by FilmInk Staff
Central Queensland’s premiere film arts festival returns for its ninth year with new feature film and documentary premieres, art experiences and much more!!
The 2025 Capricorn Film Festival is presented by Keppel Coast Arts, Livingstone Shire Council, Screen Queensland, Arts Queensland and will be held from Thursday the 16th to Sunday 19th of January 2025 on the beautiful Capricorn Coast.
The festival will host six feature film and documentary premieres alongside twenty inspiring, creative and beautifully crafted short films screening as part of CAPS Short Film Competition, all selected from over 600 entries.
The festival will also include the short form video art experience, CAPS EXPerimental.
The 9th festival event will have its opening night at Yeppoon Town Hall on Thursday 18th January from 6.45pm with the premiere of international festival gem I Shall Not Hate, a deeply moving and powerful documentary based on the book by Professor Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, and tells the tragic loss of his three daughters and niece in the 2008 Gaza war and his journey to respond with bravery, faith, endurance, and steadfastness.
“I Shall Not Hate is an important story of hope and we are extremely proud to screen it for our opening night”, Festival Director Luke Graham
Friday screenings will include the Australian premiere of inspirational documentary Between the Mountain and the Sky, a story of love and resilience after tragedy strikes humanitarian Maggie Doyne, mother to over 50 Nepalese children. This is highly recommended for families and students alike. The director Jeremy Power Regimbal will provide an introduction prior to its screening.
Friday night will be the Central Queensland Premiere of locally produced award-winning sports documentary drama, Sharko. It tells the story of New Zealand’s rugby league legend Mark Graham told through the eyes of his son. A filmmaker Q&A will follow the screening.
Saturday afternoon screenings will include the Central Queensland premiere of Andamooka, an honest picture of set against the beauty of the Australian outback. Inside, starring Guy Pearce and Cosmo Jarvis tells the story of found paternal relationships, misguided faith, and how Australian incarceration amplifies trauma. Raw and honest performances all around.
The thrilling documentary Ice Maiden will conclude Saturday’s screenings. Ice Maiden tracks the astonishing journey of solo-adventurer Lisa Blair as she embarks on her voyage to be the first woman to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around Antarctica. Lisa will be in attendance for the post screening Q&A.
Sunday will start with a series of masterclasses and industry talks where locals will learn the distribution process, how to make an indie movie and how to finance your film. These are free and booking is required.
CAPS Short Film Festival will conclude the event featuring twelve selected short films from around the world and locally in competition and reviewed by a jury including Australian film industry professionals. Screening prior, will be the premiere of eight short films by Central Queensland filmmakers, some first time, others continuing their filmmaking journey.
“I am personally proud of our Central Queensland filmmakers, and can’t wait to screen their world premieres to the local community and tourists alike”, Festival Director Luke Graham
FREE community art activity CAPS Experimental will be available daily on Saturday and Sunday screening at Yeppoon Town Hall including short film premieres by Central Queensland filmmakers.
To PURCHASE TICKETS or learn more: www.capricornfilmfestival.com
