MIFF returns to Bendigo screen

CINEPHILE’S interested in homegrown films are in for a treat with Bendigo’s hub for the Melbourne International Film Festival set for the Star Cinema.

It’s not just movies on the agenda, with cast and crew from recent Australian films likely to make an appearance during MIFF’s stay in Eaglehawk.

“We’re thrilled to be a regional venue for Melbourne International Film Festival,” said Star Cinema’s programming manager Hannah Moreton. “I’m pretty stoked about the content this year, very excited.

“I know in the past, there’s been local directors who have been really excited about being able to see their film, and see audiences see their film, in the part of the world where they’re from.

“We’re looking forward to some Q and As with director, cast, and crew. We can’t announce any of those specific details yet, but that’s always an exciting part of the festival.”

The opening night film is Ego: The Michael Gudinski Story, and Star will be amongst the first in the country to screen it.

But that’s not the only music inspired flick set to screen.

“There’s some really great music content, there’s a special treat in there for John Farnham fans, and we know that there’s a lot of them around,” said Ms Moreton

“There’s a documentary about Nick Cave’s fans, Mutiny In Heaven – The Birthday Party, and there’s some great content from overseas as well as Australian content.”

Films shown at MIFF’s Bendigo leg are generally Australian, said Ms Moreton, as a large part of what is shown in the regional centres is local content.

“MIFF is just an incredible part of winter in Melbourne, but it’s really, really exciting for central Victorians to be able to stay in central Victoria and be a part of the festival,” said Ms Moreton.

“It’s always a great atmosphere here during those festival weekends because it’s a really exciting thing to bring to Bendigo.”

The Star Cinema screenings will run across two weekends within the festival, from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 August and Friday 18 to Sunday 20 August.