‘Manthan’, directed by Shyam Benegal, is inspired by India's White Revolution and the cooperative dairy movement pioneered by Verghese Kurien. Remarkably, the film was financed by over 500,000 farmers from the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation. It features performances by Girish Karnad, Smita Patil, and Naseeruddin Shah. The film was awarded the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi and represented India at the Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film.

Anupam Sharma, NIFFA’s founder, commented, “This initiative emphasizes access and inclusivity at a national scale. With gratitude to Shivendra and the Film Heritage Foundation, we are sharing stories that resonate across generations with audiences who otherwise may never have the chance to experience them on the big screen—be it in Sydney or the regional heartlands of Broken Hill or Alice Springs.”

The second film, ‘In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones’, is a Hindi-English television film directed by Pradip Krishen and penned by Arundhati Roy. Set in an architecture college, it chronicles the lives of students grappling with academic challenges and personal aspirations. It stars Arjun Raina, alongside early roles from Shah Rukh Khan and Manoj Bajpayee. The film received the National Film Award for Best Screenplay and is celebrated for its authentic depiction of student experiences.

Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, Director of the Film Heritage Foundation, stated, “Film restoration transcends mere preservation; it is about rejuvenating memory, identity, and cultural continuity. Through NIFFA's screenings, we are bringing these narratives out of archives and into vibrant audiences across Australia, including remote areas where they can inspire and provoke thought.”

“At the Film Heritage Foundation, our goal has always been to safeguard and rejuvenate India’s cinematic legacy. However, preservation alone is insufficient; these films need to be seen, discussed, and rediscovered by new generations,” he added.

There will be a total of six screenings of both films in locations including Sydney, Canberra, and Perth.