The Young At Heart Film Festival is the only film festival in the world catering for the over 60’s. It will be returning to Brisbane from 20- 26 April for its twelfth birthday.
Nanny Babe -Ruth Greening and I were lucky enough to be invited to the opening night festivities at the beautifully refurbished Palace Centro.
We were treated to lovely champers, delicious canapés and an Australian premiere screening of ‘Viceroy’s House’, a beautiful film telling of the final months of British rule in India. The film stars Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey) and Gillian Anderson (X – Files). It tells the intertwining stories of the last Viceroy- Lord Mountbatten, the groups and leaders in India trying to broker a fair handover and a love story between two young Indians from different religions and provinces. You will need to take your tissues for this one.
The Films
Other films on offer at this unique festival include the new release ‘Their Finest’, a rousing period comedy set in Britain’s wartime film industry. It stars Gemma Atterton and the endearing Bill Nighy. This is one of the best movies I’ve seen all year. For inspiration ‘Looking For Infinity: El Camino’ shares the stories of the emotional and physical challenges faced by pilgrims making this epic trek or try ‘Whiteley’ which explores the life of this iconic Australian artist. For history buffs, enjoy riveting actress Rooney Mara who immerses us in the history of Ireland’s political and religious tensions in ‘The Secret Scripture’.
Old Favourites
Three of the films being shown are fully restored retrospective works. You can choose from favourites like the Academy Award winning, ‘The Lion in Winter starring Katherine Hepburn, ‘The Tales Of Hoffman’ or Graham Greene’s razor sharp ‘The Third Man’.
What better way to celebrate the cooler weather arriving than catching a movie with a friend or two. Several movies will be screening each day at Palace Centro, James Street. Tickets range from just $7. Check out www.youngatheart.net.au or Palace Cinemas for details.
I am already planning my next visit. ‘The Beautiful Fantastic’ about a quirky writer of children’s fiction who finds romance sounds perfect for me and my young at heart Mum.
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
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