by Stephen Vagg
Tell us about Maria Lewis?
“Welp, I’m an AWGIE award-winning screenwriter, best-selling author of 11 novels including titles for Marvel and Assassin’s Creed, pop culture etymologist and film curator when I get a chance. I’m a Libra/Scorpio-cusper, frequent surfer, and massive movie nerd just like everyone else … you know, the usual shit.”
What are you doing at BIFF and how did you get involved?
“I’m one of the programmers at this year’s BIFF, specifically handling the Indigenous Spotlight and Culty McCult sections. I started out my career in Queensland and only recently moved back, so really believe in the industry here. I’ve been a huge fan of BIFF since I was a teenager and when I was in high school, I used to volunteer to write up briefs for the program, so getting to help curate some of the films as part of 2025’s festival has been a full circle moment for me.”
Can you summarise each of the films you’ve chosen?
For Indigenous Spotlight
“After decades shaping some of the most important Pasifika narratives on screen, Kath Akuhata-Brown’s experience translates to a profound and powerful film about the journey rather than the destination.”
“A compelling entry into the ‘woman on the edge investigates a supernatural mystery’ sub-genre of horror that has given us The Ring, The Babadook, Candyman, The Grudge and The Moogai.”
“Boundary pushing not just in its technological form, Imagine and its eclectic creative team works to redefine what Indigenous storytelling can look like in the modern age.”
“It’s Home Alone with a body count. Kaniehtiio Horn establishes herself as a filmmaker to watch with a directorial debut that’s both modern, historical and cultural all at the same time. Seeds is what you go to the movies for.”
“For lovers of gritty crime noir like True Detective and Wind River, Grashaw wields genre conventions as a weapon with an unbelievable cast of veteran and emerging Indigenous talent.”
“Seth Scriver’s distinct style has always drawn audiences, but the deeply personal nature of this story with his brother Peter makes for a unique, profound and hilarious examination of identity.”
“The sixth (!!!) film from Aussie wunderkind filmmaker Maio Mackay continues to allow us access to sub-cultures we’re not cool enough to be near without her guiding hand in an exploration of identity with a distinctly Buffy season one lens.”
For Culty McCult:
“Werewolves, witches and wanking. Dog Of God is unashamedly for the sickos amongst us.”
“You’re either Yah-du or you’re Nah-du and if it’s the former, then the filmmaker’s nearly three-hour take on the Dracula mythos through a modern Romanian lens is essential viewing.”
“Think Waiting for Godot meets Tarkovsky’s Stalker for the Silent Hill generation.”
“Tina Romero expands and evolves the legacy of her father George A. Romero with this genuinely hilarious, beautifully shot and meticulously crafted zombie horror.”
“The king of ‘It’s The End of the World as We Know it And I Feel Fine’ cinema, Zak Hilditch follows up themes explored in his debut These Final Hours with another thought-provoking and troubling examination of mortality.”
Okay hypothetical… and this is to cover all BIFFs movies… I’ve got time to see one movie. What do you suggest if I:
… am on a date and want to impress?
“Bring! It! On! Nothing says I understand women or gays more than taking a date to a 25th anniversary screening of Bring It On with the director Peyton Reed in attendance for a live in-conversation. Also, you cannot view Bring It On on any streaming service currently so unless you’re a collector of physical media like myself, the only – and best – way to view this comedic-high-school-sports-movie-dissection-of-gentrification-masterpiece is at our Friday night screening.”
… am jaded with the state of cinema and need my love for the medium to be rejuvenated?
“Seeds, baby! Up there with Sinners for my favourite film of 2025, Seeds is the directorial debut of Kaniehtiio Horn who’s a familiar face to genre audiences (The Lowdown, Reservation Dogs, Letterkenny) and also serves as the star, writer and producer in this home invasion revenge thriller. Her character Ziggy is such a refreshing Final Girl, this whole film – and viewing experience – has felt so invigorating every time I’ve watched it.”
… want my mind to be imploded?
“Dog Of God is jokingly called the “anti Flow” but besides being from Latvia, I think they share a lot in common in terms of being unique, groundbreaking animated films … albeit one about the world’s most famous werewolf trials. Also, the Abele Brothers – there’s three of them – are such interesting collaborators. And we’re playing two Radu Jude films at the festival – Kontiential ’25 and Dracula – and he’s definitely a singular taste, but specifically with Dracula he’s actually from Transylvania, so watching his take on the mythos feels very earned and simultaneously very nuts in that Radu Jude-way.”
… taking my parents?
“Kōkā, a really beautiful and moving directorial debut from Kath Akuhata-Brown who has been one of Aotearoa’s best storytellers for decades and is finally getting her moment with this film. She’s also attending BIFF in person, so it’s a rare opportunity to get to hear from the filmmaker directly after each session.”
… taking my primary school age kids?
“Imagine is this gorgeous, animated odyssey through time and space. From directors Tyson Yunkaporta and Jack Manning Bancroft, it’s super engaging for younger audiences with the various animation styles and a fascinating glimpse at the further of Aboriginal filmmaking for older viewers.”
… taking my moody teen?
“Two options here! Alice Maio Mackay made her latest film The Serpent’s Skin when she was a moody teenager (she’s still only 20!) so it’s a great capsule of that moment, albeit with a supernatural lens. And Endless Cookie from the Scriver Brothers, Peter and Seth, is a one-way-ticket for parents to seem cooler than they are because it’s a great hang out film for those who love animation like Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Ren & Stimpy, Archer and even a lil’ Rick & Morty.”
The Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF) runs from Nov 27 to 30. Tickets at https://tix.biff.com.au/events
