Founded in 1972 as the Festival of All Nations, Multicultural Arts Victoria (MAV) is a non-profit arts organisation championing the diversity of the diasporic population, which has deeply enriched the community and arts scene of Victoria.

MAV privileges non-Western ways of doing, knowing and being to tell stories that illuminate our humanity and improve intercultural understanding.

MAV is excited to share their top picks of MIFF 2023 films by filmmakers who have centred the stories of culturally diverse communities authentically and with lots of heart. This includes recommendations from past MAV collaborators and filmmakers Jazba Singh, Matthew Victor Pastor and Tavis Pinnington.

By MAV

A heartfelt documentary by Adrian Russell Wills, a Wonnarua man, and Gillian Moody, a Wodi Wodi woman, this film is an exploration of friendship and identity. We follow them in their emotional quests for belonging and celebrate Indigenous strength, courage and sovereignty.

Above: Jia  |  Header: Kindred

By Jazba Singh

In the award-winning film Jia – screening as part of the Accelerator Shorts 2 package – two strangers are brought together by shared grief. Inspired by his relationship with his mother, Chinese-born director Vee Shi captures the disconnect that happens when struggling to communicate over cultural and generational divides.

Walking

By Matthew Victor Pastor

Caleb Ribates follows up his debut feature Anak (MIFF 2022) with Walking, a visually stunning and emotionally resonant short film – screening as part of the Australian Shorts package – that offers a raw exploration of youth and migrant experiences set against the backdrop of Melbourne's northern suburbs.

Shayda

By Tavis Pinnington

It seems obvious to see the festival’s headliner film, Shayda, but I can’t stop thinking about the performances from the entire cast, plus the incredible direction and acting. This Audience Award winner from Sundance follows Shayda, an Iranian mother seeking refuge in an Australian women’s shelter.