Thought-provoking film festival returns to Queenscliff

HUNDREDS of film lovers and cinemagoers departed the Queenscliff Film Festival (QFF) satisfied on Sunday after seeing a splendid line-up of movies at the annual event.

Proceedings for the QFF started with the festival’s opening night on Friday, headlined by a panel discussion between St Kilda Film Festival director Richard Sowada and general manager of Melbourne’s The Astor Theatre Zak Hepburn, accompanied by Zak’s crowd-favourite companion, Kubrick the dog.

A screening of Australian movie Sweet As concluded opening night and officially launched the festival itself.

“People were really keen to come back to the festival this year and see more of what was on offer,” QFF chair Rose Ott said.

“The films in our schedule were thought-provoking and challenging at times, but there were a lot of beautiful images, some of the cinematography in some of the films really swooped people away.

“Zak’s commentary on the films added a really important element to the festival this year and we were so grateful to have both him and Richard.

“We had other films that allowed us to gain different perspectives we don’t have here in Australia.”

Saturday featured an array of international films such as Hit the Road (Iran), EO (Poland), and Close (Belgium/France).

Attendees also had the option to attend a special dinner at Shelter Shed on Hesse Street.

The festival screened one movie on its third and final day, German film Corsage.

Ms Ott also thanked all volunteers for their efforts over the three days.