Mackay International Film Festival 2023
29th July - Pinnacle Playhouse
4th-6th August - BCC Mt Pleasant Cinemas
MIFF ticket prices:
OPENING NIGHT: $30 Members & non-members (includes drinks and snacks afterwards)
INDIVIDUAL TICKETS: $15 FAM members; $20 non-members (not Opening Night)
MULTI-PASS TICKETS (for all films 4-6 August, including Opening Night): FAM members: $80 Non- members: $100
Tickets available online via Trybooking www.trybooking.com/CIIJW or at the cinema (from one hour before every film. Tickets to be purchased from FAM table, not Box Office.)
mackay_iff_program_2023.pdf |
Pre-festival film - optional bus and meal package available**
7:00PM SATURDAY 29TH JULY AT THE PINNACLE PLAYHOUSE
Three Thousand Years of Longing
Tickets: www.trybooking.com/CIILB
SATURDAY, 29TH JULY – 7pm Pinnacle Playhouse
THREE THOUSAND YEARS OF LONGING
Director: George Miller
2022/ Australia, USA / 108m / M/ Drama / English
From visionary director George Miller (of Mad Max fame) comes THREE THOUSAND YEARS OF LONGING, a vibrant fantasy and romantic drama which celebrates the power of storytelling.
Dr Alithea Binnie (Tilda Swinton) is an academic - content with life and a creature of reason. While in Istanbul attending a conference, she happens to encounter a Djinn (Idris Elba) who offers her three wishes in exchange for his freedom.
This presents two problems. First, she doubts that he is real and second, because she is a scholar of story and mythology, she knows all the cautionary tales of wishes gone wrong. The Djinn pleads his case by telling her fantastical stories of his past. Eventually she is beguiled and makes a wish that surprises them both.
REVIEWS
" …a heartfelt Aladdinesque adventure for grownups." - THE GUARDIAN
"A mythical extravaganza that packs an unexpected humanistic punch." - AWARDS DAILY
Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWGvntl9itE
_____________________________________________________________________________
**OPTIONAL COACH TRANSFER / MEAL / FILM PACKAGE
Departing 4.30pm from Mackay CBD
Package includes film ticket, return coach transfer and dinner at the Pinnacle Pub (drinks not included)
The bus leaves from Gordon St (outside Artspace) at 4:30pm.
FAM members: $60pp; Non-members: $65pp
Tickets: www.trybooking.com/CIILB
SATURDAY, 29TH JULY – 7pm Pinnacle Playhouse
THREE THOUSAND YEARS OF LONGING
Director: George Miller
2022/ Australia, USA / 108m / M/ Drama / English
From visionary director George Miller (of Mad Max fame) comes THREE THOUSAND YEARS OF LONGING, a vibrant fantasy and romantic drama which celebrates the power of storytelling.
Dr Alithea Binnie (Tilda Swinton) is an academic - content with life and a creature of reason. While in Istanbul attending a conference, she happens to encounter a Djinn (Idris Elba) who offers her three wishes in exchange for his freedom.
This presents two problems. First, she doubts that he is real and second, because she is a scholar of story and mythology, she knows all the cautionary tales of wishes gone wrong. The Djinn pleads his case by telling her fantastical stories of his past. Eventually she is beguiled and makes a wish that surprises them both.
REVIEWS
" …a heartfelt Aladdinesque adventure for grownups." - THE GUARDIAN
"A mythical extravaganza that packs an unexpected humanistic punch." - AWARDS DAILY
Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWGvntl9itE
_____________________________________________________________________________
**OPTIONAL COACH TRANSFER / MEAL / FILM PACKAGE
Departing 4.30pm from Mackay CBD
Package includes film ticket, return coach transfer and dinner at the Pinnacle Pub (drinks not included)
The bus leaves from Gordon St (outside Artspace) at 4:30pm.
FAM members: $60pp; Non-members: $65pp
Tickets: www.trybooking.com/CIILB
Opening Night Gala Event - 7:00pm Friday 4th August
The Innocent
Followed by drinks and catering
Friday, 4th 7pm
BCC Cinemas, Mt Pleasant
THE INNOCENT
DIRECTOR - Louis Garrel
2022 / France / 99m/ M / Comedy / French with English subtitles
When widower Abel (played by the film’s director) learns that his impulsive mum Sylvie is once again re-marrying – this time to an inmate she met whilst teaching theatre in prison, alarm bells start ringing and, with the help of his closest friend, Clemence, he sets out to spy on Michel, his stepfather-to-be. Their amateur sleuthing is quickly uncovered by Michel and triggers an unlikely – and bold - business proposition for them both.
Nominated for an extraordinary 11 César Awards, this entertaining comedy hit is a joyful mix of romance, laughs and hijinx.
