Following the success of the Feature Film Summit events in 2021/2022, the Australian Feature Film Forum (AFFF) has announced it is partnering with the Australian International Movie Convention (AIMC) to offer filmmakers a suite of sessions on Wednesday 1 and Thursday 2 November. Available for in-person or virtual attendance, the AFF Program aims to close the gap between filmmakers and the theatrical marketplace and facilitate a valuable information exchange between the often-siloed filmmaker, distributor and exhibitor sectors.
“The AIMC unites the Australian cinema industry, and partnering with the AFFF enables the whole industry to come together to agree strategies to ensure that Australian filmmakers can leverage industry knowledge so that more Australian stories can be celebrated on the big screen,” said Cameron Mitchell, Executive Director, NACO.
Program highlights include a session entitled “Ask Me Anything” in which a panel of prominent filmmakers, major and independent exhibitors and distributors will have the opportunity to ask each other their burning questions that will bring into focus the different motivations, decision-making processes, operational limitations, and key business model drivers for each sector.
Up to three keynote sessions will be streamed from the AIMC to participants signed up to the AFFF virtual forum. While the AIMC speakers are yet to be confirmed, these sessions will be delivered by global industry experts, providing up-to-date intel on the current international and local cinema trends.
“The AFFF at AIMC will be a ‘must see’ event for any Australian filmmakers developing feature films, providing insights into genre and visitation trends in Australian cinemas, the global cinema landscape and generational audience changes,” said Sue Maslin, Director, AFFF.
Virtual attendance for the AFFF session plus the additional keynotes is $25 with dates, times and session details to be confirmed soon. Virtual places are limited. To secure a place, participants are encouraged to submit an early Expression of Interest for virtual attendance by visiting https://aff-forum.com.au/aimc
NACO has generously offered a discounted fee of $900 (+ GST) for Australian filmmakers wanting to attend the 3-day conference in-person (Tuesday 31 October to Thursday 2 November) on the Gold Coast, inclusive of meals and events but excluding the closing night gala event. The cost for attending only on Wednesday 1 November, when the “Ask Me Anything” session is one of a number of Australian-focussed activities, is $318 (+ GST). To attend the AIMC in person, register your interest on the AFF Forum website to receive the discount codes for the convention, https://aff-forum.com.au/aimc.
ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN FEATURE FILM FORUM
The Australian Feature Film Forum (AFFF) is an initiative of the Australian Feature Film Working Group (AFFWG), an informal group of industry representatives from the production, exhibition and distribution sectors together with representatives of screen agencies, industry associations and guilds. Its purpose is to;
– Champion positive change that supports a commercially viable Australian feature film industry that consistently delivers movies that attract, engage and entertain significant audiences.
– Collate / share relevant local and global insights, trends and best practice / learnings.
– Promote alternative business models, distribution strategies and sources of finance.
– Encourage the next generation of entrepreneurial producers and creative talent.
The Australian Feature Film Working Group (AFFWG) members include Sue Maslin AO, Lori Flekser, Gino Munari, Claire Gandy, Antony Ginnane, Andy Barclay, Marc Wooldridge, Sasha Close, Brett Rosengarten and Kylie Munnich.
Previous AFFF events have been financed with the assistance of Screen Australia in association with the state agencies; as well as sponsorship from the Independent Cinemas Association (ICA), Creative Content Australia, Screen Producers Australia; and in-kind support from NACO, MPDAA and AIDA.
About the Australian International Movie Convention
About the Australian International Movie Convention
Hosted annually by NACO (National Association of Cinema Operators-Australasia), the AIMC remains the only event on the Australian film industry calendar to provide opportunities to network with local and international colleagues from Cinema Exhibition, Distribution, Production, and Technology & Cinema Equipment Suppliers under one roof. Attracting delegates from Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the US and Europe, AIMC provides an invaluable opportunity to preview upcoming product from major and independent studios; learn about local and international trends from guest presenters; discuss latest technologies and cinema fit-outs with trade exhibitors; and network with colleagues and senior industry executives.
