India-Australia sign creative tech MOU at Film Bazaar

On the sidelines of the Waves Film Bazaar in Goa, the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) signed a pact with Australia’s Deakin University on Saturday (November 22).

According to the memorandum of understanding, the two institutions will collaborate on academic programmes, training, and research in creative and applied technologies, including workshops and masterclasses. They will also promote student and faculty mobility and work with industry to ensure real-world impact.

The MoU is part of a wider Australia–India Creative Collaboration initiative in association with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC). It is intended to advance innovation, academic excellence and cross-disciplinary engagement in creative and technology-led education.

“This collaboration strengthens our mission to nurture global talent and push the boundaries of immersive and interactive media education,” said Vishwas Deoskar, CEO of IICT.

Waves Film Bazaar operates in parallel with the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which this year has a spotlight dedicated to Australia. This involves the selection of five Australian films: the 1994 comedy Muriel’s Wedding; 2024 omnibus feature My Melbourne, which is co-directed by Indian auteurs Rima Das, Onir and Kabir Khan among others; Nicholas Clifford’s comedy-drama One More Shot; comedy Pasa Faho, about a struggling shoe salesman trying to save his business; and Christopher Nelius-directed documentary Whistle.

The IICT is operating a booth at Waves Film Bazaar, where delegates can engage in interactive activities and learn more about the institution’s programs and initiatives.

Earlier during the market, IFFI and the NFDC agreed to lend their support to the second edition of the National Indian Film Festival of Australia. The festival is a multi-city event that will take place from the second half of March.

• IFFI partners with NFDC to support National Indian Film Festival of Australia