Brisbane International Film Festival guaranteed to inspire, provoke and entertain

MEMORIA-(film-still)Discover new joys, connect with classics and celebrate a world of memorable cinema with the 27th Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF) kicking off its highly anticipated 2021 program.

BIFF presents a Brisbane-wide program of international festival favourites, dazzling Australian content, award-winners and critical darlings over 11 packed days from 21 – 31 October 2021.

Film fans and industry experts alike can curate their experience from 81 feature films – including 4 world, 26 Australian and 33 Queensland premiere productions – 22 short films and 10 industry events across seven Brisbane venues.

BIFF is run by organising body Film Fantastic and supported by Founding and Principal Sponsor Screen Queensland, together with Screen Australia and Tourism and Events Queensland.

Film Fantastic CEO Josh Martin says BIFF’s 2021 program will entertain, engage and inspire audiences and spark insight and action among the film industry after a challenging 18 months.

“BIFF is a major event on Queensland’s calendar, not only for audiences eager to see amazing works from across the world but also for local filmmakers looking for a platform to share their incredible talent and an opportunity to connect with their industry,” Mr Martin said.

“I am delighted that BIFF further trains the spotlight on our homegrown talent with 22 Australian-made films and six Queensland-produced features on the program.

“Brisbane is home to a vibrant film culture and community of passionate film fans ready to celebrate the power and magic of cinema and discover new and memorable experiences.”

Program Manager Sasha Close says BIFF opens with Leah Purcell’s debut feature: The Drover’s Wife: The Legend of Molly Johnson; and closes with the 2021 Cannes Jury Prizewinning Memoria, directed by acclaimed auteur Apichatpong Weerasethakul.

“Between these glorious film events is an incredible, diverse program that invites audiences to celebrate the moviegoing experience together,” said Ms Close.

“The program includes the return of Shock Corridor to BIFF with a wild slate of cult and genre titles; the debut of Future Moves, a dedicated strand of immersive, experimental titles; and Connections, a collection of films focused on relationships: romantic, unexpected and familial.

“BIFF is delighted to present a tribute to icon Ernst Lubitsch with six essential films from his opus, complementing a showcase of bold, brave and compelling works from local filmmakers and acclaimed international storytellers,” said Ms Close.

Film Fantastic Board Chair Sue-Anne Chapman thanked the hard-working BIFF team and its stakeholders and sponsors for delivering a captivating program.

“There is a genuine sense of anticipation and celebration about this high-quality program of features, shorts, documentaries and special events,” said Ms Chapman.

“On behalf of the board, I extend our gratitude to principal partner Screen Queensland who, along with Screen Australia and Tourism and Events Queensland, have helped make this Festival possible.”


The 27th Brisbane International Film Festival opens tonight and continues to 31 October 2021. For more information and full program, visit: www.biff.com.au for details.

Image: Memoria (film still) – © Kick the Machine Films, Burning, Anna Sanders Films, Match Factory Productions, ZDF-Arte and Piano, 2021