LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION: Q150 FILM FESTIVAL ON THE BIG SCREEN UNDER THE STARS FOR REGIONAL QUEENSLAND IN 2009

Mount Isa: Going to the flicks will take on a whole new meaning in 2009 for nine communities in Queensland, including the North West, when they each host a two-night Q150 Film Festival presented by Warner Bros. Movie World on the Gold Coast, Premier Anna Bligh said today.

Ms Bligh said the film festival tour would go to Weipa, Normanton, Biloela, Roma, Bowen, Toowoomba, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Brisbane. It begins in September and ends in November 2009.

“Queensland is a film-makers paradise,” said Ms Bligh.

“Our places - the vistas, the striking natural film sets - the remarkable people and the outstanding stories.

“Yet Queenslanders in the far flung corners of the State don’t always have the convenience of going a few minutes down the road to their nearest cinema.

“So in 2009, when Queensland turns 150 years young, the cinema is going to them and they will be able to enjoy the best that Queensland film directors, actors, writers and film-location experts have to offer.

“Communities from Biloela to Normanton as well as in South East Queensland will be able to enjoy cinema, out in the open, under the stars.

“I’ve said it before. Next year is a year of celebration for all Queenslanders and that includes Queenslanders in every part of this State.

“As far as is humanly possible, next year’s Queensland’s 150^th Celebrations 2009 (Q150) will be felt by as many Queenslanders as possible whatever walk of life they come from and wherever in Queensland they live.

“It’s a great birthday present and one that could not be done without the support of Warner Bros. Movie World or the Pacific Film and Television Commission (PFTC).

“I thank them for their support and look forward to the festival.”

She said Warner Bros. Movie World would help bring a little of their red-carpet movie magic from the Theme Park to the events while PFTC would co-ordinate logistics and direct the films programming.

Warner Village Theme Parks Chief Executive Officer John Menzies said that the Theme Parks are thrilled to be supporting Q150.

“For more than 17 years, Queenslanders from every corner of the State have flocked to Warner Bros. Movie World on the Gold Coast,” he said.

“This event is a great opportunity for Warner Bros. Movie World to give back to our Queensland patrons.

“Queenslanders love celebrating special times with us at our theme parks, Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild Water World.

“We are proud to be associated with the Q150 festivities and in particular, the opportunity to help take the magic of the movies to local communities across the State”.

“We can’t wait to begin” he said.

In recent years, the Warner Roadshow Studios, located adjacent to Warner Bros. Movie World, has been a leader in the Queensland film industry, producing such blockbuster movies as Fool’s Gold and Nim’s Island.

PFTC also sees Q150 as an opportunity to stage more film festivals around the State.

Anne Demy-Geroe, Executive Director of Festivals and Events at PFTC and Creative Director of the Q150 Film Festival said PFTC had long wanted to stage more film festivals in more places in Queensland and that Q150 had presented the ideal opportunity for it to do so.

“This is a really wonderful opportunity to bring something that has a Queensland focus to the regional areas as well,” she said.

She said the content would have a broad range of components including schools and adults.

vIn addition, the Q150 Steam Train and Q150 entertainment shed will be in Mount Isa for 6 June Queensland Day 2009 celebrations. Auditions for local entertainers in the Q150 shed will be held at Mount Isa on 9 December 2008 and applications close 5pm on Friday 21 November 2008 (see www.q150.qld.gov.au for details).

2009 marks Queensland’s 150^th year of separation from New South Wales.

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