In what has been an anticipated lead up to its launch, the program for the 14th annual 2016 Gold Coast Film Festival was announced with tickets for all events now released.
Expected to be one of the biggest and best film festivals Gold Coast has ever seen, the event is spread across 10 days, with opening night taking place 31 March.
The program is jam-packed with quality films and events, which will intrigue and stimulate minds of all ages. Youth in particular receive a significant spotlight in this year’s event. Y Screen is the Gold Coast Film Festival’s new youth program, incorporating a series of intelligent films and workshops specifically for schools and families.
Film buffs will be spoilt for choice with the diversity offered in the film program. Films from around the globe including sci-fi, dramas, thrillers, documentaries, indies, horrors, animation, foreign and locally produced films are included.
The ‘other than film’ events also promise to be engaging and fascinating, with an abundance of activities for families, a Women in Film Lunch, Movie Trivia Night, The Chauvel Award, and notable film professionals presenting at REELLIFE Seminars and Panels, as well as Q&A sessions following select film screenings.
Here are some of our highlights:
EDDIE THE EAGLE
As the opening night film, this warm and funny true story starring Hugh Jackman, Taron Egerton and Christopher Walken follows the realisation of the childhood dream of unlikely English icon, Michael “Eddie” Edwards, and his unflinching determination to become Britain’s first Olympic ski-jumper. With Hugh Jackman starring as coach, Eddie the Eagle is an uplifting, inspirations story that celebrated the human spirit, passion and one man’s refusal to accept defeat.
Comedy, Drama | UK | 105 Minutes | PG
When/Where: Thursday 31 March, 6.45pm – The Arts Centre Gold Coast (Opening night)
Sunday 3 April, 3pm – Event Cinemas Coolangatta
How much: $20
EARLY WINTER
Queensland produced, Early Winter is about David, who lives a predictable life with his wife Maya and their two children. To please his wife with the latest gadgets, David works as a janitor in a retirement home. But when he begins to suspect that Maya is having an affair, he starts to lose ground, his part threatening to smash everything in his path. Beautifully observed, Early Winter reflects on how we seek happiness through our romantic partnerships, and the price we pay.
Drama | Canada/Australia | 96 Minutes | 18+
When: Sunday April 10, 1.30pm
Where: The Arts Centre Gold Coast
How much: $15
LAST TRAIN TO FREO
The first big screen collaboration between writer Reg Cribb and director Jeremy Sims (Last Cab to Darwin), 2006’s Last Train to Freo is set entirely within the confines of a train carriage, where Steve Le Marquand’s unnamed thug, along with his friend Trev (Tom Budge), tries to engage a young woman, Lisa (Gigi Edgley), using a mix of charm and intimidation. Edgy and unpredictable, Last Train to Freo will leave you guessing until the final stop.
Drama | Australia | 89 Minutes | MA15+
When: Friday 8 April, 11am
Where: The Arts Centre Gold Coast
How much: $15
KUNG FU LANEWAY & FORBIDDEN KINGDOM
Watch Kung Fu demonstrations and learn how stunt professionals fight for film, before seeing martial arts masters Jet Li and Jackie Chan star in the classic film Forbidden Kingdom. Forbidden Kingdom is a tale of a Kung Fu obsessed American teen whose discovery sends him on an adventure to China, where he joins up with a band of martial arts warriors in order to free the imprisoned Monkey King. An event perfect for families!
When: Saturday 2 April – Martial Arts Demonstration from 5.30pm, Film at 6pm
Where: Chinatown, Southport
How much: Free
SIPFEST
A series of short films, transforming Surfers Paradise Beach into an outdoor cinema under the stars. SIP Fest showcases cinematic masterpieces, providing an opportunity to identify and reward talented emerging filmmakers both locally and from around Australia, who will compete for $10,000 in cash prizes.
When: Sunday 3 April, 6.30pm
Replay: Monday 4 April, 6.30pm
Where: Surfers Paradise Beach
How much: Free
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
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 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
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: Friday 2 April – Saturday 9 April
Where: The Arts Centre Gold Coast – The Basement
How much: Free – bookings required
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: 10am – 11.30am
9-12 year olds: 1pm – 2.30pm
Where: Robina Community Centre
How much: Free – bookings required
Ensure that you reserve tickets well in advance to avoid missing out on popular events.