REVIEWS:
“…. a rare and delicious comedy.” SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
“….quirky, touching, and well-played fun.” ROGER EBERT
"If this film were Australian, we’d be calling it a masterpiece." FINANCIAL REVIEW
CATERING & DRINKS AFTER THE SCREENING
Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2kjh2Z1K0A
BCC Cinemas, Mt Pleasant
THE INNOCENT
DIRECTOR - Louis Garrel
2022 / France / 99m/ M / Comedy / French with English subtitles
When widower Abel (played by the film’s director) learns that his impulsive mum Sylvie is once again re-marrying – this time to an inmate she met whilst teaching theatre in prison, alarm bells start ringing and, with the help of his closest friend, Clemence, he sets out to spy on Michel, his stepfather-to-be. Their amateur sleuthing is quickly uncovered by Michel and triggers an unlikely – and bold - business proposition for them both.
Nominated for an extraordinary 11 César Awards, this entertaining comedy hit is a joyful mix of romance, laughs and hijinx.
REVIEWS:
“…. a rare and delicious comedy.” SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
“….quirky, touching, and well-played fun.” ROGER EBERT
"If this film were Australian, we’d be calling it a masterpiece." FINANCIAL REVIEW
CATERING & DRINKS AFTER THE SCREENING
Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2kjh2Z1K0A
Saturday 5th August - 4pm
The Blue Caftan
Saturday, 5th August – 4pm
BCC Cinemas, Mt Pleasant
THE BLUE CAFTAN
Director: Maryam Touzani
2022 / Morocco / 118 m / M / Arabic with English subtitles
Mina and her husband Halim run a small business making and selling bespoke caftans in one of Morocco’s oldest medinas. When the talented and handsome Youssef is hired as an apprentice, the young man’s presence, and effect on the couple, force them to reconsider the future of their relationship.
Winner of the Un Certain Regard FIPRESCI prize at the Cannes Film Festival and shortlisted for Best International Feature at the Academy Awards, this award-winning drama explores a complex marriage with tenderness and grace in a sincere and superbly performed film which unfolds to reveal a beautiful love triangle in a small Moroccan town.
“…a hugely compassionate and emotionally satisfying movie.” THE GUARDIAN
“A work of handcrafted beauty.” HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvXRk6D2XeQ
BCC Cinemas, Mt Pleasant
THE BLUE CAFTAN
Director: Maryam Touzani
2022 / Morocco / 118 m / M / Arabic with English subtitles
Mina and her husband Halim run a small business making and selling bespoke caftans in one of Morocco’s oldest medinas. When the talented and handsome Youssef is hired as an apprentice, the young man’s presence, and effect on the couple, force them to reconsider the future of their relationship.
Winner of the Un Certain Regard FIPRESCI prize at the Cannes Film Festival and shortlisted for Best International Feature at the Academy Awards, this award-winning drama explores a complex marriage with tenderness and grace in a sincere and superbly performed film which unfolds to reveal a beautiful love triangle in a small Moroccan town.
“…a hugely compassionate and emotionally satisfying movie.” THE GUARDIAN
“A work of handcrafted beauty.” HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvXRk6D2XeQ
Saturday 5th August - 6:30 pm
Limbo - followed by Q&A with director Ivan Sen
Saturday, 5th August – 6.30pm with live Q&A following the screening with Director, Ivan Sen
BCC Cinemas, Mt Pleasant
LIMBO
Director: Ivan Sen
2023 / Australia / 108m / MA15+ / Drama / English
Simon Baker gives a stunning performance as Travis, a jaded detective, who arrives in the remote outback town of Limbo to investigate the cold case murder of local Indigenous girl Charlotte Hayes 20 years ago, in this riveting film noir.
As truths begin to unfold about the events of the murder, the detective gains a new insight into the unsolved case from the family, the witnesses and interviews with the brother of the chief suspect.
Shot on location in Cooper Pedy, South Australia, Limbo is a poignant, profound meditation into the complexities of loss and the impact of the justice system on Aboriginal families in Australia.
Join us after the screening for an in-person discussion led by former ABC Tropical North presenter, Kim Kleidon with acclaimed writer and LIMBO director Ivan Sen.
“It is a tough, muscular film with the grit of crime, but a heartbeat of compassion..” THE GUARDIAN
“This is outback noir — oblique, secretive and as hard-boiled as the ground is hard-baked.” VARIETY
Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8v9WQ4xiQg
BCC Cinemas, Mt Pleasant
LIMBO
Director: Ivan Sen
2023 / Australia / 108m / MA15+ / Drama / English
Simon Baker gives a stunning performance as Travis, a jaded detective, who arrives in the remote outback town of Limbo to investigate the cold case murder of local Indigenous girl Charlotte Hayes 20 years ago, in this riveting film noir.
