One of India’s largest umbrella bodies for film and cultural development has partnered with the Third Culture Film Festival (TCFF) in Tauranga for an exciting creative alliance aimed at supporting film and creative exchanges between India and New Zealand.
With a focus on film, TCFF Founder & Director Harry Oram says: "International creative diplomacy can start right here in the Bay of Plenty — and ripple out to the world".
The Mentor & Mascot Indian Film Federation (MMIFF) will establish the MMIFF India–New Zealand Art, Culture, Film & Entertainment Forum as part of the collaboration.
Oram said the new platform is dynamic and committed to fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange between the two nations.
“This is about more than just film, it’s about building meaningful relationships between our communities, our students, and our industries — from Tauranga to Mumbai and beyond.”
One module, The Joint Youth Short Film Labs, aims to pair emerging filmmakers from NZ and India to create cross-cultural films under shared mentorship, culminating in screenings at both TCFF and MMIFF festivals.
MMIFF Chairperson, Mr. Jitender Sharma said the partnership is more than a collaboration, "it’s a bridge between two cultures”.
"As an association for creatives, we are focused on effectively promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Our mission is to enhance and promote Indian culture, heritage, and dignity worldwide.
"We aim to support one another and celebrate accomplishments across all areas of specialization. It is our responsibility to uphold DEI in all aspects of our operations, including our membership, policies, and
practices, and to foster an inclusive culture essential for the present and future growth of our organization."
The programme is scheduled to be rolled out as a series of initiatives under a formal knowledge-sharing agreement. Other programmes include a Joint Youth Short Film Labs that will pair emerging filmmakers from NZ and India; Reciprocal Festival Showcases such as an India Spotlight at TCFF 2026 and Third Culture programme blocks at MMIFF’s international events; Virtual Residencies & Masterclasses offering filmmakers and students access to collaborative training, script labs; and insights into each other’s creative industries.
There will also be a Joint Award for the best student film from the Labs Programme.
For more information, contact tcff@gmail.com