An Australian finance and production entity, Southern Sitara, was announced at the Cannes Film Festival to fund and develop a series of feature films that connect Australia and India.
Southern Sitara is established by investment professionals Roshni Pandey and Jagdish Sidhu, whose work spans Southeast Asia, London, and Australia. The company is collaborating with the Sydney-based production house TEMPLE, located at Disney Studios Australia.
The initiative was conceptualized by filmmaker Anupam Sharma, who has previously worked on cross-border film projects between the two countries.
Support for the venture comes from members of the Indian diaspora in Australia. Contributors include Drs Pradnya and Tej Dugal (through Jhumka Films), Jacqui Miller-Charlton, Dr Chandru Tolani, and Shallu Kundra바카라all with previous experience in bilateral film initiatives.
Distribution arrangements are in place with ICON Film for English-language titles and Forum Films for Indian-language releases.
Legal counsel is being provided by Janine Pearce of JP Media Law. Communications are managed by Victoria Buchan of The Lantern Group, with Hema Upadhya handling public relations in India.
The venture has engaged several Australian producers and creatives for executive and key creative roles. These include Lisa Duff, Jannine Barnes, Cathy Rodda, Victoria McIntyre Wharfe, Ben Ulm, and Jodie Bell.
In terms of operational structure, Sidhu is responsible for finance and compliance, Pandey oversees strategy and investor relations, and Sharma serves as the lead on creative development.
In a public statement, Sharma noted that Australia's infrastructure and institutional support create favorable conditions for screen professionals. Pandey highlighted the company바카라s aim to reduce financial risk through tested business models. Sidhu pointed out that Australia바카라s co-production framework aligns with the group바카라s financial strategy.
Southern Sitara's upcoming projects include a directorial thriller by Anupam Kher, the horror-themed Shadows, and The Indian Cowboy, inspired by Indian country music artist Bobby Cash. Additional titles under development include Bidjara Kumari by Richard Jameson, FRAMED, and Chilli Chicks and Heart Attacks by Dr Sanjaya Senanayake, co-written with Victoria McIntyre. Several of these projects have received development support from Australian screen agencies.
