Small town, big stars

ACCLAIMED director Rolf De Heer is among the lineup of moviemakers who will make an appearance at the Bangalow Film Festival, which runs from March 6 to 16.

The man behind such movies as The Tracker, Ten Canoes and Charlie’s Country will take part in a Q&A lunch session during the event.

His wife Molly Reynolds, who wrote and directed My Name, about Indigenous actor David Gulpilil shortly before his death, will also be in attendance.

Much-loved Australian actor Gary Sweet, who also starred in The Tracker, and Mystery Road star Aaron Pedersen are also coming to town, along with director, screenwriter and cinematographer Warwick Thornton, whose debut feature film Samson and Delilah won the Caméra d’Or at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.

“We have a phenomenal lineup of guests coming to Bangalow this year,” festival founder and director Christian Pazzaglia said.

“It shows we have been successful in establishing the festival as a destination for talent, which was not a given when we started five years ago.

“In the past we have had more first-time directors starting out, whereas now we’re bringing in the big guys.”

While this year’s festival has a strong Indigenous focus, the opening night movie will bring a touch of European glamour to the hinterland town with the Australian premiere of the documentary Milano: The Inside Story of Italian Fashion.

The 2025 program will feature more than 20 screenings, plus various other events including live performances and a two-day program of industry panels presented in partnership with the Byron Writers Festival and Screenworks.

“There’s also a focus on underwater photography, because we have some oceanic films in the program this year,” Mr Pazzaglia said.

Bangalow-based Common People Brewing Co., Ink Gin and Husk Rum will offer refreshments in the lobby bar at Bangalow A&I Hall throughout the event.