Record ticket sales a boost for BIFF
Published Thursday, 31 July, 2008 at 05:30 AM
Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Rod Welford
Record ticket sales are set to make the 2008 St George Brisbane International Film Festival the most popular in its 17-year history, Arts Minister Rod Welford announced today.
Ahead of the official opening of BIFF at the Regent Cinemas tonight, Mr Welford welcomed the strong ticket sales and encouraged film fans to get involved in the festival.
“The response to this year’s festival program has been exceptional, with ticket sales very strong since ticket booths opened on 18 July,” Mr Welford said.
“The opening night film, Where in the World is Osama bin Laden? is a sell out, with organisers opening up a bigger cinema to cope with demand.
“The In Bruges Gala has sold out; the closing night film, Edge of Love, is close to a sell out and demand has also been very strong for Australian films.
“Overall, ticket sales for the 2008 BIFF are up 18 per cent on the same time last year.
“However, with more than 200 sessions over the 11 days of the festival, there are still plenty of opportunities to pick up tickets to some outstanding films.”
BIFF will screen more than 150 feature films and shorts from 56 countries at the Regent, Palace Centro Cinemas and the Australian Cinematheque at the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA).
The Festival offers free events for school students and families through Cine Sparks – the Australian Film Festival for Young People – and BIFF in the Burbs outdoor movie program.
There are also free seminars, discussions with filmmakers, nightly entertainment, film competitions and special events.
Mr Welford said many screenings would be introduced by the filmmakers, with more than 20 guests from Australia and overseas travelling to Brisbane for BIFF, including director Morgan Spurlock who will introduce the opening night film.
The St George BIFF ticketed program runs 31 July-10 August. For more information about the festival program, screening locations and ticketing go to www.stgeorgebiff.com.au.
Media contact: Emma Clarey on 3237 1000
Ahead of the official opening of BIFF at the Regent Cinemas tonight, Mr Welford welcomed the strong ticket sales and encouraged film fans to get involved in the festival.
“The response to this year’s festival program has been exceptional, with ticket sales very strong since ticket booths opened on 18 July,” Mr Welford said.
“The opening night film, Where in the World is Osama bin Laden? is a sell out, with organisers opening up a bigger cinema to cope with demand.
“The In Bruges Gala has sold out; the closing night film, Edge of Love, is close to a sell out and demand has also been very strong for Australian films.
“Overall, ticket sales for the 2008 BIFF are up 18 per cent on the same time last year.
“However, with more than 200 sessions over the 11 days of the festival, there are still plenty of opportunities to pick up tickets to some outstanding films.”
BIFF will screen more than 150 feature films and shorts from 56 countries at the Regent, Palace Centro Cinemas and the Australian Cinematheque at the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA).
The Festival offers free events for school students and families through Cine Sparks – the Australian Film Festival for Young People – and BIFF in the Burbs outdoor movie program.
There are also free seminars, discussions with filmmakers, nightly entertainment, film competitions and special events.
Mr Welford said many screenings would be introduced by the filmmakers, with more than 20 guests from Australia and overseas travelling to Brisbane for BIFF, including director Morgan Spurlock who will introduce the opening night film.
The St George BIFF ticketed program runs 31 July-10 August. For more information about the festival program, screening locations and ticketing go to www.stgeorgebiff.com.au.
Media contact: Emma Clarey on 3237 1000