GCFF full program is now available and the line-up showcases 12 days and nights of film featuring 3 World, 3 Australian, 15 Queensland premieres and 25 short films, exclusive preview screenings and filmmaking talent with an impressive line-up of exciting films, outdoor cinema, red carpet screenings, industry panels, filmmaker Q&As, and special events.
The Red Carpet will be rolled out for Opening Night on Wednesday April 19 from 6pm for the Queensland Premiere of Polite Society.
From director Nida Manzoor, the debut feature Polite Society, premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. Starring Priya Kansara (Bridgerton) and Ritu Arya (Red Notice, The Umbrella Academy), the boisterous and original action comedy follows a British Pakistani teenager (and aspiring stuntwoman) who attempts to save her older sister from a semi-arranged marriage by performing an elaborate heist.
Closing out the festival is the Queensland Premiere and Red Carpet Gala: The Last Daughter, a moving and unique documentary about one woman’s mission to unearth the truth about her past, and to reconcile the two sides of her family. Gold Coaster Brenda’s first memories were of growing up in a loving white foster family, before she was suddenly taken away and returned to her Aboriginal family.
Gold Coast Film Festival returns to its sci-fi and fantasy origins with a special preview of the first two episodes of Season Two of the highly anticipated NETFLIX Series; Sweet Tooth.
Excitingly, the 2023 program will make a splash with ‘Making Waves’ strand of films experiencing the big waves and big stories of the ocean. Perfect for the Gold Coast, the collection of films include the Queensland Premieres of Big vs Small, Birth of the Endless Summer and The Road to Patagonia, along with the Australian Premiere and Gala Screening of Big Wave Guardians.
In a nod to the incredible Australian Film Industry, GCFF presents a strand of exciting Australian features within a Showcase of original stories and captivating characters revealing the diversity of our country and highlighting exceptional filmmaking talent. The collection includes the Queensland Premieres of The Survival of Kindness and Monolith along with Sweet As and The Giants.
Supporting local Film Makers: Celebrating and supporting the Gold Coast community with feature films made and produced locally and featuring emerging and talented directors, actors, producers, and creatives is an exciting strand this year, with incredible films featured including Against The Tide, Girls’ Night Out and Red Dust Challenge.
The wealth of incredible cinema from around the world is showcased with unique, distinctive stories including festival favourites, award winners, critical darlings, films worthy of attention and a few feel good films. Cinema-goers will have the chance to see films such as the Oscar nominated EO, Cannes award winner Cairo Conspiracy and the Australian premiere of indie comedy I Like Movies.
GCFF is excited to announce Festival favourite, SIPFEST the Gold Coast’s premier short film competition will be held on the incredible HOTA Outdoor Stage. Showcasing 14 of the best short film finalists from submissions around Australia and Internationally, the night culminates in the live announcement and presentation of the SIPFEST award categories and gives audiences the opportunity to vote for their favourites on the night.
GCFF wraps their arms around the Film Industry with a number of Industry Events and Panels such as; Meet the Studios, Script to Screen and REEL LIFE, designed for Screen Professionals and Students to extend their knowledge and networks.
The festival will host gala events such as the Screen Industry Gala Awards which will take place at the very heart of Australian filmmaking, Warner Bros. Movie World and GCFF Women In Film Lunch presented by Screen Queensland in the QT Gold Coast Ballroom.
Gold Coast Film Festival CEO Josh Martin says this year’s program includes something for everybody and is a celebration of the rich filmmaking history we have in South East Queensland.
“We have an incredible mix of national and international films as well as short films and documentaries showcasing immense talent.” says Josh.
“Our team has worked tirelessly to put together a program of incredible films and special events that we can all enjoy from free outdoor cinema on the HOTA Outdoor Stage through to walking the red carpet with the cast and crew,” he adds.
“The prestigious Screen Industry Gala Awards will return to Warner Bros. Movie World, where we will celebrate the Festival’s award winners and Pitch In Paradise will also take place with filmmakers invited to pitch their work as well as a great program of free industry panels designed for emerging filmmakers and industry students and professionals thanks to the GCFF Giving Fund.”
Sasha Close, Head of Programming is excited about the incredible line up.
“The 2023 festival program is a delightful, insightful, and fun program of global and local films. Opening night and closing night feature films are directed by women sharing powerful and engaging stories and in between these gala nights are an array of feature films and shorts plus numerous panels and special events.”
She adds, “The popular Local Filmmaker Focus strand celebrating Gold Coast talent returns this year. World cinema is on display on the big screen with festival favourites and award winners. If you are looking for more light entertainment from a festival film, the program also has that covered. Whilst the very best of current Australian cinema is showcased in the program and I encourage audiences to discover these powerful, important films. Prepare to be entertained and engaged this April at the Gold Coast Film Festival and soak up in the best cinema experience at the HOTA Home of the Arts.”
For a second year, GCFF is excited to announce our Festival Ambassador and Gold Coaster, Lincoln Lewis. No stranger to the screen, the award-winning actor is thrilled to be a big part of the Gold Coast Film Festival this year and will be involved on the ground throughout the festival.
Tickets are on sale now and you can find more information at www.gcfilmfestival.com
The Gold Coast Film Festival is supported by its major partners Screen Queensland, City of Gold Coast, Major Events Gold Coast, Tourism and Events Queensland and HOTA Home of the Arts.
