My Melbourne Review: A Reminder That Even Rock Bottom Has A Basement But Faith Has A Ladder
Set in Melbourne, this anthology has four short films directed by Onir, Imtiaz Ali, Rima Das and Kabir Khan.
My MelbourneU/A
If life ever threw a curveball at you (or, let’s be honest, an entire bowling alley), My Melbourne is here to tell you that while rock bottom might have a basement, there’s always a ladder called faith leading up. This anthology film, set against the stunning backdrop of Melbourne, isn’t just about storytelling—it’s about soul-telling. As a tribute to ‘diversity,’ this anthology brings to life real stories that rarely make it to mainstream cinema. Each film turns the spotlight on migrants, capturing their struggles, dreams, and triumphs.
The four segments of My Melbourne—Nandini, Jules, Emma, and Setara—delve into the characters’ journeys of self-discovery and belonging. Each story is based on themes of race, gender, sexuality, and disability, making ‘diversity’ the heartbeat of the film. Think of My Melbourne as a cinematic potluck where four powerhouse directors – Onir, Imtiaz Ali, Rima Das and Kabir Khan – bring a different dish—spicy, sweet, tangy, and deeply comforting.
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Onir’s piece tugs at heartstrings, Imtiaz Ali sprinkles in his signature poetic storytelling, Rima Das keeps it raw and real, while Kabir Khan delivers his trademark emotional depth. Together, they create an anthology that speaks to anyone who’s ever felt lost but dared to keep moving.
Nandini
Directed by: Onir & William Duan
Kicking off the anthology, Nandini brings a heartwarming yet emotionally charged father-son reunion to the screen. Indraneel (Arka Das) is living his life in Melbourne with his boyfriend when his estranged father, Mihir (Mouli Ganguly), unexpectedly visits to complete the Asthi Visarjan ritual for Indraneel’s late mother. This story is filled with unspoken emotions, old wounds, and hope for acceptance. Family bonds, no matter how strained, still have the potential to mend and Nandini shows us exactly that.
Jules
Creative Director: Imtiaz Ali | Director: Arif Ali
In true Imtiaz Ali fashion, Jules is all about finding yourself in the most unexpected ways. Meet Sakshi (Aarushi Sharma), a newlywed Punjabi girl who’s just landed in Melbourne and is feeling completely out of place. She’s got dreams but not enough confidence, and her daily routine is as monotonous as reheated dal. Her life changes when she meets Jules (Kat Stewart), a feisty, foul-mouthed homeless woman who camps outside Sakshi’s workplace, throwing insults and solving crosswords.
At first, Sakshi is terrified of Jules. Who wouldn’t be? But slowly, their bizarre dynamic turns 360 degrees. Jules, with her street wisdom and unapologetic attitude, teaches Sakshi a thing or two about self-worth. This short film makes you realise that sometimes, the best life lessons come from the unlikeliest of teachers.
Emma
Director: Rima Das
Rima Das delivers a heartwarming and inspiring tale with Emma, reminding us that determination and passion can break any barrier. Emma (Ryanna Skye Lawson) is a young, deaf dancer who refuses to let the world define her limits. She dreams of expressing herself through dance, but the journey isn’t easy as doubt, rejection, and obstacles come her way.
Yet, Emma doesn’t back down. She finds strength in movement, proving that dance isn’t just about hearing the music but it’s about feeling it. Emma is a beautiful reminder that true expression comes from the heart, not just words.
Setara
Director: Kabir Khan
If we had to pick a standout from My Melbourne, Setara would take the crown—and not just because we’re suckers for a good underdog story. The film introduces us to Setara (played by Setara Amiri), a young Afghan woman who dares to dream big despite the constraints of her homeland. Yes, Afghan girls play cricket too—and Setara’s story is proof of that! When she moves to Australia due to the war and political tensions in her country, she’s forced to navigate a new world. Despite a new life, Setara holds on to her passion for the game but her mother disapproves and stops her from playing. What follows later forms the crux of the story. Overcoming fear, self-doubt, and the weight of expectations, Setara’s journey isn’t just about cricket—it’s about owning her identity with confidence and grace.
The biggest lesson? Your dreams don’t have borders—only the courage to chase them matters.
At its core, My Melbourne is a love letter to those who’ve lost hope but found faith in the most unexpected places. So, should you watch it? Absolutely. But be warned—you’ll laugh, cry, and maybe even start believing in second chances. Because if Melbourne can give us four beautiful stories of resilience, maybe it’s time we write our own.
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