Filmmakers and movie lovers alike congregated at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre last night for the opening of the 66th Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF), with the world premiere screening of Jungle.
Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Jungle is the adaptation of adventurer Yossi Ghinsberg’s story of survival, directed by Victorian Greg McLean who has been prolific in bringing audiences Australia's most successful horror movie franchise, Wolf Creek along with Rogue and The Belko Experiment.
Shot on location in Colombia, Greg completed post production in Victoria, working with a number of Melbourne facilities including Soundfirm, Scott Zero and Mana Music, supported through Film Victoria’s Production Incentive Attraction Fund.
Jungle is one of six Australian films to have their world premiere through the MIFF Premiere Fund which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
Other Film Victoria and MIFF Premiere Fund supported titles include The Butterfly Tree, Westwind: Djalu’s Legacy, The Song Keepers and Have you Seen the Listers?
Audiences will also be able to enjoy more Film Victoria supported films including the story of Australia's first Pro Tour cycling team in All for One; the endearing quarter-life-crisis comedy That’s Not Me, and two Matchbox Pictures projects, Ali’s Wedding and the first two episodes from the second season of the acclaimed television series Glitch.
Virtual Reality returns again this year including Rone, a short form explorative project that covers the art and world of the iconic Melbourne street artist.
MIFF’s industry events include the 37º South Market which brings Australian and New Zealand producers together with local and international financing partners whilst PostScript & Direct will provide six Victorians with the opportunity to pitch their feature film projects to local and international producers.
Jenni Tosi, CEO, Film Victoria said “MIFF is always a welcome feature of Melbourne’s events calendar. We congratulate the many talented filmmakers whose films have been selected in this year’s program – with a particulate shout out to the Victorian teams with films screening this year, especially Nadia Tass, Gillian Armstrong, Ana Kokkinos, Ann Turner and Clara Law whose early works will feature in the National Film and Sound Archive's Pioneering Women presentation.”
Following the sad news of Dr G. Yunupingu's passing, MIFF and Madman Entertainment are seeking advice on the appropriate timing and presentation of the previously announced Closing Night film.
MIFF runs from 3-20 August 2017. For more details visit www.miff.com.au