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MELBOURNE: Tamil-language drama Members of the Problematic Family will make its Australian premiere as the opening night film of the 2026 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), following its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival earlier this year.
The IFFM, the largest showcase of Indian cinema in the Southern Hemisphere, will be held from Aug. 13 to 23, with the opening night screening scheduled for Aug. 14 in Melbourne.
Director R. Gowtham and lead actor Karuththadayan will attend the festival for the film’s Australian premiere and opening night celebrations.
The film has also been nominated in the IFFM Awards jury competition in two categories — Best Indie Film and Best Director.
Members of the Problematic Family follows the story of Prabha, a troubled young man whose sudden and unexplained death sets off a chain of events within his extended family and community. As relatives gather for a traditional 16-day mourning ritual, long-suppressed conflicts, unresolved relationships and complex family dynamics come to the surface.
The ensemble drama explores themes of grief, loss and reconciliation, offering an intimate portrait of family bonds and the emotional challenges that accompany bereavement.
“‘Members of the Problematic Family’ is a deeply personal story that examines grief, family and the complexities that exist within every community,” Gowtham said.
“It is an honour for the film to open the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne following its premiere at Berlinale. IFFM has become one of the most important platforms for Indian cinema internationally, and I am excited to share our film with Australian audiences alongside our wonderful cast,” he added.
The opening night selection and award nominations mark another milestone for the film as it continues its international festival journey after its acclaimed debut at the Berlin Film Festival.