The Melbourne Documentary Film Festival, July 9 – 11, will feature a range of documentaries from around the world, including films direct from SXSW, IDFA, Doc Edge and Doc NYC.
Festival director Lyndon Stone has announced the competitive festival will be opened by three local documentaries: The Coffee Man, Spoke and Inside Fighter.
The Coffee Man, directed by Jeff Hann, follows the story of 2015 World Barista Champion Sasa Sestic.
“Making The Coffee Man has been the biggest project I’ve ever done, that has taught me many lessons about film making and I’m very grateful. Having the right people to support the project with likemindedness made it easier and a lot of fun too. It’s fantastic to be part of the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival’s first year,” said Hann.
Emily Baker’s Spoke follows three young cyclists who set out to bike from San Francisco to Orlando, interviewing crash victims, urban planners, activists and law enforcement to investigate what makes the US the most dangerous developed country for cyclists.
"I never really expected this film to get finished. I had never directed before and I was daunted by the task, let alone what seemed like the impossibility of crossing the country on a bicycle. To be screening the film on opening night of the MDFF means a lot to me. I’m so grateful my home town is supporting filmmakers like myself,” said Baker.
Inside Fighter, by actor-turned-director Nick Barkla, follows underdog Melbourne boxer, Frank ‘The Italian Stallion’ Lo Porto, who gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fight for the world title in America against an undefeated superstar.
“Inside Fighter really is a Melbourne story and I’m thrilled for Frank that his family and friends can attend the Australian premiere. It was Frank’s courage that inspired me to make it, so in many ways this is my gift to him for allowing us all to share in his bruising, thrilling, trans-formative journey,” said Barkla.
The festival will also close with two Australian music documentaries, Todd Who?, and You Better Take Cover.
Gavin Bond’s Todd Who?, which will have its world premiere at the festival, is a rockumentary exploring a fan’s 30-year obsession and devotion to underappreciated rock musician and technological pioneer Todd Rundgren.
You Better Take Cover, directed by Harry Hayes, follows the story of Men At Work’s hit single Down Under, including the plagiarism case where the band was accused of ripping off children’s song Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gumtree.
Festival Guide: http://mdff.org.au/news-events
Order Tickets: http://www.moshtix.com.au/v2/mdff