Frequently Asked Questions

WAIFC was intentionally established by individuals from a range of backgrounds, including screen industry professionals, business leaders, governance specialists, educators and community leaders. Building international industry relationships requires expertise that extends beyond filmmaking alone. Successful industry development often involves collaboration between creative practitioners, government, business, education, tourism and cultural organisations. WAIFC’s governance model reflects this multidisciplinary approach while drawing on the expertise of experienced screen industry advisors and practitioners.

Western Australia is entering an important period of growth and international engagement within the screen and creative industries. With new screen infrastructure, growing interest in Australia–India collaboration, expanding cultural connections and increasing opportunities for international partnerships, the timing is right for a dedicated organisation focused on building long-term relationships between Western Australia and India. WAIFC was established to help ensure Western Australia is actively participating in and benefiting from these opportunities.

WAIFC’s long-term success will be measured by the strength of relationships and opportunities created between Western Australia and India. This may include increased industry engagement, partnerships, knowledge exchange, talent development, investment opportunities, cultural collaborations, educational initiatives and screen industry outcomes that benefit both regions.

No. WAIFC is an independent Australian not-for-profit organisation. The council may work collaboratively with diplomatic missions, government departments and agencies in Australia and India where interests align, but it operates independently and is not owned or controlled by any government.

Membership is open to individuals, businesses, educational institutions, government agencies, creative practitioners, industry organisations and community stakeholders who support the council’s objectives. Different membership categories may be introduced as the organisation grows.

No. While film is a central focus, WAIFC recognises the broader screen and creative ecosystem, including television, streaming content, animation, visual effects, gaming, digital storytelling, education, tourism, cultural exchange and emerging creative technologies.

No. WAIFC is primarily a facilitation, engagement and industry development organisation. The council may advocate for initiatives that support collaboration between Western Australia and India within the screen and creative industries, but it is not a political lobbying body.

Supporting the next generation of creative talent is an important part of WAIFC’s vision. Students and emerging creatives may have opportunities to participate through industry events, mentoring initiatives, educational partnerships, internships, networking activities, cultural exchange programs and professional development opportunities developed by the council and its partners.

WAIFC seeks to promote awareness of Western Australia’s capabilities, locations, talent, infrastructure and opportunities within the Indian screen industry. The council acts as a connector between Indian producers and relevant Western Australian stakeholders, helping facilitate introductions, conversations and industry engagement. Production decisions remain the responsibility of producers, investors, government agencies and relevant industry bodies.

WAIFC is a year-round industry organisation, not an event organiser. While the council may support, participate in or collaborate with festivals, its primary role is to facilitate industry engagement, partnerships, delegations, business development, talent exchange, education initiatives and strategic collaboration between Western Australia and India. Its focus extends beyond screenings and events to long-term relationship building and industry development.

WAIFC and Screenwest have different roles. Screenwest is Western Australia’s screen funding and development agency, supporting local screen production, talent development and industry growth. WAIFC is an independent not-for-profit organisation focused specifically on building relationships, partnerships and opportunities between Western Australia and India across the screen and creative industries. The two organisations have distinct mandates but share an interest in supporting growth and international engagement for Western Australia’s screen sector.

No. WAIFC does not claim to represent the entire Western Australian screen industry. The council’s role is to facilitate and support Australia–India engagement within the screen and creative sectors, working alongside existing industry organisations, government agencies, businesses, educational institutions and creative practitioners. WAIFC seeks to contribute to the broader ecosystem rather than replace or duplicate the role of established organisations.

Absolutely. WAIFC welcomes participation from people of all backgrounds who share an interest in strengthening connections between Western Australia and India through film, television, digital media, arts and creative industries. The council’s focus is on collaboration, cultural exchange and industry development, not ethnicity or nationality.

WAIFC’s Board has been established to bring together individuals with experience across the screen industry, business, governance, international engagement, cultural diplomacy and community leadership. Board appointments are based on skills, experience, networks, commitment to the council’s objectives and the ability to contribute to the long-term development of Australia–India creative industry relationships. As the organisation grows, governance arrangements and board composition will continue to evolve to reflect the needs of the sector and the organisation.

No. WAIFC is an independent, non-partisan organisation. The council works collaboratively with governments, agencies, institutions and industry stakeholders across all levels to advance opportunities that benefit the screen and creative sectors. WAIFC does not endorse political parties or political candidates.

WAIFC is a not-for-profit organisation supported through a combination of membership fees, sponsorships, partnerships, donations, event revenue and in-kind contributions from supporters and industry partners. The council is committed to maintaining transparent financial governance and ensuring resources are directed towards initiatives that advance collaboration between Western Australia and India within the screen and creative industries.

Western Australia is experiencing significant growth in screen production capability, international engagement and creative industries infrastructure. Combined with strong economic and cultural links with India, this creates opportunities for collaboration that can benefit both regions.

WAIFC is governed by a Board of Directors supported by officers, advisory committees and industry experts. The council operates under a not-for-profit governance framework with a focus on transparency, accountability and long-term industry outcomes.

Yes. WAIFC offers membership opportunities for individuals and organisations wishing to support and participate in the council’s objectives and activities.

WAIFC welcomes engagement from government agencies, local governments, universities, film studios, production companies, industry associations, businesses and community organisations interested in Australia–India creative industry collaboration.

WAIFC aims to support: • International screen industry partnerships • Production attraction and investment • Tourism promotion • Education and research collaboration • Talent development and exchange • Cultural diplomacy • Business and trade opportunities linked to the creative industries

No. WAIFC engages with the full diversity of India’s screen industry, including regional cinema, independent film, television, animation, visual effects, digital content and emerging media.

No. WAIFC is open to all individuals and organisations interested in strengthening collaboration between Western Australia and India through the screen and creative industries.

No. WAIFC is not a grant-making organisation. Its role is to facilitate connections, partnerships, industry engagement, delegations, knowledge exchange and opportunities between Western Australia and India.

No. WAIFC is an independent not-for-profit organisation. The council works collaboratively with government agencies, industry bodies, educational institutions and private sector partners, but it is not owned or controlled by any government.

Yes. The Australia India Film Council operates nationally and has played an important role in supporting Australia–India screen industry engagement. WAIFC was established to focus specifically on Western Australian opportunities, partnerships and industry development. We see our role as complementary to national initiatives, ensuring Western Australia has a dedicated platform to engage with India while contributing to broader Australia–India collaboration.

Western Australia has unique opportunities arising from its growing screen industry, international engagement, multicultural communities and strategic location in the Indian Ocean region. WAIFC was established to provide a dedicated Western Australian platform focused on building long-term relationships between Western Australia and India’s screen and creative sectors.

WAIFC is a not-for-profit organisation established to strengthen screen industry, cultural and creative sector engagement between Western Australia and India. The council acts as a connector, facilitator and advocate for collaboration across film, television, digital media, education, tourism and related creative industries.