Film Festival showcase stars at cinema

THE Melbourne International Film Festival is coming to Eaglehawk’s historic Star Cinema over two weekends in August, with a selection of thirteen feature films from this year’s program and a package of Australian short films.

This year marks the 69th edition of the festival and, for the first time ever, it’s being split between theatres across Melbourne and regional Victoria, as well as via its new digital platform, MIFF Play.

One film set to divide audience opinion will be the highly controversial Nitram screening at 7pm on Friday, 13 August. It recently became the first Australian film to screen at Cannes Film Festival in a decade and picked up a best actor award in the process.

Another must see of the festival, the Australian Shorts short film package, will be shown on Saturday 14 August from 1pm to 4pm.

Pat Mooney is the Melbourne-based director of featured short Jeanette is the Dog

He said he was thrilled to be included in this year’s program for his film is about, “The disparity of wealth in the world, particularly amongst young people.”

“I’ve entered a few films into MIFF before and I’ve never gotten in,” he said.

“So it’s definitely very validating, and emboldening, to have something you’ve made finally reach this kind of audience. It’s a really nice feeling.

“The support available during COVID has been a little lacklustre in general for certain sections of the industry, so it’s great when events can go ahead, where you get a chance to show the public your work and see their direct reaction to it. It’s very special.”

The Star Cinema instalment of MIFF takes place from Friday, 6 August to Sunday, 8 August, and Friday 13 August to Sunday 15 August.

Bookings can be made via starcinema.org.au/miff-2021.