Celebrating its 28th year, Queensland’s brightest celebration of film, the Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF), announces its eagerly awaited program and new festival hub, lighting up screens over 11 days from October 27 to November 6, 2022.
This year BIFF will delight audiences with a diverse selection of Award-Winning films, anticipated releases from acclaimed Directors, home grown content, heartfelt stories and exciting films from emerging voices.
The program showcases an impressive line-up of World, Australian and Queensland premieres, exclusive preview screenings, industry panels, filmmaker Q&As, and special events across a number of venues; Brisbane Powerhouse, QAGOMA Australian Cinémathèque, New Farm Six Cinemas, The Elizabeth Picture Theatre, Dendy Coorparoo, Dendy Portside and Reading Newmarket.
The Red Carpet will be rolled out at Brisbane Powerhouse, which will transform into the 2022 Festival Hub hosting Opening Night and key galas with; Seriously Red, A League of Her Own and RIDE Shorts.
Cast and crew will assemble for Opening Night headline film and Queensland Premiere; Seriously Red. Directed by Gracie Otto, Seriously Red is a fun romantic comedy about taking chances, following your dreams and channeling your inner Dolly Parton starring Krew Boylan, Daniel Webber, Celeste Barber, Thomas Campbell, Todd Lasance, Jean Kittson, Bobby Cannavale and Rose Byrne.
Direct from the Melbourne International Film Festival and Toronto, is the Queensland Premiere of the Australian feature; Sweet As and the Closing Night Red Carpet Gala for BIFF. Sweet As is the first Western Australian feature film to be written and directed by an indigenous female, Jub Clerc, and is described as The Breakfast Club meets the Outback in a coming-of-age story.
Guests will be invited to walk the ‘Maroon Carpet’ at the World Premiere of A League of Her Own, an inspiring, insightful documentary follows the Queensland Maroons Women’s Rugby League Team chronicling their journey to the 2021 Women’s State of Origin, A League Of Her Own is produced by WildBear Entertainment and Veronica Fury.
BIFF is also proud to present the RIDE Shorts Gala; five inspiring and inventive short films created via Screen Queensland’s RIDE Shorts Initiative (standing for Respect, Inclusivity, Diversity and Equality).
Have a look at some of the showcasing films trailers below;
The initiative granted filmmakers from under-represented backgrounds funds towards the development and production of their short films, to build careers and generate industry opportunities.
Focusing on the International stage, BIFF has stepped it up with a host of incredible and highly anticipated films including;
- Tar – Direct from Venice from Award Winning Director Todd Field and starring Award Winner Cate Blanchett,
- The Banshees of Inisherin – Direct from Venice from Award Winning Director Martin McDonagh and reuniting Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson,
- Cannes Award Winning Film from Director Ruben Östlund; Triangle of Sadness,
- She Said –stars Carey Mulligan (Promising Young Woman, An Education), Zoe Kazan (The Plot Against America, The Big Sick) and premieres direct from the New York Film Festival, and
- Armageddon Time with Anne Hathaway, Anthony Hopkins, Jeremy Strong and director James Gray.
Established in 1992, the first BIFF opened with Baz Luhrmann’s smash hit straight from-Cannes feature, Strictly Ballroom, at the Regent Theatre. In a nod to the roots of this iconic festival and taking nostalgic look at Australian iconic films, BIFF will screen the completely restored Strictly Ballroom, presented by the National Film and Sound Archive’s digital restoration program – NFSA Restores – reviving our cinema icons.
Placing a spotlight on Queensland, BIFF is proud to host the Australian Premiere of BLACKSITE , starring Michelle Monaghan (Mission Impossible – Fallout), Jason Clarke (Everest) and Jai Courtney (Divergent), filmed on the Gold Coast, along with World Premiere of Beyond the Reef, this documentary takes you on a journey to one of the most beautiful places in the world, Far North Queensland, showcasing it from land, air and sea.
BIFF will present the World Premiere of To Never Forget one part of a ground-breaking film package that together innovatively explores the Latvian Holocaust by Queensland filmmaker Peter Hegedüs and direct from premiering at Venice the immersive 360 VR Experience – Sorella’s Story also screens at BIFF.
The Australian Cinémathèque presents a selection of films spotlighting one of the great unsung stars of Hong Kong cinema with the “Flying fists of Joyce Godenzi” retrospective strand along with a screening and live music celebration of the 90th anniversary Carl Theodor Dreyer’s, Vampyr, one of the early classics of horror cinema.
The South East Queensland burgeoning film making industry is a key focus for BIFF as is showcased in two days of industry panels and education that bring together some of the most prolific and versatile minds of the screen sector. Supported by QUT, Griffith Film School and AFTRS.
BIFF is run by Film Fantastic and supported by the Queensland Government through Founding and Principal Sponsor Screen Queensland, together with Screen Australia and Tourism and Events Queensland.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said as one of Queensland’s most prestigious celebrations of film culture, BIFF draws film fans and screen industry professionals each year to experience the best of international cinema, Australian and independent film making.
“Festivalgoers will have the opportunity to experience over 150 feature films, documentaries, short films and special events,” the Premier said.
“The festival also gives Queensland creatives the chance to showcase their work and participate in thought-provoking panels, industry talks and networking events.
“In 2021-22, the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland supported 45 productions and digital games to be made in the Sunshine State, injecting almost $230 million into the economy and creating thousands of jobs for Queenslanders.
“Hosting BIFF supports the growth of the industry and I congratulate Film Fantastic for delivering another exciting festival program.”
Film Fantastic CEO Josh Martin says this year’s Festival will combine world-class Australian and independent cinema with some of the most hotly anticipated festival favourites direct from overseas.
“The 28th annual BIFF places a spotlight on our thriving industry in South East Queensland, celebrating Australian and International cinema and the art of filmmaking. BIFF also provides a wonderful opportunity to connect emerging talent with the broader Australian film industry.
“I am delighted to be releasing our upcoming BIFF Film Program running for 11 days, across 7 wonderful venues and I want to thank our small but incredibly dedicated team who share in our vision to deliver Brisbane the film festival it deserves.” He adds.
BIFF Program Manager Sasha Close is proud to support new voices this year with a third of the program debut films from directors and filmmakers.
“There is a smorgasbord of film presented in the strands across the festival, each film ready to delight, entertain, enrage, or engage.
“I warmly invite audiences to explore the program, the majority of films have premiere status and will be screening for the first time in Queensland.” adds Ms Close
“So, make a date, book your tickets with friends, family or fellow cinephiles. A celebration of film and screen content awaits you and rolls out at Brisbane cinemas and venues from October 27th for eleven glorious days.”
Tickets are on sale now www.biff.com.au
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