World-class cinema coming to Queenscliff

FILM lovers from across the region will converge at Queenscliff Town Hall later this month for the annual Queenscliff Film Festival.

Now in its 12th year, the winter festival aims to provide the local community and visitors to the region with access to films that are not otherwise readily available to the area.

This year, the festival will run from June 28-30, offering attendees a program of five hand-selected and uplifting international films that showcase the best of the human spirit.

Festival committee chair Rose Ott said each of the films included in this year’s program were touching movies with heart.

“The 2024 program is a curated menu of five award-winning movies that showcase what talented filmmakers do best; bring powerful and moving stories into our cinemas,” Ms Ott said.

“We’re inviting the community and visitors to the region to join us and enjoy films that celebrate the enduring power of friendships and family, the value of taking pleasure in the everyday and exploring different cultures through the magic of cinema itself.”

This year’s program begins on June 28 with a true celebration of cinema in Pan Nalin’s Last Film Show.

The semi-autobiographical, coming-of-age drama follows Samay, a 9-year-old boy living with his family in a remote Indian village who discovers film for the first time, becomes mesmerised and decides he wants to be a filmmaker.

An opening night wine and canapés celebration will act as a prelude to the film.

“We’re excited to announce our very special opening night guest is star of the stage and screen, Sigrid Thornton,” Ms Ott said.

“Sigrid will be chatting all things cinema with Hannie Rayson as part of our opening night celebration on Friday evening.”

On June 29, the Queenscliff Town Hall will host screenings of Irish comedy-drama Róise & Frank, French historical romance drama The Taste of Things, and the poetic Japanese/German film Perfect Days.

The program will then conclude on June 30 with a screening of The Eight Mountains, an epic film set in the Italian Alps that depicts the life-defining bond and self-discovery of two men who, after meeting as children, reconnect in adulthood.

“We’re delighted to welcome back the team from Twilight Cinemas to the festival to bring a world-class cinema experience to the historic Queenscliff Town Hall,” Ms Ott said.

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

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