The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025 is set to honor the legacy of the late Ritwik Ghatak, a National Award-winning filmmaker and Padma Shri recipient, by showcasing a retrospective of his work on his birth centenary. This tribute will celebrate Ghatak's profound influence on Indian and global cinema, recognizing his contributions as a director, screenwriter, actor, and playwright.

Ritwik Ghatak, though not fully appreciated during his lifetime, is now hailed as one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. His films delved into themes of partition, social realities, and feminism, offering a unique and powerful voice that continues to resonate with audiences today. Landmark films such as "Meghe Dhaka Tara," "Subarnarekha," and "Komal Gandhar" are now considered masterpieces, studied and appreciated by filmmakers and scholars worldwide for their innovative visual storytelling and deep engagement with complex social issues.

The IFFM 2025 retrospective will feature screenings of Ghatak's most iconic films, panel discussions, and academic tributes. These events aim to celebrate his enduring legacy and introduce his work to new audiences across the globe. The festival will bring together cinephiles, historians, and contemporary filmmakers to pay homage to Ghatak's revolutionary approach to cinema.

Mitu Bhowmik Lange, the IFFM Festival Director, emphasized the importance of honoring Ghatak's work, stating, "Ritwik Ghatak was a visionary far ahead of his time. His cinema dealt with trauma, displacement, and identity with such poetic depth and urgency that it resonates even more today. At IFFM, we believe it is our responsibility to bring global attention to icons like Ritwik Ghatak, whose work shaped the conscience of Indian filmmaking. This centenary celebration is not just a tribute; it's a reminder of the kind of stories we must continue to tell". The festival recognizes Ghatak's significant impact and seeks to ensure his work continues to inspire future generations of filmmakers.