Across 11 packed days, the 27th Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF) will present a 2021 programme rich in international festival favourites, alongside dazzling Australian content, not to mention award-winners and critical darlings.
Curated to appease both film fans and industry experts alike, BIFF will take place 21-31 October featuring a staggering 81 feature films and 22 short films.
There'll also be 33 Queensland premieres, 26 Australian premieres and 4 world premieres staged throughout BIFF 2021 across 7 venues: New Farm Cinemas, Reading Cinema Newmarket, Dendy Coorparoo, Palace James Street, Australian Cinémathèque (QAGOMA), Elizabeth Picture Theatre and Hotel X.
Run by organising body Film Fantastic, BIFF is supported by founding and principal sponsor Screen Queensland, together with Screen Australia and Tourism and Events Queensland.
BIFF's opening night will screen Leah Purcell's debut feature, 'The Drover's Wife: The Legend Of Molly Johnson' – a stark, realistic re-telling of Henry Lawson's iconic short story.
Then to close out BIFF 2021 will be the 2021 Cannes Jury Prize-winning 'Memoria', directed by acclaimed auteur Apichatpong Weerasethakul and starring Tilda Swinton.
"Between these glorious film events is an incredible, diverse programme that invites audiences to celebrate the moviegoing experience together," Program Manager Sasha Close says.
"The programme includes the return of Shock Corridor to BIFF with a wild slate of cult and genre titles; the debut of Future Moves, a dedicated strand of immersive, experimental titles; and Connections, a collection of films focused on relationships: romantic, unexpected and familial.
"BIFF is delighted to present a tribute to icon Ernst Lubitsch with six essential films from his opus, complementing a showcase of bold, brave and compelling works from local filmmakers and acclaimed international storytellers."
The BIFF 2021 programme is set to inspire, provoke and entertain audiences according to Film Fantastic CEO Josh Martin.
"BIFF is a major event on Queensland's calendar, not only for audiences eager to see amazing works from across the world but also for local filmmakers looking for a platform to share their incredible talent and an opportunity to connect with their industry.
"I am delighted that BIFF further trains the spotlight on our homegrown talent with 22 Australian-made films and 6 Queenslandproduced features on the programme.
"Brisbane is home to a vibrant film culture and community of passionate film fans ready to celebrate the power and magic of cinema and discover new and memorable experiences."
View the full programme and purchase tickets.
Brisbane International Film Festival is an 11-day celebration of film from 21-31 October 2021.
BIFF 2021 Venues
New Farm CinemasReading Cinema Newmarket
Dendy Coorparoo
Palace James Street
Australian Cinémathèque (QAGOMA)
Elizabeth Picture Theatre
Hotel X
BIFF 2021 Programme Highlights
The Drover's Wife: The Legend Of Molly Johnson (Opening Night)Thu 21 Oct - Reading Cinemas Newmarket
Memoria (Closing Night)
Sun 31 Oct - Elizabeth Picture Theatre
Alick And Albert
Fri 22 Oct - Palace James Street
Focus: Brisbane Short Films
Sat 23 Oct - New Farm Cinemas
Friends And Strangers
Mon 25 Oct - New Farm Cinemas
Paris Funeral, 1972
Mon 25 Oct - Palace James Street
Ride Shorts Gala
Thu 28 Oct - Reading Cinemas Newmarket
BIFF Industry Days
27-28 Oct - Hotel X
The Discreet Charm Of Ernst Lubitsch
New Farm Cinemas & Australian Cinémathèque (GOMA)
Connection
A collection of films that reveal the beauty of meaningful relationships, the delight of romantic encounters and the possibilities of unexpected encounters.
Grit, Power, Politics
Hard-hitting, powerful and timely documentaries that spark conversation about current affairs, moments in history and the possibilities of the future.
Music
Compelling documentaries that spotlight rockstars, musicians, idols and trailblazers.
Future Moves
Bold, immersive and experimental works that explore cinema’s ability to evolve.
Shock Corridor
Cult and genre films including outrageous science fiction westerns, horror films, conspiracy theories and psychedelic animations.
Adrenalin
High octane, high stakes sports and adventure documentaries presenting tales of friendship, tenacity and incredible physical feats.
