Aussie films go on show

STAR Cinema’s Bendigo Festival of Australian Film is back for another and will again celebrate the country’s rich history of cinema.

The festival will run from Friday, 19 to Sunday, 21 March with seven films screening across the three days.

Business manager at Star Cinema Martin Myles said the festival will showcase acclaimed Australian films and some forgotten gems.

“The concept is basically we will screen films that are well regarded, mostly award winning but not as well known, so that we can give people the opportunity to see films that are especially difficult to see on the big screen,” he said.

Last year’s event was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Mr Myles said the response this time round has been excellent.

“We couldn’t screen the last film of the festival because all cinemas across the country were ordered to close. It was a shame to have the first one to go out with a whimper,” he said.

“We’re getting a lot of interest from people really wanting to engage in that festival type experience.”

Mr Myles said the films have been carefully curated by himself and the cinema’s programming manager Hannah Morton, with a range of award-winning films selected.

“We always like to strike a balance where we can in terms of genre, the era that the films come from, indigenous content and male-female director balance. We really enjoyed the process of choosing the films,” he said.

Director John Ruane kicked off last year’s festival and will be in attendance again to open the event with his film Dead Letter Office.

Mr Myles said the event will be enhanced by a festival hub in the decommissioned Eaglehawk Council Chambers above the cinema.

“This is a very rare opportunity to experience a space that is generally closed to the public, and a great hangout space for people that want to enjoy and engage with that festival experience,” Myles said.

For tickets and more information on the Bendigo Festival of Australian film visit starcinema.org.au/bfaf.