Fiji’s long-standing connection with Indian cinema was in the spotlight as the Indian Film Festival officially opened with free screenings across the country, highlighting both cultural bonds and contemporary cooperation between the two nations.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Shashi Kiran officiated at the opening night in Suva, saying generations of Fijians have grown up watching Hindi films that entertained families and quietly built bridges across cultures.
The festival, organised by the High Commission of India, Suva, began with a screening of The Vaccine War, a film based on India’s efforts to develop its own COVID-19 vaccines and share them globally. Kiran noted that Fiji was among the countries that benefited from India’s vaccine support during the pandemic.
She said Indian cinema has been embraced across ethnic lines in Fiji, with many iTaukei communities learning Hindi words and songs through films over the past three generations. Beyond entertainment, she added, the festival reflects wider cooperation, including strengthened medical partnerships and plans for a 100-bed specialty hospital, collaboration in pharmacopeia, and traditional medicine.
Kiran also pointed to opportunities for creative exchange, noting that Fijians such as Sumeet Tappoo have already made their mark in Bollywood. With emerging local filmmakers, she said Fiji has strong potential for collaboration, learning and co-production, while its natural beauty and culture make it an attractive filming destination comparable to popular Bollywood locations abroad.
The festival lineup includes award-winning films such as Uri: The Surgical Strike and Major, which are being screened free at Life Cinema in Nakasi and other venues.
Indian High Commissioner Suneet Mehta said the festival is a tribute to the deep-rooted cultural relationship between India and Fiji, nurtured over generations through shared traditions, values and the universal language of cinema. He said this year’s programme has been designed to reach wider audiences, with screenings planned not only in Suva but also in Nadi and Lautoka in the coming weeks.
Mehta said Fiji holds a special place for Indian cinema, with generations of Fijians of Indian origin growing up on classic films and iconic stars. He added that it is encouraging to see wider Fijian communities embracing Bollywood—learning phrases, singing popular songs and celebrating them at concerts and family events.
He described the festival as a reminder of the power of film and art to bring communities together and strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.
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