Anmol Sidhu's Punjabi film 'Flowers of Acacia' (Kikkran De Phull) to premiere at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2026
Anmol Sidhu's Punjabi independent film Flowers of Acacia (Kikkran De Phull) will premiere at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2026 on August 22. The film, inspired by true events, follows the lives of Punjab's wedding orchestra dancers and is nominated for Best Indie Film.
Punjabi independent cinema continues to earn recognition on the global stage as filmmaker Anmol Sidhu's latest feature, Flowers of Acacia (Kikkran De Phull), is all set to premiere at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2026. The much-awaited screening will take place on August 22, 2026, at Hoyts Docklands at 8:00 PM, where audiences will witness a powerful story inspired by true events.
After receiving appreciation at international film festivals, the Punjabi film is now making its way to one of Australia's biggest celebrations of Indian cinema.
Powerful Story Inspired by Real EventsFlowers of Acacia (Kikkran De Phull) is inspired by a real-life story that stayed with director Anmol Sidhu for years. Instead of focusing on the glamour often associated with Punjab's grand weddings, the film explores the hidden lives of wedding orchestra dancers women who entertain crowds while carrying immense emotional and financial burdens behind the scenes.
The story shines a light on their dreams, struggles and everyday realities as they navigate a deeply patriarchal society. While they are seen smiling under bright stage lights, the film reveals the hardships, sacrifices and resilience that remain unseen once the celebrations end.
From New York to MelbourneThe film has already made an impressive mark on the international festival circuit. It was selected as the Centrepiece Special Night film at the New York Indian Film Festival 2026, where it received praise for its honest storytelling and socially relevant theme.
Now, Flowers of Acacia has travelled to the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, where it has also been nominated in the Best Indie Film category. The selection highlights the growing global recognition of Punjabi independent cinema and its ability to tell meaningful stories that resonate across cultures.
Anmol Sidhu Returns with Another Hard-Hitting FilmDirector Anmol Sidhu first gained critical acclaim with his 2022 film Jaggi, which explored themes of violence, masculinity and the social pressures faced by young men.
With Flowers of Acacia, Sidhu once again turns his attention towards an overlooked section of society. Through extensive research and sensitive storytelling, he presents the lives of orchestra dancers with empathy, giving a voice to women whose experiences are rarely represented on screen.
Talented Cast Brings the Story to LifeThe film features a diverse ensemble cast led by: Jasskirat Bajwa, Harmandeep Singh, Priyangshee, Yashika Sharma, Zainab Rajpoot, Reetika Thakur, Shivam Kamboj, Bandana, Gaurav Kumar, Jagraj Manawan,Dhruv Bakshi
Team Behind the FilmFlowers of Acacia (Kikkran De Phull) is written and directed by Anmol Sidhu and produced by Nitin Narang under the banners of TIF Motion Pictures and The Ideaz Factory.
Film That Gives Voice to the UnheardAt its heart, Flowers of Acacia is more than just a film about wedding performers. It is a moving portrait of women whose quiet dreams are often overshadowed by harsh realities. By focusing on lives that usually remain invisible, the film encourages audiences to look beyond celebrations and recognise the people behind the performances. As the film prepares for its Australian premiere at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, expectations are high for another successful chapter in its international festival journey.