Record ticket sales, a sell-out children’s program and full houses on opening and closing nights have made the 2007 Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF) the most successful in its 16-year history.
Arts Minister Rod Welford said both the ticketed program and free events of the festival, which wrap-up tonight (August 12), had been very successful.
‘BIFF is always a popular event on the Queensland arts calendar and this year ticket sales are up by around 5% on last year,’ Mr Welford said.
‘While final audience numbers are yet to be calculated this certainly indicates that BIFF has delivered a unique, accessible program which has captured the interest of south east Queensland’s cinema buffs and movie-lovers.
‘Each year BIFF presents a selection of work from some of the best emerging and independent filmmakers in the world.
‘The festival also showcases emerging Queensland filmmakers and their films have received a terrific response from local audiences.
‘The two sessions of Unfinished Sky – the Queensland film starring William McInnes – sold out, as did both screenings of All My Friends Are Leaving Brisbane, directed and produced by Louise Alston.’
Mr Welford said CineSparks, BIFF’s program for young people, was also a success with a number of the films playing to packed audiences.
‘BIFF in the Burbs was also very popular with families again – the program was greatly expanded this year and attendance numbers were up strongly,’ he said.
‘I’d also like to congratulate the new generation of filmmakers recognised at last night’s Warner Roadshow Studios Queensland New Filmmaker Awards (QNFA).
‘It’s the first time these awards have been held in association with BIFF – they are Australia’s largest industry-sponsored new filmmaker awards and offer tremendous support for our emerging artists.’
BIFF 2007 will close tonight with a sell-out screening of Michael Winterbottom’s film, A Mighty Heart.
[release from the PFTC]