GOLD COAST FILM FESTIVAL TO DELIVER MONSTER LINE-UP OF FAMILY EVENTS
GCFF focuses on the next generation of filmmakers
Forget the Easter Bunny – the next school holidays will be all about the magic of movies as the Gold Coast Film Festival rolls out its greatest ever line-up of family-friendly events.
With tickets on sale from today, the 12-day festival will for the first time feature something for children every day of the program including acting, filmmaking and photography workshops, a dedicated schools program and free outdoor movies across the city.
Gold Coast Film Festival Director Lucy Fisher says her team ‘relished the chance to inspire a passion for filmmaking and screen culture in the next generation of film buffs. With this year’s Gold Coast Film Festival falling in the Easter school holidays, we have been gifted a wonderful opportunity to devise a program that lights up the eyes of youngsters’.
“Filmmaking has never been a more exciting process and we want to give children an insight into what it takes to make magic both in front of and behind the camera. From photography, acting and filmmaking workshops and in-cinema experiences, there is something for everyone in this year’s program.”
Returning as the official venue partner in 2019, HOTA, Home of the Arts, CEO Criena Gehrke is excited by the program of activities. “Inspiring the next generation of artists, critical thinkers and creatives is really close to my heart. What’s exciting about these activities is that kids will be opened up to the possibilities that the arts offer.”
“I believe it’s essential that we give kids opportunities to learn, engage and be immersed in the arts. I can’t wait to see the adventurous, creative kids taking the lead at these events.”
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said as the Gold Coast Film Festival continued to expand, the event delivered a better outcome for the local economy.
“It’s great to see the Gold Coast Film Festival taking an innovative approach to enticing more visitors to experience the Coast,” she said.
“This event attracts thousands of people each year and provides an excellent platform to showcase and celebrate both the Gold Coast’s thriving film industry and iconic tourism offerings.
“The Queensland Government is proud to support the Gold Coast Film Festival through Tourism and Events Queensland’s Destination Events Program, as part of the 2019 It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.”
An expected family favourite will be ‘Blind Cinema’, which will see a row of blindfolded adults sit in the darkness of a movie theatre while children seated behind them whisper descriptions of what is unfolding on screen. Children participate in workshops facilitated by internationally acclaimed Britt Hatzius, teaching them how to verbally describe a visual story, develop performance skills and expand their knowledge and critical eye of film.
The GCFF is proudly supported by the Queensland Government and through major sponsor Screen Queensland has been working hard to bring back-to-back productions to the Gold Coast.
“We are experiencing one of the most prolific times in Queensland screen history and there has never been a more exciting time for young creatives and budding filmmakers to live in Queensland,” said Screen Queensland CEO Tracey Vieira.
“The Gold Coast Film Festival’s inclusion of family-friendly activities that aim to inspire young children is a fantastic way to inspire the next generation of filmmakers who can immerse themselves in the magic of film.”
For tickets and more information, visit www.gcfilmfestival.com.
Red Dog (free) – Sunday 7 April – 9-10.40am
Headshots with Aaron Chapman (free) – Saturday 13 April – 9am-12pm (5-10 years), 1-4pm (11-16 years)
Little Art Lab ($10) – Wednesday 10 April – 10-11am and 1-2pm (suitable for under 5s)
Blind Cinema (adults $17) – Friday 12 April – 10.30am and Saturday 13 April – 10.30am
Blind Cinema – Kids Workshops ($10) – Thursday 11 April – 10am-12.30pm and Friday 12 April – 3-5.30pm
Kids Workshop: Acting For Film ($10) – Monday 8 April – 10am-12pm
Kids Workshop: Learn to Shoot – Conversations ($10) – Tuesday 9 April – 10am-12pm
Kids Workshop: Learn to Shoot – Film Scenes ($10) – Wednesday 10 April, 10am-12pm
SCHOOLS PROGRAM – only available for schools to book
Future Filmmakers (free) – Thursday 4 April – 9.30am-2.30pm (recommended for Years 11-12) at Bond University
Inventing Tomorrow – Film: Wed 3 April – 10-11.30am; Workshop: 11.30am-12pm (recommended for Years 9-12)
Tito and the Birds – Film: Wednesday 3 April – 12.30-1.45pm; Workshop: 1.45-2.15pm (recommended for Years 9-12)
Free outdoor screenings will include Gold Coast Superhero Weekend: Movies in the Mall and SIPFEST (FOFMAD).
The Gold Coast Film Festival is supported by the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland and Tourism and Events Queensland. The Gold Coast Film Festival is supported by the City of Gold Coast.
Festival-goers are invited to make the most of the festival and take up a festival-only accommodation rate of 20 percent off the best rate online at QT Gold Coast. To access rate please visit www.qthotelsandresorts.com/gold-coast/ use promo code GCFF19.
For media enquiries, please contact Jacqueline Bojanowski at Ruby Communications on (07) 5532 3808/ 0424 360 986 or email Jacqueline@weareruby.com.au.