Three Victorian filmmakers will see their features make their world debut with selection at two of the most highly regarded cinematic events in the world - the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and Venice International Film Festival (VFF).
Victorian director Garth Davis will present his feature Lion for its world premiere debut at the Gala Presentation section of TIFF. Starring Dev Patel, Rooney Mara and Nicole Kidman, the true story of Saroo Brierley has been adapted for the big screen with parts of the film shot and post produced in Melbourne.
Film Victoria provided support to Lion through its Production Incentive Attraction Fund.
Director Greg McLean's The Belko Experiment, written and produced by James Gunn, has also been selected for TIFF and will have its world premiere as part of the Midnight Madness program.
Universally regarded as a launching pad for filmmakers to premiere their new work, TIFF runs from 8-18 September and will celebrate its 40th anniversary this year.
Fellow Victorian, writer and director Nicholas Verso has been selected to screen at the Orizzonti section of VIFF with his debut feature Boys in the Trees, produced by Mushroom Pictures. The Orrizonti competition is for films that represent the latest aesthetic and expressive trends in international cinema. The film will also see its North American premiere in TIFF's Discovery Program which was announced on 23 August. Verso’s short film The Last Time I Saw Richard won the 2014 AACTA Award for Best Short Film.
VIFF runs from 31 August to 10 September.