By Jackie Shannon
“There is much that is new at MIFF this year , including our exciting new section, Headliners, and a deep exploration of what’s new and what’s next in virtual reality,” says Melbourne Film Festival artistic director, Michelle Carey. “But then there are the films! 2016 is proving to be a massively strong year in features, docs, shorts, and local productions that impress in their breadth. Come explore with us!”
Set to play out from July 28 through to August 14, The Melbourne International Film Festival is always one of the key engagements on any film lover’s cinematic calendar, and this year looks to be another belter for the fest…and that’s only on the basis of its “first glance” announcement of titles. MIFF will be opening with the Aussie flick, The Death And Life Of Otto Bloom, starring Xavier Samuel (pictured above), which will usher in a whole host of tasty local delights, including Abe Forsythe’s hilariously incendiary Down Under; the taut thriller, Bad Girl; the charming fantasy, Girl Asleep; and the documentaries, Ella and The Family. There are also high-profile international auteurs on board, with new works from Ben Wheatley (High Rise), Kelly Reichardt (Certain Women), Mia Hansen-Love (Things To Come), Terence Davies (Sunset Song), Werner Herzog (Lo And Behold), and Jason Reitman (Roast Battle), along with a literal horde of documentary features (yep, this is your chance to see the already notorious Tickled) and shorts (including one by Danny De Vito). It’s already looking good, and that’s just a taster.
The full programme of over 300 titles will be announced on Tuesday July 5 with public tickets on sale Friday July 8.
For all information on The Melbourne International Film Festival, head to the official website.
