A fresh force is emerging in the film investment world as Southern Sitara unveils plans to back a slate of Australian-Indian feature films, promising to rewrite the script on film financing and cross-cultural storytelling.
Southern Sitara, a new financing and production venture, was announced at Cannes by investment duo Roshni Pandey and Jagdish Sidhu alongside Sydney’s Temple production company. The company aims to capitalize on the India-Australia co-production treaty to fuel projects that sit comfortably in the $5-11 million budget range. At the creative helm is Anupam Sharma, Temple’s founder and an influential figure in the Australian-Indian film scene.
Southern Sitara intends to bring a fresh financial model to film investing by combining proprietary funds with co-raised capital in a revolving structure. The goal? To ease concerns around film investment risks by leveraging Australia’s attractive production incentives and bilateral treaties.
The company will offer development funding, production investment, gap financing, and cash flow loans — a comprehensive financial toolkit designed to empower filmmakers and producers tackling stories across two continents.
Building Bridges with Stories and Strategy
Roshni Pandey, leading Southern Sitara’s strategy and investor relations from the Gold Coast, has been clear on one thing: this venture isn’t just about money. “Film investments have long been seen as risky,” she says. “But we’re working to flip that narrative. By tapping into Australia’s unique treaties and incentives, we’re creating a safer, smarter way to invest.”
She adds a personal touch to the mission, describing the project as a way to tell stories that reflect the dual identities of many in the Indian diaspora — stories “told through multiple lenses.”
Meanwhile, Singapore-based Jagdish Sidhu, who oversees finance and compliance, emphasizes the de-risked nature of this investment approach. “Australia’s production incentives and co-production treaties give us a uniquely de-risked path to global film investment,” he said. “We’re committed to compliance and delivering strong ROI.”
Together, the team brings a blend of financial savvy and cultural insight, aiming to attract investors eager for a foothold in a growing market without the guesswork.
A Hybrid Capital Model to Ease Investor Worries
Southern Sitara is banking on its hybrid capital model to appeal to cautious investors. Instead of relying solely on one pool of funds, the company combines its own capital with co-raised funds, cycling resources back into new projects. This revolving approach offers a kind of financial sustainability that’s rare in the film world.
The dual focus on cultural resonance and solid financial frameworks aims to address two often conflicting needs — artistic ambition and investor security.
Why Australia-India Films Matter Now
It’s no secret that both Australia and India boast vibrant film industries. But collaborations between the two remain limited, with opportunities waiting to be tapped.
By leveraging the Australia-India co-production treaty, Southern Sitara positions itself at the intersection of these two markets — a move that could open doors to wider audiences, expanded resources, and more diverse storytelling.
And with streaming platforms hungry for fresh content that crosses borders, these kinds of projects have plenty of runway ahead.
The slate Southern Sitara plans to back promises to reflect stories from both countries — a mix of traditions, perspectives, and shared experiences.
The Faces Behind Southern Sitara
Anupam Sharma is no stranger to bridging these cultural gaps. Known for his work spotlighting the Indian diaspora in Australia, he serves as the face of the venture, lending creative credibility and vision.
Pandey and Sidhu bring investment and compliance chops honed in global markets, ensuring the company operates with a clear eye on risk management and returns.
This mix of talents, spanning continents and disciplines, may be just what the film industry needs right now — a balanced partnership that’s as comfortable talking storytelling as it is talking numbers.
A Fresh Chapter for Film Financing?
While film finance is often seen as a gamble, Southern Sitara’s approach could be a welcome shake-up. By combining strategic treaty benefits with a hybrid financing model, they’re pushing to create a smoother path for investors and storytellers alike.
Sure, there are challenges ahead. Film projects can be unpredictable, and cross-border collaborations bring their own hurdles. But if Southern Sitara delivers on its promise, it might just change how we think about investing in films that resonate beyond borders.
For now, all eyes are on this new venture as it gears up to support a slate of films that could bring Australia and India closer, one story at a time.
