The Australian Documentary Feature ‘Shared Table Regional Heroes’ had its World Premiere at the 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) in the International Competition

Directed by Indian-Australian author and filmmaker Nandita Chakraborty, it’s the only Australian film selected at the prestigious film festival

Mumbai : — The Australian documentary feature ‘Shared Table: Regional Heroes’ had its World Premiere at the prestigious Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2026.

The film is the only Australian selection at MIFF and will be competing in the festival’s International Competition. The screening was followed by an engaging Q & AHon’ble Deputy Consul General Christian Jack attended the India premiere as a Guest Of Honour.

The 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) is taking place from June 15 to June 21, 2026.

As South Asia’s oldest and largest festival for documentaries, short fiction, and animation films, it is being held at the NFDC premises in Mumbai.

Directed by Indian-Australian filmmaker and author Nandita Chakraborty, Shared Table: Regional Heroes follows a diverse group of filmmakers on an improvised road trip across regional Victoria.

The narrative explores the lives of four migrant heroes who share their homes, kitchens, and personal histories, transforming a quest for connection into a profound examination of identity, displacement, and cultural heritage through the lens of food and memory.

While presenting the film, Hon’ble Deputy Consul General Christian Jack who was present as a Guest of Honour, spoke. “I thank NFDC for partnering with the Australian Government on a range of things including an audiovisual co-production agreement which provides subsidies and support for Indian filmmakers to go to Australia and make Indian films in partnership with Australian filmmakers as well.”He adds, “Australia has over one million Australians with Indian heritage living and working in Australia.

The relationship we have with India is really important, and the Indian diaspora that calls Australia home plays a crucial role in bridging the bilateral relationship.”Excited about the MIFF premiere of her second documentary, Nandita says, “At its heart, Shared Table: Regional Heroes is about connection.

The film tries to reflect the modern tables in homes across regional Victoria, Australia where strangers become friends, memories become stories, and food becomes a bridge between cultures.

The film invites audiences to sit at the table with four remarkable migrant heroes and discover the fortitude, generosity, and hope that bind us together as a community. The film aims to bring little happiness in this ominous world with much-needed friendships.”The producer Niru Tripathi says,”As a producer, I have always believed that the most powerful stories are those that bring people together. Shared Table:

Regional Heroes is more than a documentary it is a celebration of the cultural richness that migrants bring to regional Australia.

This film reminds us that every community is strengthened by the diversity of its people. I hope audiences are inspired by these remarkable individuals and leave with a greater appreciation for the human connections that unite us across cultures, backgrounds, and generations.

It has been a privilege to help bring these inspiring voices to the screen with my director, Nandita. “The film is produced by CALD Community Voices and Niru Tripathi, with support from the State Government of Victoria.Following its World Premiere in Mumbai, the documentary is scheduled for its Australian Premiere at the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival.

About Nandita Chakraborty Nandita Chakraborty is an Australian-Indian writer, screenwriter, filmmaker, disability advocate, and community arts practitioner based in Melbourne, Australia. Born in Kolkata, India, she migrated to Australia in 2000 and has built a multidisciplinary creative career spanning literature, journalism, visual arts, and documentary filmmaking.

A survivor of a life-changing rock-climbing accident in 2011 that resulted in a traumatic brain injury and permanent cognitive disability, Chakraborty turned to writing as part of her rehabilitation journey. She is the author of the award-winning novellas Meera Rising and Rosemary’s Retribution, works that explore identity, migration, disability, love, and cross-cultural experiences.

Her writing has been recognised internationally, including finalist placements in the American Best Book Awards. Nandita’s book ‘Dirty Little Secrets’ is turning into a film. Chakraborty has expanded her storytelling into film, writing, directing, and producing documentaries that amplify migrant, multicultural, and underrepresented voices

Her documentary Piquancy Silent Heroes celebrates the contributions of multicultural communities in Melbourne and was supported by the Victorian Government and community organisations.

She also directed Shared Table: Regional Heroes, which explores the experiences of migrant communities living in regional Victoria. A recipient of the Victorian Multicultural Award for Excellence in Arts (2023), Chakraborty is recognised for her advocacy, community engagement, and commitment to inclusive storytelling.

Through her work across literature, film, journalism, and the arts, she continues to champion themes of belonging, resilience, disability, and cultural connection.Niru Tripathi is a Melbourne-based journalist, author, community leader, and multicultural advocate dedicated to amplifying culturally and linguistically diverse voices across Australia. As the Founder and President of she has created a platform that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and community storytelling through media, arts, advocacy, and grassroots initiatives.

Originally from Nepal, Niru is also the Editor-in-Chief of , where she highlights stories of migration, women’s empowerment, social justice, and multicultural experiences. (Her work focuses strongly on gender equality, community development, and creating opportunities for underrepresented voices to be heard.

A passionate advocate for cross-cultural dialogue, Niru has produced and supported numerous community events, documentaries, and artistic collaborations across Victoria.

She has been instrumental in projects such as Shared Table: Regional Heroes, bringing migrant stories from regional Australia to wider audiences. Through journalism, storytelling, and community engagement, Niru Tripathi continues to build bridges between cultures while championing equity, inclusion, and social connection.