Artistic Unity Between India And Australia Depicted Through ‘My Cornerstone’

It would have been hard to imagine some 200 years ago that the two colonies of the British would become independent and flourish in every aspect, maintaining excellent foreign relations with each other.  And yes, the two colonies here are India and Australia.

Australia in the late 19^th century was a well known colony for breeding the cavalry horses for the British Indian Army, which was used in Pakistan, known as the Northern Frontier Province. The Ben Cheffely government of Australia and later Robert Menzes both supported the Independence of India and India’s inclusion as a republic in the Commonwealth Nations. The ties between India and Australia were further strengthened with the Colombo Plan wherein the student exchange program was facilitated and many students from India were able to pursue studies in Australia.

However the beginning of the 21^st century was not very peaceful for these two nations and is marked by repeated attacks on humanity as a whole. It started with the detention of Mohammed Hanif, an Indian citizen employed in Australia. He was detained and his Visa was also cancelled when it was found that he was the second cousin of the two terror suspects who were responsible for attacks in the U.K.

After the issue was resolved, further incidents of attacks on Indian students in Australia in the year 2009-2010 strained the relations between the two countries. There was a huge uproar and anger among the Indian citizens when one of the Indian students succumbed to his injuries after he was attacked by a fifteen year old Australian for no provocation.

India and Australia have since then tried hard to rework their relations and facilitate greater support and co-operation in its foreign policies. India and Australia do share many things in common, be it the game of cricket, or a thrilling hockey match, or the ever flourishing economic relations.

The time seems nothing less than perfect for the film industry to step in and further enhance the mutual relations between the two countries. Director Stanley Joseph seems to have guessed right, the spirit of the moment, with his Indian Australian Film,’My Cornerstone’.  The film stars Indian Australian actors, namely Zenia Starr, Romin Khan and the Australian actor James Morcan. 

Audience in both the continents will be able to relate to the film as the leading actress of the story is an Indian Australian, an Indian nurse who has been employed in Australia. The difference in the social structure, culture, and lifestyles is sure to make the film interesting.

Art and specially films to be specific, have the magical ability to go beyond borders and bring the like-minded people together.  ‘My cornerstone’ will definitely mark the beginning of an era of the Indian Australian films.