A winter weekend of cinema and spirit in Queenscliff

THE Queenscliff Film Festival (QFF) will make its annual return this month, bringing a welcome glow to a wintery weekend with a heart-warming program of stories that celebrate the human spirit.

This year the festival will run from June 27 to June 29, again gracing the historic Queenscliff Town Hall with a five-film showcase highlighting in the best of international cinema, with films from Australia, Iran, Sweden, Spain and Thailand on the bill.

“We’re inviting our community and visitors to the region to join us and enjoy films that celebrate the power of family, explore how we think about ageing and the past, and what we’re willing to risk for connection and love, all through the exceptional work of world-class filmmakers,” festival committee chair Rose Ott said.

“From a beautifully tender documentary to life-affirming comedy/dramas and internationally acclaimed films shining a light on the power of love, education and telling trust stories, the superb QFF line-up covers life, death and everything in between.”

The festival will begin on June 27 at 6pm, with an opening night event featuring wine, canapes and special guest Kat Stewart, an award-winner Australian actor who stars in the festival’s opening night film My Melbourne.

Stewart, who is known for her leading roles in productions such as Offspring and Underbelly, will be in conversation with writer and director Ailsa Piper before the screening of My Melbourne – an anthology film based on true migrant experiences – begins at 8pm.

On June 28, the town hall will host three screenings: My Favourite Cake, a film based on the reality of the everyday lives of middle-class women in Iran; The Teacher Who Promised the Sea, a historical drama tracking the true story of an innovative teacher murdered during the Spanish Civil War; and Swedish documentary The Last Journey.

The program will then conclude on June 29 will a screening of Thai box office sensation How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, a story that blends both comedy and drama and delves into themes of family loyalty and the lengths we go to for those we love.

Ms Ott said visitors to this year’s festival were in for a treat, with the carefully curated film “menu” showcasing what skilled filmmakers do best.

“From the opening night wine and canape reception, fascinating special guests and delicious Saturday night dinner at Tarra Restaurant, Queenscliff, patrons can expect to enjoy great cinema and the best of Bellarine hospitality.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, head to queensclifffilmfestival.com.au