UNINDIAN, the first feature of the recently established Australia India Film Fund (AIFF) will go into production in October in Sydney, it has been announced by the Australian Prime Minister, the Hon. Tony Abbott MP in India yesterday.

The first of its kind in the world, the Australia India Film Fund was established in 2013 to invest in Australian films with Indian themes for a global audience. A romantic comedy with renowned Australian cricketer Brett Lee starring in his first lead role, UNINDIAN will also star actress Tannishtha Chatterjee who gained international acclaim in the celebrated feature Brick Lane.

Written by Thushy Saathi and to be directed by Anupam Sharma, UNINDIAN is being presented by Devendra Gupta and Yateender Gupta, produced by Anupam Sharma and Lisa Duff and executive produced by Chandru Tolani.

Brett Lee said “I am honoured to have been cast as a lead in the first Australia India Film Fund film, privileged to be working with Anupam Sharma and humbled to be working with an actress of the calibre of Tannishtha Chatterjee.”

Tannishtha Chatterjee said “Australia has always been a very special country for me. It makes me very happy to play the lead in the Australian Indian Film Fund film UNINDIAN. I love the script and I am super excited to work with Anupam Sharma and his entire team. And Brett Lee ... What can I say? Look forward to having a blast, Brett!”

CEO of the Australia India Film Fund Devendra Gupta said: “AIFF was formed with the vision of creating high quality cross cultural productions. Over the next few years we intend to inject significant funds into the Australian film and television industry, with specific focus on cross-cultural stories. My associate Mr. Yateender Gupta and I are honoured that the first slate of AIFF films is receiving such strong support.

“As Indian Australians we see it as our responsibility to both celebrate the values of and strengthen ties between the two countries. With the creative magic of our Head of Films Mr Anupam Sharma, and a pool of investors ready to support these projects, we are confident of AIFF`s continued success for years to come.”

With the second film in the slate, currently in advance stages of development it is anticipated that the AIFF will invest in excess of ten million dollars in to the Australian film industry over the next two years. Written by Vikram Singh, An Indian Summer will be produced by John Winter (Rabbit Proof Fence, My Mother Frank, Paperback Hero) and directed by Vikram Singh and is expected to go into production in mid 2015.