Press release from Canberra International Film Festvial
Internationally acclaimed Canberra actor, Mia Wasikowska, headlines the opening film at the 15th Canberra International Film Festival (CIFF).
Mia shines in the Australian premiere of Gus Van Sant's Restless, a delicate, tender and quirky story of two people finding love.
The 2011 program consists of 58 extraordinary films (17 Australian premieres) that include family films, comedy, drama, mayhem and breathtaking beauties about love and desire. New this year at the Arc Cinema is a celebration of song, dance and classic musicals, presented in collaboration with the National Film & Sound Archive.
Artistic Director Simon Weaving said "I see some wonderful and interesting characters as I sit back and ponder this year's festival program – from French tomboys and Japanese chefs, to Norwegian toll hunters and unlikely heroes from the back blocks of London. It is, of course, always the characters that draw us into storytelling – and whether they are real, like Australia's Chad Morgan, or totally and deliciously fictitious (and there are plenty of those!) there's nothing quite like seeing and feeling another view of the world through their eyes and their actions."
ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher says the Festival plays a major role in the arts and festival calendar of the ACT. "CIFF has become one of Canberra's signature events in the heart of the city," she said. "The Festival provides an opportunity for all Canberrans to engage with international and national filmmakers, emerging filmmakers, industry guests and film lovers."
"I'm proud that TransACT is the principal sponsor of the Canberra International Film Festival for the fourth year running," TransACT Chief Executive Officer Ivan Slavich said. "We're passionate about supporting the Canberra community and are looking forward to seeing the incredible range of films on offer through the 2011 Festival."
Become a member of CIFF online or at the Dendy. Come and save 40% on tickets and see some of the 2011 stars including Kirsten Dunst, Ewan McGregor, Tilda Swinton, John Cleese, Ryan Reynolds and Australia's very own Olivia Newton John.
CIFF Facts
- October 26 – November 6
- 58 films (95 screenings from 26 countries)
- Find the CIFF program and view film trailers at http://www.canberrafilmfestival.com.au/