My Melbourne Directors Celebrate Kolkata’s Legacy with a Heritage Tram Ride

In a memorable cultural celebration, the directors of the anthology film My Melbourne took a nostalgic ride on Kolkata’s iconic Heritage Tram ahead of the film’s special screening at the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) on 6th December. This unique event symbolized the shared heritage of trams between Kolkata and Melbourne, two cities steeped in history, creativity, and cultural richness.

My Melbourne, directed by acclaimed filmmakers Imtiaz Ali, Onir, Rima Das and Kabir Khan, delves into powerful themes including race, gender, sexuality, and disability. A standout feature of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) earlier this year, the anthology continues to resonate globally for its storytelling that bridges diverse perspectives and celebrates inclusivity.

The tram ride began at the historic Esplanade Tram Depot, where the directors engaged with cinephiles in an intimate meet-and-greet session. The Heritage Tram, adorned with images from the film My Melbourne.

Speaking at the event, Imtiaz Ali, the creative director of My Melbourne, said, “The connection between My. Melbourne, the film i am representing at the Kolkata International Film Festival and Calcutta itself, is trams. We, four directors of the Indian film industry came together in Melbourne to make a film called My Melbourne, which is about inclusivity, inclusive living; really, and it’s the first time I have done an anthology. Four directors being Kabir Khan, Onir, Rima Das and myself, these are four different stories but they are loosely strung together by the narrative of all of them being in Melbourne. It’s really a dream come true to be in the Kolkata International Film Festival to represent My Melbourne, and it’s always a pleasure to be in a tram in Kolkata. I hope and wish trams can stay longer in the streets of Kolkata.”

Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM, producer of My Melbourne, added, “It is a privilege and a dream come true, to be showcasing our beautiful film, My Melbourne, in one of my favourite cities; my hometown, Kolkata and at the Kolkata International Film Festival, whose energy I just love. Also very special to be in the tram, because Melbourne and Kolkata have this beautiful heritage of trams and how they connect people, just like our stories do. That’s why it’s so special to be in this tram and be able to meet you all and talk to you all.”

Onir, the director of My Melbourne, said, “For me, it’s really really special coming to the Kolkata International Film Festival. Despite being in the film industry for over 20 years, it is the first time my film is screening at the Kolkata International Film Festival. It’s special because when I was in Jadavpur University, I used to come to the film festival, watch films and learn and it was a dream that someday, I’d be sitting there and in a way, that dream will get fulfilled today. To watch it in Nandan-1, my own film, I just got goosebumps.”

Rahul, Kabir Khan’s co-director, mentioned, “I think it’s lovely because My Melbourne’s connecting theme is a tram. So the tram takes you from one film to another, and it’s lovely how in Kolkata how we’re in the tram, taking this film to all the people of india, and the people of Kolkata, I think that’s what the good connecting factor is. We are really grateful since it’s such a prestigious film festival, and it’s great that the film is featured in the Kolkata International Film Festival.”

The initiative highlights Kolkata’s tram system as a cultural treasure that has been a part of the city for over 150 years. Drawing parallels with Melbourne’s iconic trams, the event reinforced the shared identity and artistic spirit of the two cities.

As part of KIFF, the Heritage Tram will continue its special trips until December 11, 2024, offering locals and visitors a chance to experience the city’s vibrant culture alongside a cinematic celebration.