Melbourne International Film Festival 2020

The 69th Melbourne International Film Festival , #MIFF 68½ returns as an online offering in times of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The program is expected to feature groundbreaking headline titles originally intended for the annual film event. Along with newly discovered feature-length films, MIFF 68½ will also feature four short film streams, shorts awards and a virtual adaptation of their critics campus.

To recreate the comprehensive MIFF experience from home, the team also plan to bring a virtual iteration of the popular Talks programs, which will be available on the platform currently in development.

The news comes following a generous philanthropic donation in support of the festival going ahead for 2020, which has assisted MIFF in the development of state-of-the-art streaming platform.

Films will be streamed on a pay-per-view basis, with most titles available for your viewing pleasure over the entirety of the festival. A full program launch is due for release on Tuesday 14 July. theurbanlist.com

Introducing MIFF 68½ - a Digital Film Festival for 2020
Discovering new possibilities in the face of dramatic disruptions in the global film industry, MIFF is excited to announce a new online showcase for 2020 to deliver a fresh program of new-release films from around the world.

Following the cancellation of MIFF 2020, the MIFF team has been working on MIFF 68½, a reimagined celebration of cinema online, featuring a suite of films and special events. With the adoption of streaming technology, our iconic film festival will return this winter to deliver new worlds of cinematic escape to audiences across Australia for the first time.

"MIFF 68½ is the result of our desire to sustain MIFF's outstanding film programming, stay connected with our audience, and foster new audience connections during this truly unparalleled time." - MIFF Artistic Director Al Cossar

Streamable across our original 2020 dates (6-23 August), MIFF 68½ will be available via ticketed access on a state-of-the-art digital platform designed by Shift72. The curated program will feature approximately 40 features, including films planned for the festival's intended 2020 edition alongside discovery highlights by emerging filmmakers. The program will also include a presentation of shorts across Australian, International, Animation and Documentary packages, the Shorts Awards, MIFF Talks, Critics Campus, as well as virtual adaptations of our social events. The full program will be announced on 14 July 2020.

Enabling this foray is the most significant philanthropic gift from a private donor in the festival's 68-year history: a generous donation from Melbourne-based film producer, businesswoman and philanthropist Susie Montague, which sets the scene for a broader fundraising campaign that is now underway. Other confirmed supporters include director, actor and longtime MIFF attendee Rachel Griffiths, who will serve as MIFF 2020 Ambassador. These donations, for which we are so appreciative, are vital to ensuring that the festival is able to innovate and connect with audiences in these unprecedented times.

We also thank you, our loyal audience, for your ongoing dedication and outpouring of support as we navigate our current film landscape. We are so grateful to everyone who has sent positive messages, renewed memberships and made donations. We look forward to bringing you on this journey as we embark on this new chapter in MIFF's history.

If you would like to support MIFF, and are in a position to do so, we encourage you to purchase a membership or make a tax-deductible donation. Any contribution, small or large, will make a positive difference to MIFF and be gratefully received.

miff.com.au

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MIFF Shorts to Watch from Home

MIFF Programmer Mia Falstein-Rush recommends past MIFF shorts you can stream now for free.

Is your attention span not what it used to be? Enjoy these expert recommendations of past MIFF shorts you can stream now for free, from Programmer Mia Falstein-Rush.

All These Creatures

13 Mins | Fiction | MIFF 2018

Director: Charles Williams
Producers: Elise Trenorden, Charles Williams

An adolescent boy ventures into childhood memories of his spiralling father and the curious infestation that crept into both house and garden.

Winner of the Film Victoria Erwin Rado Award for Best Australian Short Film.

Watch Now

Asian Girls

6mins | Fiction | MIFF 2018

Director: Hyun Lee
Producers: Hannah-Florence Macgregor

An unassuming Chinese factory worker finds a way to make her sophisticated Japanese neighbour disappear from her horrific nightmares.

Features the acting debut of Hong Kong-Australian pop musician Rainbow Chan.

Watch Now

Birdie

8mins | Fiction | MIFF 2018

Director: Shelly Lauman
Producer: Lizzie Cater

A casual gesture of friendliness quickly spirals into a paralysing moment for a woman on a train.

Watch Now

Kaya

15mins | Fiction | MIFF 2018

Director: Lara Köse
Producer: Stephanie Westwood

Kaya is an outsider even in her orphanage. When she encounters a clandestine group, aspects of her identity come into focus and something powerful happens within.

Watch Now

Lost & Found

8mins | Animation | MIFF 2018

Director: Andrew Goldsmith, Bradley Slabe
Producer: Lucy J. Hayes

A green dinosaur makes a heart-stopping attempt to save its one true love.

Watch Now

Lost Rambos

22mins | Documentary | MIFF 2019

Director: Chris Phillips
Producers: Kiki Dillon, Michaela Perske

The influence of Sylvester Stallone reaches far and wide in the Papua New Guinean highlands.

Watch Now

Nursery Rhymes

5mins | Fiction | MIFF 2018

Director: Tom Noakes
Producer: Lucy Gaffy

Why is a cold, half-naked man singing Old MacDonald on the side of the highway?

Watch Now

Out of Range

13mins | Fiction | MIFF 2019

Out Of Range

Director: John Harvey
Producer: Lydia Fairhall

Eager to impress his estranged son, a father is forced to slow down when their road trip is suddenly interrupted.

MIFF Accelerator alumni John Harvey (Water, MIFF 2018) reels you in once more with this charming tale of kinship and country.

Watch Now

Meanwhile, Sydney Film Festival has teamed up with Tribeca, Cannes and more for the We Are One Festival. Find out more here.

❊ When & Where ❊

Date/s: Thursday 6th August 2020 - Sunday 23rd August 2020

❊ Be Social ❊

❊ COVID-19 Notice ❊

As the state takes action to stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), this event may be affected. Please confirm details before making plans | Disclaimer