BIFF GOES GLOBAL AND LOCAL IN 2007

The Brisbane International Film Festival’s (BIFF) program of free outdoor community screenings will double in size for the 2007 festival, Arts Minister Rod Welford said today.

“Following the tremendous success of the first ‘BIFF in the Burbs’ program in 2006, twice as many outdoor movies will be held around south-east Queensland in the lead-up to the festival’s ticketed program,” Mr Welford said.

“BIFF in the Burbs will feature 15 free outdoor screenings every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night throughout July and into August.

“Queenslanders will have the unique chance to step into other people’s lives from the leafy comfort of their local park.

“It’s a fantastic way to introduce families to quality cinema and give them a taste of what BIFF is all about before the ticketed program begins.”

BIFF’s ticketed program from August 2-12 will bring together more than 100 films from across the world, as well as a selection of home-grown Australian titles.

“Movie lovers should mark their diaries now and keep that time free so they can experience a taste of the best in film on offer,” Mr Welford said.

“From foreign language films and documentaries to family-friendly titles and a very topical retrospective, BIFF will showcase a variety of genres that are sure to delight and challenge film fans.

“In 2006, BIFF broke previous records with more than 40,000 people attending events and I predict venues all over the city will be packed for the duration of this year’s festival.”

Under the Artistic Direction of Anne Demy-Geroe, the festival will return to the popular venues of The Regent in Queen Street Mall and Palace Centro at Fortitude Valley.

Specialised and archival screenings will also be held at the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA).

Aspiring filmmakers will also have the chance to shine through the integration of the Queensland New Filmmakers Awards into BIFF.

Further information about BIFF, including ticketing information, will be released over the coming months, with the full program of films announced in early July.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000 or 0419 734 985