After the resounding success of the 17th edition of the Byron Bay International Film Festival (BBFF) in October, the festival team is thrilled to announce a special ‘Summer Session’ on Friday. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Dening Park overlooking the ocean, this unique film experience is set to captivate audiences with a carefully curated showcase of films from local, Australian, and international filmmakers.
The evening unfolds in two distinct parts, catering to a diverse audience: the family-friendly first half features heartwarming stories exploring connections with family, friends, community, and nature. As the night progresses, the focus shifts to the profound relationship between humans and water, presenting tales of surfing and life’s aquatic adventures.
Festival Director, J’aimee Skippon-Volke, says she is grateful for the support from Festivals Australia, enabling the development of this extraordinary outdoor activation. ‘We hope this event will stand as a testament to the power of communal experiences and the unifying nature of film.’
Beyond offering a memorable night under the stars, the event also supports a crucial local cause. Attendees have the opportunity to contribute donations to the Far North Coast Rural Fire Service Volunteers in Byron, Ballina, and Tweed. The funds raised will directly benefit these local heroes in acquiring essential equipment and supplies, supporting their unwavering efforts to keep communities safe.
The festivities kick off at 5.30pm with a set from local musician MT Warning, setting the stage for an evening of superb entertainment.
The lineup of films includes:
#ChildBoss, showcasing successful Northern Rivers’ businesses started by young local entrepreneurs; Elders, a transformative journey through ancestral lands, nominated for BBFF’s Best Short Film award in 2019, as was The Silence of the River (2020), where a Peruvian boy lives with his silent father in a floating house on the breathtaking Amazon River; I Love To Dance, tells a story of overcoming anxiety through dance; The Secret Life of Bees is an intimate exploration of a honeybee colony; Bama, created by Jahvis Loveday, winner of BBFF’s prestigious Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year award, follows the experiences of his younger brother, Elijah, as he moves from the safety of a regional Aboriginal community to attend a private school in Melbourne; and romantic comedy Head Over Wheels, starring Dylan Alcott and Caitlin K Green, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Genevieve Clay Smith (another winner of BBFF’s Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year award) known for her award-winning work and advocacy in inclusive filmmaking.
The second half of the program brings laughter with local filmmaker Hadley Perkin’s Murphed, followed by a selection of surf and aquatic-themed shorts. Lotus takes viewers on an underwater odyssey in sacred Mayan Cenotes, while Silence explores the depths with free diver Adryen. Blue and Gold follows Luke Morgan as he dives for gold in the Clarence River, and Two Kinds of Water showcases the life-and-death struggles of a Senegalese fishing family against the backdrop of climate change.
Momento follows five female wave riders, encapsulating the strength and vulnerability of womanhood and mother nature, as well as the inexorable passage of time. Heaven is on My Side is simultaneously a documentary and a meditation on environmental consciousness through João ‘Massas’ de Macedo’s experience riding the world’s biggest wave in Nazaré, Portugal. The healing journey of Warrick and Felicity Palmateer’s bond through their shared love of the ocean is beautifully captured in Dancing on Water.
The Byron Bay International Film Festival’s Summer Session promises an unforgettable cinematic experience, celebrating the magic of film, community, and the beauty of Byron Bay – an evening of connection, entertainment, and support for a local cause that truly makes a difference.
For more information including details of all the films screening, visit bbff.com.au.
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