ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr officially launched this year’s Canberra International Film Festival program on Thursday 8 September at the National Film and Sound Archive.
This year the 11-day program of acclaimed local and international films, events, industry workshops and special guests marks the 20th anniversary since the annual festival began in 1996.
The program launch was led by recently appointed Festival Director, Alice Taylor. In delivering program highlights, Alice drew particular attention to this year’s festival experience.
“We are really excited about giving voice to a whole range of diverse stories through this year’s program,” she says.
“Add to that a beautiful heritage-listed venue, state-of-the-art cinema, live music and locally produced food and drink – it’s going to be a real celebration and we encourage everyone to join in the festivities.”
Program highlights for 2016:
Australian premiere of ZOOLOGY (RUS) on opening night, MA’ ROSA (PHL), PLAY YOUR GENDER (CAN), AKOUNAK TEDALAT TAHA TAZOUGHAI (NER), AUTHOR: THE JT LEROY STORY (USA), KILLS ON WHEELS (HUN), and HORTENSIA (ARG).
20th anniversary gala screening of CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION (AUS) attended by Director Peter Duncan and actor Richard Roxburgh, who currently work together on hit TV series Rake.
Exclusive preview of local feature BLUE WORLD ORDER (AUS) and Q&A with Director Che Baker, Producer Sarah Mason, cast and crew. This sci-fi feature includes a cameo by Chief Minister Andrew Barr, which was shown at the program launch.
A strong focus on supporting women in the film industry and presenting strong female characters on screen, with eight feature films in the program directed by women.
Halloween double feature screening documentary THE FRANKENSTEIN COMPLEX (FRA) and (ROB ZOMBIE’S) 31 (USA).
Event details
Canberra International Film Festival
27 October – 6 November
National Film and Sound Archive
www.ciff.com.au