As truths begin to unfold about the events of the murder, the detective gains a new insight into the unsolved case from the family, the witnesses and interviews with the brother of the chief suspect.
Shot on location in Cooper Pedy, South Australia, Limbo is a poignant, profound meditation into the complexities of loss and the impact of the justice system on Aboriginal families in Australia.
Join us after the screening for an in-person discussion led by former ABC Tropical North presenter, Kim Kleidon with acclaimed writer and LIMBO director Ivan Sen.
“It is a tough, muscular film with the grit of crime, but a heartbeat of compassion..” THE GUARDIAN
“This is outback noir — oblique, secretive and as hard-boiled as the ground is hard-baked.” VARIETY
Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8v9WQ4xiQg
Sunday 6th August - 4pm
The Whale
Sunday, 6th August – 4pm
BCC Cinemas, Mt Pleasant
The Whale
Director: Darren Aronofsky
2022 / USA / 117m / Drama / English
Brendan Fraser gives “the performance of a lifetime” (Time Out) in this emotive drama of redemption.
Charlie (Fraser) lives a reclusive life, estranged from his family, following a tragedy that profoundly changed his life. Charlie is morbidly obese, but the unexpected arrival of his teenage daughter Ellie has unanticipated consequences on his isolated existence, and as he tries to reconnect with his 17-year-old daughter, he strives for one last chance at righting a past wrong.
"[The Whale] is an invitation to experience humanity." - The Hollywood Reporter
"The Whale is compelling." - Vox
WINNER
Academy Awards - Best Actor, Brendan Fraser
Academy Awards - Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Critics Choice Awards - Best Actor, Brendan Fraser
Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWiQodhMvz4
BCC Cinemas, Mt Pleasant
The Whale
Director: Darren Aronofsky
2022 / USA / 117m / Drama / English
Brendan Fraser gives “the performance of a lifetime” (Time Out) in this emotive drama of redemption.
Charlie (Fraser) lives a reclusive life, estranged from his family, following a tragedy that profoundly changed his life. Charlie is morbidly obese, but the unexpected arrival of his teenage daughter Ellie has unanticipated consequences on his isolated existence, and as he tries to reconnect with his 17-year-old daughter, he strives for one last chance at righting a past wrong.
"[The Whale] is an invitation to experience humanity." - The Hollywood Reporter
"The Whale is compelling." - Vox
WINNER
Academy Awards - Best Actor, Brendan Fraser
Academy Awards - Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Critics Choice Awards - Best Actor, Brendan Fraser
Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWiQodhMvz4
SUNDAY 7th AUGUST - 6:30PM
Alcarras
Sunday 6th August – 6.30pm
BCC Cinemas, Mt Pleasant
ALCARRAS
Director: Carla Simón
2022 / Spain / 120m / M / Drama / Spanish with English subtitles
For as long as they can remember, the Solé family have spent every summer picking the peaches from their orchard in Alcarràs, a small village in Spain. But this year’s crop will be their last. The owner of the land is deceased, and his grandson and heir wants them to abandon the farming business so he can uproot the trees and install solar panels. So as the children and the adults get together for the harvest, the family finds themselves at odds as to how they should go on, and risk losing more than their home.
Inspired by Simón's own family story, ALCARRÀS is a story of relationships and tradition versus change, told against the backdrop of independent farmers being squeezed out by corporate interests and government failures and features faultless performances by a non-professional cast of local community members.
“It is a deeply intelligent, humane drama.” THE GUARDIAN
“Soothingly lovely. Beautifully observed, richly inhabited.” VARIETY
WINNER - 2022 BERLIN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL - Golden Bear (Best Film)
Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=av7xGRiXe0M
BCC Cinemas, Mt Pleasant
ALCARRAS
Director: Carla Simón
2022 / Spain / 120m / M / Drama / Spanish with English subtitles
For as long as they can remember, the Solé family have spent every summer picking the peaches from their orchard in Alcarràs, a small village in Spain. But this year’s crop will be their last. The owner of the land is deceased, and his grandson and heir wants them to abandon the farming business so he can uproot the trees and install solar panels. So as the children and the adults get together for the harvest, the family finds themselves at odds as to how they should go on, and risk losing more than their home.
Inspired by Simón's own family story, ALCARRÀS is a story of relationships and tradition versus change, told against the backdrop of independent farmers being squeezed out by corporate interests and government failures and features faultless performances by a non-professional cast of local community members.
“It is a deeply intelligent, humane drama.” THE GUARDIAN
“Soothingly lovely. Beautifully observed, richly inhabited.” VARIETY
WINNER - 2022 BERLIN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL - Golden Bear (Best Film)
Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=av7xGRiXe0M