It's the Gold Coast Film Festival's (GCFF) 21st birthday – and they're celebrating in a big way!
The festival brings 12 days and nights of film featuring 3 world, 3 Australian and 15 Queensland premieres, as well as 25 short films, exclusive preview screenings and filmmaking talent. It’s an impressive line-up of films, outdoor cinema, red carpet screenings, industry panels, filmmaker Q&As and special events.
Audiences can get excited to see Australian features, stories of the ocean, international offerings, red carpet events and a short film competition. . . Among tonnes more good stuff.
Highly regarded cinema programmer Sasha Close joined the GCFF team as Program Manager for the 2020 event. She has worked on both sides of the Australian cinema industry, starting in distribution before moving on to programming.
Here, we chat to Sasha about all things Gold Coast Film Festival festivities and what film lovers can expect in 2023.
To anyone new to GCFF, tell us a bit about the vibe of the thing!
The GCFF is a festival that encapsulates the very essence of the Gold Coast. It's about films, industry education, gala events and networking as we continue to build on the film industry's ecosystem on the Gold Coast! With the Making Waves strand this year, we showcase some of the BIGGEST waves the naked eye has seen with some incredible stories, SIPFEST (Shorts In Paradise) is being shown under the stars at the amazing outdoor stage of HOTA – Home of the Arts and there is a programme of films that suit everyone and anyone and it's FREE. There is something for everyone in 2023!
Who would you say GCFF is for? What audiences do you usually see come through the doors?
The GCFF caters for everyone. The strands this year are inclusive of all audiences. From foreign film to surfing films to locally made, there is something in the programme that will interest everyone.
The Screen Industry Gala Awards are part of the festival too. What can you tell us about those?
The festival will host gala events such as the Screen Industry Gala Awards which will take place at the very heart of Australian filmmaking, Warner Bros. Movie World. These awards shine a light on the incredible breadth of talent we have right here on our doorstep.
Is there are a particular criteria for the GCFF programme when you’re selecting the films? What are you looking for?
The GCFF programme tends to be broad with a focus on premiering films for the first time in Queensland and the curation of local films along with showcasing a diverse range of international and Australian films. The programme looks to support emerging filmmakers on the Gold Coast as well as support Australian talent.
Opening up the festival is the Queensland Premiere of ‘Polite Society’. Can you tell us a bit about this film and why it was chosen to kick off the event?
The festival has proudly supported unique films directed by female filmmakers in the opening night gala slot for the past four years and 'Polite Society' directed by Nida Manzoor continues this tradition and was the perfect choice in 2023 for opening night. It is a wonderfully fun film about challenging cultural norms. Manzoor is a real talent.
You’ve been on board for a couple of GCFFs now. What has been your favourite part about your role so far?
One of the unique parts of the programming role is watching the range and diversity of the films. Over the last four years the breadth and variety of films I viewed has been my absolute favourite part of the role.
How about the biggest challenge?
One of the biggest challenges is finalising the film programme. There is inevitably several films that don’t land, for whatever reason, some films might not be finished or completed in time for the festival for example. Hitting our deadlines for programme launch and securing films for the final programme is definitely a significant challenge.
How are you hoping audiences respond to the 2023 programme based on what it’s filled with this year?
I hope audiences enjoy the array of films on offer from arthouse titles to more mainstream cinema options. I also hope audiences enjoy the additional elements to several film sessions, with numerous Q&A and filmmakers events. These sessions are special offerings and an amazing chance to hear from talent and creatives behind the film or to be part of a film conversation.
Gold Coast Film Festival is on from 19-30 April.
