Program of the Brisbane International Film Festival 2021

Over the course of 11 packed days, the 27th Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF) will present a 2021 program rich in international festival favorites, alongside dazzling Australian content, not to mention award winners and critical darlings.

Organized to appease both cinephiles and industry experts, the BIFF will run from October 21 to 31 and present 81 feature films and 22 short films.

There will also be 33 Queensland premieres, 26 Australian premieres and 4 world premieres held throughout BIFF 2021 in 7 locations: New Farm Cinemas, Reading Cinema Newmarket, Dendy Coorparoo, Palace James Street, Australian Cinémathèque (QAGOMA), Elizabeth Picture Theater and Hotel X.

Managed by the organizing body Film Fantastic, BIFF is supported by founder and main sponsor Screen Queensland, as well as Screen Australia and Tourism and Events Queensland.

The opening night of the BIFF will present Leah Purcell’s feature debut, “The Drover’s Wife: The Legend Of Molly Johnson” – a brutal and realistic new narration of the iconic short story by Henry Lawson.

Then, to close the BIFF 2021, the film “Memoria”, winner of the Cannes 2021 jury prize, directed by the famous author Apichatpong Weerasethakul and starring Tilda Swinton.

“In between these glorious cinematic events there is an incredible and diverse program that invites audiences to celebrate the cinematic experience together,” said Program Manager Sasha Close.

The program includes the return of Shock Corridor to BIFF with a crazy roster of cult and genre titles; the debut of Future Moves, a dedicated series of immersive and experimental titles; and Connections, a collection of films focused on relationships: romantic , unexpected and family.

“BIFF is delighted to present a tribute to iconic Ernst Lubitsch with six essential films from his opus, completing a showcase of daring, courageous and compelling works by local filmmakers and acclaimed international storytellers.”

The BIFF 2021 schedule is expected to inspire, provoke and entertain audiences according to Film Fantastic CEO Josh Martin.

“The BIFF is a major event on the Queensland calendar, not only for audiences keen to see amazing works from around the world, but also for local filmmakers looking for a platform to share their incredible talent and opportunity. to connect with their industry.

“I am delighted that BIFF is putting more emphasis on our local talent with 22 films made in Australia and 6 feature films produced in Queensland on the program.

“Brisbane is home to a vibrant film culture and a community of passionate moviegoers ready to celebrate the power and magic of cinema and discover new, memorable experiences. “

View the full schedule and buy tickets.

The Brisbane International Film Festival is an 11-day celebration of cinema from October 21 to 31, 2021.

BIFF 2021 locations

New cinemas on the farm
Reading Cinema Newmarket
Dendy Coorparoo
James Palace Street
Australian Cinematheque (QAGOMA)
Elizabeth Image Theater
Hotel X

Highlights of the 2021 BIFF program

Drover’s Wife: The Legend of Molly Johnson (Opening Night)
Thu 21 Oct – Reading Cinemas Newmarket

Memoria (closing party)
Sun Oct 31 – Elizabeth Picture Theater

Alick and Albert
Fri 22 Oct – Palace James Street

Focus: Brisbane Short Films
Sat 23 Oct – New cinemas on the farm

Friends and strangers
Mon 25 Oct – New cinemas on the farm

Paris funeral, 1972
Mon 25 October – Palace James Street

Short Gala Walk
Thu Oct 28 – Reading Cinemas Newmarket

BIFF Industry Days
October 27-28 – Hotel X

The discreet charm of Ernst Lubitsch
New Australian Farm Cinemas and Film Library (GOMA)

Link
A collection of films that reveal the beauty of meaningful relationships, the pleasure of romantic encounters and the possibilities of unexpected encounters.

Grit, Power, Politics
Impactful, powerful and timely documentaries that spark conversations about current affairs, moments in history and the possibilities of the future.

Music
Captivating documentaries highlighting rockstars, musicians, idols and pioneers.

Future movements
Bold, immersive and experimental works that explore the capacity for evolution of cinema.

Shock corridor
Cult and genre films, including outrageous sci-fi westerns, horror films, conspiracy theories, and psychedelic animation.

Adrenaline
High-octane, high-stakes sports and adventure documentaries featuring stories of friendship, tenacity and incredible physical feats.