Eaglehawk Film Festival goes for gold

A BRAND new film festival is coming to Eaglehawk’s Star Cinema in January.

The Eaglehawk Film Festival is an annual festival curated around a theme, and the first one being covered is ‘Gold’,paying homage to Eaglehawk’s beginnings as a goldfield’s town.

Business manager of Star Cinema Martin Myles said his aim is to make the cinema a festival destination.

“We already do MIFF every year, we do another one of our own festivals the Bendigo Festival of Australian Film which will be coming into its third year next year,” he said.

“We want Star Cinema to be one of the things you do when you come to the Bendigo area. We can hand on heart say it’s a great experience.”

“We have had a lot of fun putting together a collection of films that represent gold, either literally, or metaphorically.

“It is a theme which has been called on time and again through the decades of filmmaking and the charm of this precious metal continues to excite audiences.

“As if by divine intervention, a new Australian film, starring Zach Efron, Susie Porter and director Anthony Hayes, called, you guessed it, Gold is due to be released in January. Once we knew this film was coming, I knew that its release would dictate the timing of our festival.”

The sparkling celebration of cinema will take place from 14 to 21 January with 10 films all titled Gold being screened.

Mr Myles said while all films may have the same titles, the films offer a “breadth of diversity” in terms of genre, era, and cultures represented.

He also said he wants this festival to be something unique and special to Eaglehawk.

“Some people have asked me ‘why Eaglehawk Film Festival, and not Bendigo?’,” he said.

“There are a few reason, but mainly, Star Cinema is in Eaglehawk and I hope that the wonderful Eaglehawk community embrace this event as their own and will be proud of it.

“Also, as a by-product, it is my hope that, between films, festival attendees will explore more of what Eaglehawk has to offer.

“Eaglehawk is one of Victoria’s best kept secrets and there is a lot for the visitor to experience here.”

As part of the festival, visitors to Star Cinema will be able to enjoy a drink in the Festival Hub, located in the Eaglehawk Council Chambers.

For a full program of the festival as well as tickets and passes, head to eaglehawkfilmfestival.com.