Press

14-16 September 2012, Clapham Picturehouse

21-23 September 2012, Hackney Picturehouse

FilmFest Australia is delighted to announce an exciting programme of cinematic treats fresh out of Aus, screening at Clapham Picturehouse and Hackney Picturehouse from 14 to 23 September 2012.

With a new name and a new home after 17 years at the Barbican as the London Australian Film Festival, 2012 marks the beginning of an exciting new era for FilmFest Australia. But the mission remains the same: to showcase all that contemporary Aussie cinemas has to offer, from the hottest new talent to the cherished big stars bringing drama, humour and thrills from all corners of Aus to London screens.

Ryan Kwanten kicks off proceedings in the FFA opener Not Suitable for Children (Aus 2012 Dir. Peter Templeman 97 min), going on a mission to procreate when he finds out his chances at fatherhood are about to expire. Funny, cool, a little bit dark but ultimately touching, this is a slice of young, vibrant Sydney at its laidback best.

Some of Australia’s most exportable directing talent features at FFA this year. Fred Schepisi directs Geoffrey Rush, Judy Davis and Charlotte Rampling in the dysfunctional family drama The Eye of the Storm (Aus 2011 Dir. Fred Schepisi 119 min) while Priscilla... helmer Stephan Elliott leads a riotous yet distinctly masculine stag-do comedy A Few Best Men (Aus 2011 Stephan Elliott 97min) with Kris Marshall and Kevin Bishop. 

Rob Sitch (The Castle, The Dish) brings one man’s slick, no-strings Melbourne high life into question in comedy Any Questions for Ben? (Aus 2012 Dir. Rob Sitch 114 min) starring Rachael Taylor (Red Dog) and Daniel Henshall (Snowtown).

FFA first-timer Ronan Keating stars alongside the West End's Mary Poppins, Laura Michelle Kelly, in Goddess (Aus 2012 Dir. Mark Lamprell 99 min), one of FFA’s most tuneful and kitsch offerings. While on the flipside, FFA revisits the dark side of down under in Swerve (Aus 2011 Dir. Craig Lahiff 83 min), an outback set chase thriller which kicks off with a bang and keeps the twists and thrills coming.

The tragically short life of astounding dancer and choreographer Tanja Liedtke is celebrated in Sophie Hyde and Bryan Mason’s beautifully rendered documentary Life in Movement (Aus 2011 Dirs Sophie Hyde, Bryan Mason 79 min).

Ivan Sen (Beneath Clouds) uses his real life family history as the basis for a deeply personal and moving portrait of life in the remote indigenous community of Toomelah (Aus 2011 Dir. Ivan Sen 106min), which received a standing ovation when it screened at Cannes. Audiences can also revisit Willem Dafoe and Frances O’Connor’s stunning performances in The Hunter (Aus 2011 Dir. Daniel Nettheim 101 min)

PATRON
FFA is honoured to welcome Noah Taylor as Festival Patron. With credits including John Hillcoat’s latest Lawless; The Year My Voice Broke; Shine; Flirting; He Died with a Falafel in his Hand; and 2011 festival opener Red Dog, he is a long-standing FFA supporter and a true Aussie acting legend.

SHORTS
Flickerfest, Australia’s premier short film festival and the only one with Academy® and BAFTA recognition, makes a very welcome return to FFA. Presenting an array of stunning Aussie shorts before each film in the programme, Flickerfest showcases the best upcoming Aussie film talent, whom FFA hopes to welcome back in the future.

Check the Picturehouse website for further info and to book: www.picturehouses.co.uk or call the Box Office on 0871 902 5727 (10p a minute from a landline). Booking fees apply.

For all media enquiries please contact Laura Bushell: laura@filmfestaustralia.org.uk

A New Name & A New Home!

www.filmfestaustralia.org.uk

14-16 September 2012, Clapham Picturehouse
21-23 September 2012, Hackney Picturehouse

FilmFest Australia – the new brand for the London Australian Film Festival – hits Picturehouse Cinemas for two weekends in September 2012, screening some of Australia’s finest cinematic exports to London audiences hungry for a slice of antipodean life.

Immensely popular amongst cinephiles and London dwelling Aussies alike, FilmFest Australia built up a strong following over 17 years at the Barbican and its organizers are now delighted to have found not one but two new homes at Clapham and Hackney Picturehouses.

Of the festival’s exciting new incarnation, Festival Director Moira McVean says; “We’re proud to be continuing the legacy of the London Australian Film Festival and excited to be launching FilmFest Australia with Picturehouse, showcasing great Australian cinema and establishing a hub for Australian film culture in the UK.”

Clare Binns, Head of Programming & Acquisitions at City Screen adds; "With recent releases such as Animal Kingdom, Sleeping Beauty and Snowtown, Australia is producing some very challenging and interesting cinema. Picturehouse are delighted to be partnering with FilmFest Australia to bring some groundbreaking cinema to London audiences."

The full programme for FilmFest Australia 2012 will be announced shortly. For all media enquiries please contact Laura Bushell: laura@filmfestaustralia.org.uk

FilmFest Australia

www.filmfestaustralia.org.uk
14 to 23 September 2012 at Picturehouse Cinemas

FilmFest Australia, the new UK showcase for films from Down Under, hits London in September 2012 with a selection of the hottest new Aussie films. But before then, and with London in much need of a warm-up, FFA is delighted to announce its support of two Australian film events in London in July:

Saturday 7 July, 9.00pm
FilmFest Australia presents a screening of The Hunter (15) plus an exclusive Q&A with star Frances O’Connor at Everyman Maida Vale
A ruthless mercenary is sent by a shadowy corporation to find and kill the last fabled Tasmanian Tiger. Once there, his priorities shift as he becomes reluctantly involved with a struggling family holding onto a tragic past. Debut director Daniel Nettheim draws astonishing performances from his cast including Willem Dafoe, Frances O’Connor and Sam Neill, but the real star is the breathtaking Tasmanian scenery. (Aus 2011 Dir. Daniel Nettheim 101 min)

Tuesday 10 July, 7.00pm
FilmFest Australia presents a FREE screening of Strictly Ballroom (PG) at Canary Wharf Summer Screen
A misfit comedy with all the right moves, this cult classic put first time director Baz Luhrmann firmly on the map. When a ballroom dancing champion teams up with an inexperienced novice in a bid for artistic freedom on the dancefloor, it’s more than just fancy footwork that sets their hearts racing... Don’t miss this enduring Aussie crowd pleaser! (Australia 1992 Dir. Baz Luhrmann 94 min)

*Space is unreserved and sometimes limited. Portable furniture, glass bottles or glasses are not permitted in Canada Square Park
Canary Wharf Summer Screen, Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, E14
Supported by Canary Wharf Arts & Events

The full programme for FilmFest Australia 2012 will be confirmed shortly. For all media enquiries contact Laura Bushell: laura@filmfestaustralia.org.uk
 
Supported by Tourism Australia