The stars will be out on Friday night for the glamorous red carpet opening of the Byron Bay Film Festival at the Byron Community Centre.
The festival, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, runs from October 14 to 23, and features films, workshops and interactive displays that make it a unique experience for filmmakers and Australia’s most relevant film event for all lovers of cinema.
This year the festival features 174 films from 29 countries, and includes 20 world premieres, 67 Australian premieres and 15 NSW Premieres.
Eighty-five of the films on offer are Australian-made, and a highlight will be the Young Australian Filmmakers award for filmmakers under 25.
Friday’s gala night film, Zach’s Ceremony, about an Indigenous boy’s traditional initiation into manhood, is one of several excellent Australian-made documentaries screening.
Festival director J’aimee Skippon-Volke says of the film, ‘For our 10th opening night I was looking for something pretty special, a film that sums up the heart, art and integrity of the 10 days following the screening, and of the 10 years that led to this night.
‘Zach’s Ceremony fit the bill perfectly. Alec, Zach and Amy Doomadgee put their hearts and souls into this this film and you can’t help but feel touched and invested in this personal, strong and uplifting journey.’
Closing night film, The Bentley Effect tells the story of the Bentley blockade, and Marijuana Australiana traces the history of cannabis use in this country, up to the present day and the debate over its use as a medicine.
Tickets can be bought at venues or at BBFF.com.au
