Western Australia has strengthened its creative and cultural ties with India with the official launch of the West Australian Indian Film Council (WAIFC) by Premier Roger Cook.
The independent, not-for-profit council was launched on Friday, September 11, bringing together government, diplomatic, screen industry, business and community representatives.
WAIFC has been established to develop long-term connections between Western Australia and India across film, television, streaming, digital media and the broader creative industries.
The initiative builds on a more than century-old connection between Western Australia and Indian cinema.
Fearless Nadia, one of the pioneering stars of Indian cinema, was born Mary Ann Evans in Perth in 1908. She moved to India as a child and later became an iconic figure in Indian film, particularly known for her action roles and stunt performances.
WAIFC Chair and Director Nilesh Makwana said the council aimed to turn Western Australia’s geographic and cultural links with India into practical opportunities for collaboration.
“Western Australia has an opportunity to play a much greater role in the Australia-India creative relationship,” Makwana said.
“Perth is geographically closer to Mumbai than Sydney, giving WA a unique position as a gateway between Australia and India and the broader Indian Ocean region.”
Makwana said the council would seek opportunities across co-productions, filming locations, talent exchange, education, investment, festivals and cultural partnerships.
India has one of the world’s largest and most diverse screen industries, producing more than 2,000 films annually across more than 30 languages. Its film and entertainment industry generated an estimated US$5.91 billion in 2025.
Western Australia is also expanding its screen production capabilities, with the State Government investing $290 million in Perth Film Studios and its operations.
WAIFC will work to connect producers, filmmakers, creative practitioners, businesses, educators, government agencies, festivals and community organisations from both regions.
The council plans to support industry delegations and networking, promote Western Australia’s screen capabilities internationally and facilitate talent and knowledge exchange.
Consul General of India to Western Australia and the Northern Territory Kajari Biswas welcomed the initiative, saying film and storytelling could strengthen cultural understanding and create new opportunities between India and Western Australia.
“With India’s vibrant and diverse film industry and Western Australia’s growing capabilities in film and creative industries, there is further potential for partnership.”
WAIFC said greater collaboration could create pathways for investment and production while supporting local jobs, talent development, intellectual property and tourism.
The council’s launch marks the beginning of a longer-term program of industry engagement, partnerships, delegations and cultural initiatives aimed at strengthening the Australia–India creative relationship.
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