This year’s Festival, which runs 31 March – 10 April is shaping up to be one of the most inspiring, captivating and action-filled programs since the Festival’s inception. Genuinely catering to all ages and with events from Coolangatta to Helensvale, the event absolutely has something for everyone. And I’m not just talking about the quality films being showcased.
The essence of Gold Coast Film Festival is to celebrate the wonderful world of film, and the incredibly talented filmmakers and screen professionals, which is just what these other-than-film-events included in the program do.
With plenty of options available, the informative and fascinating events will capture the importance of films and inspiring people in film, as well as appraise their contribution to the industry.
Women in Film Luncheon
The Women in Film Luncheon celebrates the presence of female talent in the film industry. Distinguished film professionals and anyone else in support of the cause is invited to hear from highly regarded guest speakers and enjoy a delicious lunch, mixing and mingling.
When: Friday 1 April, 12pm – 3pm
Where: Bazaar at QT Hotel
How much: $95 available from 1 March at gcfilmfestival.com/tickets
Movie Trivia Night
Hosted by ABC Gold Coast’s Bern Young, a fun-filled night for movie buffs of all ages to participate in engaging and humorous film trivia. Lucky door prizes, food and drink will be available.
When: Thursday 7 April, 6:30pm
Where: Stingray Bar & Lounge at QT Hotel Gold Coast
How much: $12 booked online with complimentary food platters. Minimum two and maximum five people per team.
The Chauvel Award
The Chauvel Award is presented to someone who has made a notable contribution to Australian cinema. Highly respected film personality, David Stratton will be in conversation with the winner of The Chauvel Award at this evening function.
When: Saturday 9 April, 6.30pm
Where: The Arts Centre Gold Coast
How much: $49 available from 1 March at gcfilmfestival.com/tickets
Reellife Seminars and Panels
These seminars, workshops and panels led by film professionals will see people speaking of their inspiring experiences in the industry, and answering questions to help develop film makers of all experience levels. For details on the panellists and their bios, visit gcfilmfestival.com/reellife.
When: Starting Friday 2 April – Saturday 9 April
Where: The Arts Centre Gold Coast – The Basement
How much: FREE – booking required on gcfilmfestival.com from 1 March (space limited)
Monster Zoo
As part of Gold Coast Film Festival’s YScreen program, an augmented reality filmmaking workshop for kids ages 6-12 is coming to the Gold Coast. Incorporating filmmaking and games, Monster Zoo is a 1.5 hour augmented reality adventure reality scavenger hunt where kids create a documentary about their search for invisible endangered monsters. Children are instructed on how to build, film and edit the screening of their documentary for friends and family.
When: Friday 8 April. 6-8 year olds at 10.00am – 11.30am and 9-12 year olds at 1.00pm – 2.30pm.
Location: Robina Community Centre
Tickets: FREE – booking required on gcfilmfestival.com from 1 March
Gold Coast Film Festivals is one of our favourite cultural events on the Gold Coast. With a strong focus on diversity and gender, the non-film events just add to the strength of the Festival’s film programming. Be sure not to miss out. Reserve places in advance as soon as tickets become available on Tuesday 1 March.
And keep your eyes peeled for Film Festival programs at all the cool outlets that stock Blank GC.
Disclaimer: Claudia McCristal is a shared intern between Blank GC and Gold Coast Film Festival. Blank’s editor Samantha Morris is also consulting to GC Film Festival, specifically on social media advertising.
PHOTO: Geoffrey Rush with the Chauvel Award