Published on April 4, 2026
The Australia India Film Council (AIFC), the only dedicated Australian film council focused on promoting and supporting the growing connections between the Australian and Indian screen industries, has announced the appointments of Shreerupa Mitra and Achala Datar to its National Board.
This significant announcement marks an important step in AIFC’s expanding role as a leading force in boosting partnerships and fostering pathways between the two nations’ film economies.
Shreerupa Mitra is an internationally recognized expert in geopolitics and international cooperation, boasting a distinguished career spanning policy, academia, and journalism. She currently serves as an advisor to the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum and has held senior roles with the U.S.-India Business Council and the Government of India. As a former United Nations journalist based in Geneva, she has reported on critical global developments and peace negotiations. Alongside her policy work, Mitra has cultivated a growing presence in cinema, appearing in Goutam Ghose’s “Miles to Go,” researching the Indo-Italian co-production “Parikrama,” and performing in the upcoming Indo-Sri Lankan-French feature “Turtles Gaze on Spying Stars.”
Speaking from Delhi, Shreerupa Mitra expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “With a co-production treaty in place and growing people-to-people ties, this is a ripe moment for India and Australia to write a new cinematic chapter together. I am honoured to join AIFC and look forward to helping shape this creative dialogue into something meaningful, sustainable, and truly global.”
Achala Datar is a Melbourne-based media executive with over 15 years of experience across Indian television, Indian film distribution, and Australian cinema promotion. She currently leads Zee Studios’ operations in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, playing a key role in introducing both mainstream and regional Indian films to diverse audiences. Datar has also been instrumental in mentoring young media professionals through educational networks like INLLEN. With her roots in Indian television production and a career that spans Indian film distribution, regional cinema, and grassroots media mentorship in Australia, she provides a deep understanding of both markets.
Reflecting on her journey, Achala Datar added, “It’s an honor to join the Australia India Film Council. I deeply believe in the power of film to connect cultures, and I’m eager to help forge new pathways for collaboration and innovation between our thriving industries.”
Welcoming the new appointments, AIFC Chair Anupam Sharma noted, “I have personally observed and benefitted from the calibre, commitment, and passion that both Achala and Shreerupa bring to the Australia-India screen space. It’s a real privilege to have them on the board, especially at a time when the partnership between our industries is evolving into something much more meaningful and long-term after the co-production treaty.”
Vice Chair Julie Marlow also commented on the importance of diversity in leadership, stating, “It’s not just inspiring, it’s vital to see more women with such international depth and creative intelligence step into leadership roles in our industry. Shreerupa and Achala bring a rare combination of strategic foresight and cultural fluency. Their appointment signals the inclusive, forward-looking, and truly global direction AIFC is committed to.”
Khushaal Vyas, a Sydney-based lawyer and Australia Day Ambassador, who serves as COO of AIFC, stated, “The appointment of Achala and Shreerupa comes at a pivotal time where Australia-India ties economically, culturally, and in film are growing rapidly. We’re very excited to have people of their calibre on board and are confident their expertise will assist AIFC in meaningfully growing the council’s impact in policy, projects, and beyond.”
Established in 2020, the AIFC supports filmmakers, screen professionals, and institutions operating across the Australia-India corridor. AIFC’s core objectives include nurturing diverse, cross-cultural projects and film talent, advising government bodies, and providing Australian screen agencies and creatives with insight into the Indian cinema sector and vice versa. The Council has played a pivotal role in initiatives such as Australia’s representation at India’s Film Bazaar, strategic engagement with Indian ministries and festivals, and facilitating collaborations between producers, screen bodies, and academic institutions through its leadership.
With the addition of these two accomplished members, AIFC reaffirms its commitment to a thriving, equitable, and globally engaged film future for Australia and India, one powered , partnerships, and the stories that the two nations choose to tell together.
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