Australia’s Gold Coast cast in lead role: “film events capital”

In just over six weeks, the Gold Coast will light up as the Australian film industry and movie fans descend on Queensland where the Inside Film Awards are being held for the first time, Acting Premier Anna Bligh said today.

Ms Bligh said with today’s announcement of the nominees for the 2006 Inside Film Awards and that this year’s ceremony will be hosted by award-winning Australian actor Joel Edgerton it is clear that the most popular event on Australia’s film calendar is drawing near – and it promises to be the best-ever.

“The State Government’s Queensland Events Corporation (2006 Inside Film Awards Principal Partner) has been working behind the scenes to secure this event as part of a carefully scripted plot.

“Consolidating the awards, which will now be staged concurrently with the annual Screen Producers Association of Australia (SPAA) Conference on the Gold Coast, highlights Queensland’s strength as the film and television hot spot.

“Our vision was to create a film events’ hub in South east Queensland – and already the Gold Coast has a lead role as Australia’s new film events’ capital.

“Events like Cannes’ Film Festival, American Film Market and the festivals of Pusan, Venice, Tokyo and Shanghai put unique emphasis on the film industry and its people.

“It is important for Australia to have a strong annual national and international industry event and I’m delighted the Inside Film Awards will be on the Gold Coast next month.

“This move will bolster investment and enhance the state’s place on the industry map.”

Angie Fielder, General Manager, Inside Film Awards, said the Queensland Government, through Queensland Events and the Pacific Film and Television Commission, had been demonstrating its commitment to the development of film activity in the state by supporting events like the SPAA Conference and the Gold Coast-based, Australian International Movie Convention for years.

“We are extremely pleased that the Inside Film Awards will now play a major role in this impressive program of film activity in Queensland,” she said.

Award-winning Australian actor, Joel Edgerton said he was looking forward to hosting this year’s Inside Film awards on the Gold Coast.

“It’s always been a great night, and after a strong and diverse year of Australian film releases I am honoured to be part of the celebrations,” he said.

“It’s great to see this year’s awards are being held on the Gold Coast .…its only fitting a ceremony like this should be held there.”

The 2006 Inside Film Awards will take place at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre on Friday 17^th November. They will be broadcast live nationally on SBS at 10pm, with delayed telecasts screenings on SHOWTIME.

Media contacts:

Deputy Premier’s Office: 07 3224 4379
Queensland Events: Sharyn Sawyer (07) 3222 1028 / M 0419 509 509