BIFF: Curtain Raisers and Day 1

by Katia Nizic 09 November 2011 16:01 Filmink Festival Coverage

If you were thinking of heading for warm, sunny climes, now would be an excellent time to high-tail it to Queensland for the 20th Brisbane International Film Festival.

North of the border, BIFF has really mixed it up this year, kicking off proceedings with two nights of film prior to the official opening. The Curtain Raisers included recent release and popular paranoia flick Take Shelter, filmmaker Jafar Panahi's autobiographical documentary This is Not a Film, as well as Gus Van Sant's latest indie treasure Restless, and legendary documentarian Errol Morris' tale of love gone wrong, Tabloid. As was the intention, Tabloid and Restless certainly did whet my appetite for the rest of the cinematic palate BIFF has on offer this year.

The Opening Night film for BIFF 2011 was of course, Attack the Block, the first feature effort from British writer-director, Joe Cornish—a film more Misfits than E.T in its focus, Brisvegans responded hungrily to the Opening Night invitation, pulling a crowd in excess of 800 according to BIFF Marketing Manager, Sarah Ward. Rarely a city for posturing or pretention, guests were treated to a glass of bubbly on arrival before settling in for the film. The after-party at the Barracks treated punters to a BMX and blading display, bolstered by a pumping Rap and R&B soundtrack reminiscent to the music heard throughout the film. BIFF 2011 is indeed off to a cracking start, easing punters in to what looks to be a fun-filled, film-heavy 11 days.

To check out the full program or for further details about the festival running 3 -13 November, please head here: http://www.biff.com.au/