Matt's Blog

I first attended the Brisbane International Film Festival in 1995 and another year is upon us.  It’s a shame that Richard Moore is no longer around as Festival Director – he was always great to speak with during the Festival and was very passionate about the program.  Richard’s contract wasn’t renewed and I’m yet to meet new Festival Director Jennie Hughes who was appointed earlier this year.

I’m often indifferent when it comes to retrospectives but there are two great ones as part of this year’s BIFF.  The first is a tribute to the films of James Ivory and Ismail Merchant.  Films screening include A Room With A View, Howard’s End and The Remains Of The Day.  I’m hoping to make it along to a few of those screenings.  The second is a homage to director Fred Schepisi.  I first met Fred at the Toronto Film Festival back in 2011 and of the films screenings at BIFF this year, I’d can strongly recommend Six Degrees Of Separation and Last Orders.

Two big films have been chosen to open and close this year’s festival.  Things get started with The Railway Man which was shot here in Queensland and stars Colin Firth.  It closes a week and a half later with 12 Years A Slave – the current frontrunner for the best picture Oscar.  Opening night can be a bit pricey for those who don’t drink ($65 inclusive of the after party) but closing night looks much more attractive with a $35 ticket price including its own after party.  Of all the films screening at BIFF, I think 12 Years A Slave is the one I’m most keen to see.  I should mention that tickets to most general sessions are $18.

The Festival doesn’t officially open until Wednesday, November 13 but there are “curtain raisers” in the lead up.  The Monday night (Nov 11) looks like a tricky choice with two intriguing films on offer – Filth (with James McAvoy) and The Past (the latest from the Oscar winning director of A Separation).

Other films high on my list include Don Jon – written by, directed by and starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Only Lovers Left Alive – a vampire romance with Tilda Swinton and Tom Hiddleston, Labor Day – the latest from Juno director Jason Reitman, All Is Lost – the follow up from the director of Margin Call, and Blue Is The Warmest Colour – the controversial 3-hour lesbian romance which won the top prize at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.  As huge fan of director Xavier Dolan’s last film, Laurence Anyways, I’m also keen to catch Tom At The Farm.

I’ll be away for a few days during the middle of the Festival but you’ll be able to hear my thoughts on the films through Twitter (@icestorm77) and through my weekly radio spot with Spencer Howson on Thursday mornings on 612ABC.  The latest radio ratings were released today and I’m thrilled to see Spencer’s program ranked number 1 in Brisbane by a significant margin.  He is damn good at what he does.

Hopefully I’ll see at the Festival!  This year’s venues include the Palace Centro, Palace Barracks, GOMA, Dendy Portside and the Event Myer Centre.  You can see the whole program at www.biff.com.au.