The Australian Academy presents the inaugural AACTA Festival. With more than 70
film, television, music, gaming, pop culture and family events coming to the Gold
Coast.
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) has announced the
debut of the AACTA Festival, a four-day celebration of Australia’s vibrant screen
industry, that promises an immersive experience for all, from industry professionals
to film enthusiasts, school-leavers, families, and aspiring creatives – the Festival,
including the AACTA Awards presented by Foxtel Group, will be hosted at the Home
of the Arts (HOTA) from February 8-11, 2024.
With more than 70 events on the program and more to be added, the AACTA
Festival will present a dynamic array of panels, meet-and-greet, screenings and
activities which are predominantly free to attend. The festival will provide an
opportunity to go behind the scenes of your favourite films, immerse yourself in the
industry's latest trends, meet your favourite stars, network with screen practitioners,
and learn more about the exciting world of Australian film, TV, gaming, music and
more.
The AACTA Industry Awards Ceremony will kick things off on Thursday February 8,
followed by a day of industry events, masterclasses, and creator discussions on
Friday. Saturday February 10 the AACTA Awards Ceremony will welcome all the stars
on the red carpet. Finishing on Sunday February 11 with an array of screenings, live
music, kids events, acting workshops, meet-and-greets, and more. Sunday will also
feature the Screen Careers Expo presented by Essential Screen Skills, running all day
and offering pathways for anyone wanting to break into the industry. It promises to
be a great day out for the entire family.
Cinematic highlights include a behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Matrix;
an animation deconstruction of international blockbuster Spider-Man: Across the
Spider-Verse, a deep dive into the stunt work from Mad Max: Fury Road and a
showcase of the upcoming BINGE Original series High Country, with Leah Purcell.
Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), and producer Paul Currie will give
audiences an exclusive look of their upcoming Australian film Better Man starring
singer Robbie Williams. Iconic Australian musician Russell Morris (The Real Thing)
will take part in an exclusive in-conversation with composer David Hirschfelder, and
audiences can hear from Mortal Kombat director Simon McQuoid on the progress of
the film franchise currently being shot in Queensland.
Many of Queensland’s top writers will attend and be showcased throughout the
festival, including Trent Dalton, author of Boy Swallows Universe, and Holly Ringland
author of Lost Flowers of Alice Hart. In addition to this, audiences can hear from
writers Nick Earls, Lystra Rose, Mathew Condon, Richard Jameson, Tristan Michael
Savage, Ben Hobson to name just a few.
The festival will also host a series of Meet the Creators events – panel discussions
with internationally renowned talent including directors Danny and Michael
Philippou (Talk to Me), Warwick Thornton (The New Boy), and the team behind the
hit TV show The Newsreader. Our Meet the Nominee panels offer a chance hear
from some of Australia’s biggest stars, producers, and directors, nominated for a
prestigious AACTA Award.
The festival also features a wide range of topical industry
panels covering various aspects of the screen industry, from the future of AI and
streaming to First Nations truth-telling and storytelling panels. Also included are a
range of online gaming ‘Let’s Play’ events, and an immersive art experience led by
acclaimed painter, actor, and musician Stan Yarramunua.
There will be fun for the whole family, with a series of kids events, including a Play
School LIVE event, kid’s acting workshops, face painting, live music, and a very
special appearance from Queensland’s beloved Bluey.
