Magna Szubanski in 'Three Summers'.
Ben Elton’s Three Summers will make its world premiere at the upcoming Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF), screening as the Centrepiece Gala.
Writer-director Elton shot the ensemble comedy, which stars Robert Sheehan, Rebecca Breeds, Michael Caton, Magda Szubanski, Deborah Mailman, Jacqueline McKenzie and John Waters, last year in Western Australia. It was produced by Sue Taylor and Michael Wrenn. Set over three summers at a fictional folk music festival in WA, the film follows two musicians (Sheehan and Breeds) as they fall in love.
“It’s a great thrill and also a great honour to have Three Summers selected as this year’s MIFF Centrepiece Gala Presentation,” said the writer-director.
“I cannot think of a better start for our movie than to be centre stage at this famous festival, which is such a true champion of Australian filmmaking. It’s also very exciting the film will be screened in such a beautiful and aptly named theatre before an audience of 1000 people. What could be better for a comedy!”
MIFF’s Centrepiece Gala forms the halfway point of the festival, with an after party to be held afterwards in The Atrium, Federation Square.
“We are delighted that MIFF is presenting the world premiere of Three Summers. With a big heart and soul that is sure to bring some sunshine to our winter festival, Three Summers is the perfect Centrepiece Gala film. The film radiates wit and social observation and has a terrific cast. We congratulate Ben Elton and the entire team and look forward to welcoming them to The Comedy Theatre this August,” said MIFF artistic director Michelle Carey.
Three Summers marks one of many Aussie world premieres at this year’s MIFF, which will also open Jungle, The Butterfly Tree, Rabbit and documentaries Have You Seen the Listers?, The Song Keepers and Westwind: Djalu’s Legacy.
Ben Elton and Three Summers cast will also speak with director Natalie Bailey (The Thick of It) at Three Summers: In Conversation on Sunday 13 August, 1:30pm at the Wheeler Centre.