Brisbane International Film Festival returns in October with an impressive program of national and international premieres, industry panels, Q&A’s, as well as special events. Organised by Screen Culture unit at state film agency Screen Queensland, BIFF is now celebrating its 20th year!

In addition to the usual selection of features, this year’s program also offers some locally-shot short films. For instance, The RIDE Shorts Gala showcases five inspiring short films created through Screen Queensland’s RIDE Shorts initiative.

Opening Night

This October, Brisbane International Film Festival returns with an exciting program of films sure to please moviegoers of all ages. Running 11 days from 27 October until 6 November, BIFF will feature award-winning films, highly anticipated releases and heartfelt stories from emerging voices in seven venues around Brisbane.

On this jam-packed program, you’ll find national and international premieres, exclusive preview screenings, industry panels, Q&A’s and special events at various Brisbane venues. With more than 120 films from around the world as well as Australia, there is something for everyone to enjoy!

Opening night in Australia is Australian comedy Seriously Red, featuring writer/star Krew Boylan (A Place to Call Home). Playing Dolly Parton impersonator Charlie, with an all-star cast, it’s an hilarious ode to the country music legend that should be on every fan’s radar!

RIDE Shorts Gala

This year’s program features 11 days of films spanning features, documentaries and shorts across venues and screens around Brisbane. A highlight is the RIDE Shorts Gala – five innovative short films created through Screen Queensland’s RIDE (Respect, Inclusivity, Diversity and Equality) initiative.

The RIDE Shorts program seeks to assist Queensland film makers as they begin their career in the industry by awarding $35,000 each for factual content and $55,000 for narrative work. Winners will receive extensive support and guidance from festival organisers throughout development, production, post-production, delivery and distribution – including a one day boot camp featuring BAFTA award-winning documentary filmmaker Sarah MacDonald which you won’t want to miss! To find out more about this year’s event or reserve your ticket to the red carpet gala visit the festival website today!

Queensland Premieres

Brisbane International Film Festival is the state’s premier annual celebration of cinematic culture. Over 11 days, this 11 day event showcases Australian and international feature films, documentaries and shorts as well as retrospectives and live talks from leading experts.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said BIFF offers people a rare chance to witness some of Australia’s and international cinema, as well as connect with Queensland creatives through thought-provoking panels and industry events.

On opening night of this program that showcases both new and classic films, a special focus will be put on Queensland talent. The opening night will also witness the Queensland Premiere of Celeste – an inspiring love story set in tropical Far North Queensland.

At the World Premiere of A League of Her Own, an inspiring documentary following the Queensland Maroons Women’s Rugby League Team on their journey to 2021 Women’s State of Origin, action-packed Gold Coast-shot flick Black Site featuring Michelle Monaghan (Mission Impossible Fallout) and Jason Clarke (Everest), as well as stunning documentary Beyond the Reef will round out this remarkable festival.

Closing Night

Theater often experiences the closing night as the last opportunity for its cast and crew to perform together. It can be an emotional time, but also presents audiences with one last opportunity to view a classic play they may have missed during rehearsals.

On BIFF’s closing night, there are plenty of highlights to enjoy, including the Queensland Premiere of Sweet As and a red carpet gala at the end. Sweet As is Western Australia’s first feature film written and directed by Indigenous filmmaker Jub Clerc (The Heights), telling an outback-set coming-of-age story about a young woman.

Other highlights include Maryam Touzani’s Cannes Un Certain Regard winner Close, a stunning drama about two 13-year-old boys; and the Australian premiere of Luminous, an period drama starring Vicky Krieps as Empress Elisabeth of Austria. These films showcase diverse cinematic styles from international and local filmmakers alike.