The Brisbane International Film Festival kicked off last night with one very powerful story and one of the most respected women in film Leah Purcell in her new film The Drover’s Wife: The Legend of Molly Johnson. There is no doubt that her name is the talk of the town to what she has produced on-screen.
BIFF were welcomed to open up at QPAC at the Lyric Theatre and many leaders in the film industry were there to kick off the next fortnight of films that will be spread across Brisbane cinemas.
BIFF is run by the organising body Film Fantastic and supported by Founding and Principal Sponsor Screen Queensland, together with Screen Australia and Tourism and Events Queensland.
Film Fantastic CEO Josh Martin says BIFF’s 2021 program will entertain, engage and inspire audiences and spark insight and action among the film industry after a challenging 18 months.
“BIFF is a major event on Queensland’s calendar, not only for audiences eager to see amazing works from across the world but also for local filmmakers looking for a platform to share their incredible talent and an opportunity to connect with their industry,” Mr Martin said.
“I am delighted that BIFF further trains the spotlight on our homegrown talent with 22 Australian- made films and six Queensland-produced features on the program.
“Brisbane is home to a vibrant film culture and community of passionate film fans ready to celebrate the power and magic of cinema and discover new and memorable experiences.”
Sasha Close is the program manager and states that “The program includes the return of Shock Corridor to BIFF with a wild slate of cult and genre titles; the debut of Future Moves, a dedicated strand of immersive, experimental titles; and Connections, a collection of films focused on relationships: romantic, unexpected and familial.
“BIFF is delighted to present a tribute to icon Ernst Lubitsch with six essential films from his opus, complementing a showcase of bold, brave and compelling works from local filmmakers and acclaimed international storytellers.”
View the full program and purchase tickets at biff.com.au.
BIFF 2021 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
MEMORIA
Sunday 31 October, 7pm for 7.30pm screening
Elizabeth Picture Theatre
BIFF’s Closing Night film explores the power of memory and the significance of relationships and is the first English language feature from Thai filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul.
ALICK AND ALBERT
Friday 22 October, 7pm for 7.30pm screening
Palace James Street
A captivating documentary following the friendship of acclaimed Torres Strait artist Alick Tipoti and (H.S.H) Prince Albert II of Monaco and their shared passion for ocean conservation.
FOCUS: BRISBANE SHORT FILMS
Saturday 23 October, 7.15pm
New Farm Cinemas
A session of eight pieces that profile the best short filmmaking in and around Brisbane, including work from feature directors and debutantes.
FRIENDS AND STRANGERS
Monday 25 October, 7.45pm for 8.20pm screening
New Farm Cinemas
Friends and Strangers explores displacement and disconnection in contemporary Australia through the misadventures of two directionless 20-somethings.
PARIS FUNERAL, 1972
Monday 25 October, 6pm
Palace James Street
The feature debut from Brisbane filmmaker Adam Briggs who casts non-actors playing versions of themselves as they reinterpret and fictionalise their own lives.
RIDE SHORTS GALA
Thursday 28 October, 7pm
Reading Cinemas Newmarket
The world premiere of four inspiring and diverse short films created via Screen Queensland’s RIDE (Respect, Inclusivity, Diversity and Equality) Shorts initiative for filmmakers from under- represented backgrounds.
BIFF INDUSTRY DAYS
27 & 28 October, 8.30am – 6.30pm
Hotel X
Two days of panels, Q&As and critical discussion for filmmakers, students and film fans.
THE DISCREET CHARM OF ERNST LUBITSCH
New Farm Cinemas & Australian Cinémathèque, GOMA
Six essential films from the European master-turned-Hollywood filmmaker that define Lubitsch’s signature wit, humour and maturity.
CONNECTION
A collection of films that reveal the beauty of meaningful relationships, the delight of romantic encounters and the possibilities of unexpected encounters.
GRIT, POWER, POLITICS
Hard-hitting, powerful and timely documentaries that spark conversation about current affairs, moments in history and the possibilities of the future.
MUSIC
Compelling documentaries that spotlight rockstars, musicians, idols and trailblazers.
FUTURE MOVES
Bold, immersive and experimental works that explore cinema’s ability to evolve.
SHOCK CORRIDOR
Cult and genre films including outrageous science fiction westerns, horror films, conspiracy theories and psychedelic animations.
ADRENALIN
High octane, high stakes sports and adventure documentaries presenting tales of friendship, tenacity and incredible physical feats.
