Labor is investing in Victoria’s multicultural community, locking in two more years of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM).

Minister for Creative Industries Vicki Ward today announced a $600,000 election commitment to continue the largest celebration of Indian cinema in the Southern Hemisphere.

Now in its 17th year, the festival welcomes the biggest names in Indian cinema to Victoria – screening more than 130 films across 38 languages.

More than 30,000 people are expected to attend a colourful schedule, including the Awards Night, Pride Day and the much-loved Dance Competition at Fed Square.

Screen legend Rekha headlines this year’s festival, who’ll be recognised with the IFFM Excellence in Cinema Award.

Actor Rani Mukherjee will receive an Honorary Doctorate from La Trobe University – recognising her outstanding contribution to cinema.

The line-up also includes director Rima Das, actor and producer Dulquer Salmaan and actor Pankaj Tripathi.

Film highlights include the Australian premiere of Members of the Problematic Family and premieres of Melbourne short film Graveyard Shift, and feature film Full Plate.

IFFM Regional Rhapsody will bring the festival to regional Victoria, with screenings in Geelong, Bendigo and Shepparton.

The festival starts Thursday, 13 August, and runs until Sunday, 23 August.

For the full program, visit iffm.com.au.