The Gold Coast Film Festival returns in 2025, unveiling a programme of 4 world, 11 Australian and 4 Queensland premieres, along with the return of SIPFEST: Shorts In Paradise, for this year’s event.
As part of the Opening Night will be the Australian premiere of ‘The Ballad Of Wallis Island’, a Sundance Film Festival favourite. Then, closing it all out is the world premiere of ‘Blue Horizon’, where Pete Murray, David Cook, Damian McCoy and Chantal Elyse will walk the red carpet along with writer/director Josh Hale.
Beloved Gold Coast singer, songwriter and television personality Peter Andre will be welcomed back home to walk the red carpet at the world premiere of ‘Jafaican’, where he stars as Gazza, a small-time crook desperate to raise money for his gran’s care.
In 2025, Festival Ambassador and Gold Coast local Lincoln Lewis returns, and he’ll walk the red carpet in his latest feature film ‘Hagar’s Hut’.
Award-winning star of film, television and theatre Erik Thomson will be in attendance for the Queensland premiere of ‘Kangaroo Island’, directed by Timothy David, with themes of family tensions, long-buried secrets, and the comfort of home.
Jane Larkin’s powerful ‘The Edge’ will enjoy its world premiere at the festival, set in the world of elite sport and diving into themes of friendship, heritage, sexuality and morality. Plus, inspired by true events is the Australian premiere of ‘My Eyes’, followed by an exclusive, in-cinema Q&A.
Ever wanted to go behind the scenes of the Australian Open to see what goes into becoming a coveted ball kid? The Australian premiere of ‘Ballkids’ follows the sweaty, teary and ultimately triumphant journey.
Documentary storytelling is a vital part of cinema. This year, Gold Coast Film Festival will showcase a compelling selection of documentaries including the Australian premiere of ‘7 Beats Per Minute’, following freediving champion Jessea Lu who nearly died during a world record attempt. . . And ‘Pavements’, about the iconic ‘90s indie band.
Heading overseas there’s a diverse selection of international films, celebrating storytelling from around the world. This year’s programme features the likes of ‘Cottontail’ (UK/Japan), ‘Funny Birds’ (France), and ‘Irena’s Vow’ (Canada/Poland).
Plus there’s ’Together To 35’, ‘Jane Austen Wrecked My Life’, and ‘A Greyhound Of A Girl’ (Ireland/Italy). These films highlight the richness of global storytelling, offering audiences a chance to explore unique cultures and perspectives through cinema.
The recipient of this year’s Chauvel Award is acclaimed Australian screen producer, director and writer Robert Connolly. His recent film ‘The Dry’ was a critical and commercial success, followed by its sequel ‘Force Of Nature’, and ‘Blueback’. His most recent film as producer, ‘The Surfer’, premiered in Official Selection at the Cannes Film Festival this year.
In 2025, GCFF also celebrates the return of festival favourite SIPFEST, Shorts In Paradise. . . The Gold Coast’s premier short film competition.
“The 2025 Gold Coast Film Festival is set to be our most exciting yet, with a bold and diverse programme that celebrates incredible storytelling from Australia and around the world,” GCFF CEO Luke Wheatley says. “From red carpet galas and world premieres to inspiring industry events, GCFF continues to champion filmmakers, connect audiences, and showcase the Gold Coast as a vibrant hub for cinema. We can't wait to welcome film lovers, industry professionals, and storytellers to experience the magic of the festival.”
Check out the full programme.
The 2025 Gold Coast Film Festival is on from 30 April-11 May.
