Filmmaker Anupam Sharma. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Bidjara Kumari, A feature film starring Anupam Sharma as lead producer and co-produced with Jodie Bell and renowned Australian filmmaker Richard Jameson was announced at the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Jameson is also a writer for the film.

The announcement coincides with Australia being the focus country at IFFI’s ‘NFDC Film Market’. Set to be the first film to explore the intersection of Australian Aboriginal and Indian cultures, Bidjara Kumari Supported by development grants from Screen Australia and Screen Queensland as well as co-production support from India.

Anupam said, “It is such an honor to be a part of the first film that unites two of the world’s oldest cultures to share their modern stories. It is an incredible privilege to collaborate with Richard and Jody on this culturally authentic project, and I look forward to bringing this story to life.

The film tells the emotionally driven story of Tasha, an Australian girl who undergoes a transformative journey in India to find her father. Her journey takes her through a maze of events and situations that trigger emotional memories of her international identity and cultural ties.

Producer and writer Richard Jameson said, “It’s a story about identity and understanding culture.” “Having grown up as a mixed-race child, I know how many Indigenous children struggle with not fitting in. Bidjara Kumari Offers an inspiring story to help children begin their journey of connecting with their family, community and culture.”

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Co-creator Jody Bell highlighted the importance of cultural accuracy in storytelling. “Bringing Tasha’s story to screen with Richard and Anu (Anupam) ensures authenticity and cultural safety. It is important that our stories are told, seen and heard while truthfully representing our cultures,” she said. He also informed that the project has recently completed recce of cultural and film space in the areas of North India.