MUMBAI: Vidya Balan, who has been named the ambassador of Indian Film Festival in Melbourne, is set to visit the city to promote the forthcoming annual festival to be held in June, according to Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu.

Baillieu said the Victorian coalition government was committed to strengthening ties between the Victorian and Indian film industries, and was pleased to be delivering the Indian Film Festival election pledge.

"The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne will showcase the extraordinary depth and diversity of the Indian film industry, and create a greater understanding and shared experiences between Victoria and India. The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne will offer diverse screenings in a variety of Indian languages, host prominent Indian filmmakers and screen professionals, and provide an interactive programme of master classes," Baillieu said in a statement.

Louise Asher, the minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business said that having Balan as the ambassador for the inaugural festival has further enhanced Victoria‘s reputation as an international film hub.

"The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne joins our already rich roster of screen events and activities including the Melbourne International Film Festival, St Kilda Film Festival and the recently-secured Screen Producers Association of Australia annual conference," she observed.

The festival that runs from 11 to 22 June is being organised by Mind Blowing Films.