EMERGING STARS AND CINEMA LEGENDS CONVERGE AT PENINSULA FILM FESTIVAL

With awards season well underway in Hollywood and Australians leading the charge, a ticket to the Peninsula Film Festival this February 2-4 guarantees a front-row seat to watch emerging filmmakers before they make their mark on the world stage.

The star-studded 2024 festival, featuring a record number of entries and an expert panel of judges including Lachy Hulme, Michala Banas, Charlotte Chimes, and Sigrid Thornton, is an exciting showcase of Australia’s cinematic future.

The annual three-day celebration will include special screenings, filmmaking workshops and the Short Film Festival, featuring around 20 short films from local and national creatives, as well as food trucks, local wine and beer vendors and market stalls.

This year cinematographer Anthony Littlechild and Liam Kelly, who met at the Peninsula Film Festival workshop 10 years ago and have gone on to receive nominations for ARIA Awards, AACTA awards, and multiple international honours, come full circle to host the Sunday filmmaking workshop at Peninsula Cinemas Rosebud.

Kelly is now a multi-awarded director best known as one of the creatives behind Tones and I’s music videos including Dance Monkey and Fly Away.

“The Peninsula Film Festival is the perfect bridge between a local festival and one that’s also internationally recognised,” Kelly said.

“It fosters up-and-coming talent and highlights the best of Australia’s filmmaking community. It showcases the best of the up-and-comers and those at the peak of their career as well.

“The level of exposure to industry people and other creatives really opened my network and was the start of a chain reaction. Without the Peninsula Film Festival I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in today.”

Littlechild agreed, adding: “The Peninsula Festival is Australia’s largest outdoor film festival and it’s all about community. Families go with their picnic rugs and get a chance to see Australian cinematic history. In the festival lineup you’ll discover the next Nicole Kidman, Peter Weir, Baz Luhrmann or Fred Schepisi.

“Someone who might be a small-time actor in a little Peninsula film could be the next Aussie trailblazer to make their mark.”

The Peninsula Film Festival returns to the Village Green Rosebud on the weekend of February 2-4, 2024, with a record number of entries.

“All eyes are on Australia at the moment. We have a lot of great talent in front of the camera and behind it, and it’s a really exciting time to be making Aussie content,” Kelly said.

The festival is supported by the cream of Australian talent including Russell Crowe, Sam Worthington, Nash Edgerton and Rob Connolly, to name a few.

Golden Globe-winning director Fred Schepisi, one of Australia’s most successful filmmakers, famous for movies including Six Degrees of Separation, Roxanne, Plenty and Last Orders, will be among the attendees.

The Peninsula Film Festival begins on Friday, February 2, with the noir thriller Here Be Dragons, starring Nathan Sapsford. The Saturday session features the short-film screenings preceded by a performance from local artist Madison Daniel. Gates open at 4.30pm, tickets start at $10, with a VIP option for $150.

The festival concludes on Sunday, February 4, with the filmmaking workshop at Peninsula Cinemas Rosebud.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to enjoy a night of exceptional films and vibrant entertainment. Tickets are available for purchase via www.peninsulafilmfestival.com.au.