Filmmakers and film buffs are set to take over Melbourne and beyond with the opening of the 71st Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF).
One of the oldest film festivals in the world and the largest film event in the Southern Hemisphere, this year MIFF will include 278 films from around the globe screening over 18 days in cinemas and theatres across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Showcasing Victorian screen talent, local films and filmmakers feature prominently in this year's program starting with the opening night international premiere of Shayda, the debut feature by Victorian-based, Iranian-Australian film maker Noora Niasari.
Supported through the Andrews Labor Government-backed MIFF Premiere Fund, Shayda leads the festival's contingent of locally made features, alongside the documentary Australia's Open and This Is Going to Be Big which follows the Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School as they stage a John Farnham-themed musical.
In addition to artist conversations and Q&As, other highlights include Anatomy of a Fall which took out the top prize at this year's Cannes Film Festival, the world premiere of Ego: The Michael Gudinski Story as part of a packed Music in Film line up, and a retrospective of works by Italian horror master Dario Argento.
Beyond screenings, MIFF plays a leadership role in the Australian and New Zealand film industries by supporting new talent through the Accelerator Lab program for emerging directors and through the 37º South Market, which connects Australian and NZ producers and writers with local and international financing partners.
MIFF's in-person screenings and events will culminate in a Closing Night Gala encompassing the MIFF awards. This year's awards include the Victorian Government backed Bright Horizons Award presented by VicScreen, one of the most lucrative filmmaking prizes in the world.
MIFF 2023 runs from 3-20 August, including regional screenings from 11-13 and 18-20 August. Following the live program, MIFF's online streaming platform, MIFF Play, will host screenings from 18-27 August. For more information, and tickets, visit miff.com.au
As stated by Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos
"We're proud to back this cinematic celebration which also plays a pivotal role in the future of our screen industry."
"As well as giving us a jam-packed and brilliantly curated program of films to enjoy, MIFF fosters the careers of local filmmakers and helps secure deals to get films made."
As stated by Melbourne International Film Festival Artistic Director Al Cossar
"We are thrilled to welcome audiences to an extraordinary MIFF line-up of keenly anticipated festival blockbusters and visiting international and Australian filmmakers, alongside the best of Victoria's screen industry."
