BigPond Adelaide Film Festival

INSITE COMPETITION FOR UNPRODUCED SCREENPLAYS NOW OPEN FOR ENTRIES

The Australian Writers' Guild (AWG) and the 2011 BigPond Adelaide Film Festival (BAFF) are calling for entries to the fifth biennial INSITE Competition for Unproduced Feature Screenplays. The winning entry will receive a rehearsed public reading during the 2011 BAFF. [read more...]

2011 BIGPOND® ADELAIDE FILM FESTIVAL CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Calling all filmmakers! The 2011 BigPond Adelaide Film Festival (BAFF) is calling for submissions for its 2011 program.

If you have a feature film, documentary, animation, short film or an experimental or new media work you would like us to consider, then send it through. [read more...]

EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP - A FILM BY BANKSY

BigPond Adelaide Film Festival and Mercury Cinema in conjunction with Madman are proud to present the Adelaide release of Exit Through the Gift Shop, the first film by world famous street artist, Banksy.

As a personal introduction, Banksy's penned a letter for the world premiere of his debut feature film at Sundance went a little something like this... [read more...]

BIGPOND® ADELAIDE FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES DAVID DRUMMOND AS GENERAL MANAGER

BigPond Adelaide Film Festival (BAFF) is delighted to announce respected Scottish film identity, David Drummond as its new General Manager.

David comes to BAFF with over ten year’s film festival experience with the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) where he worked within both the programming and administration departments. Amongst his many achievements was the co- production of the ‘Mirrorball’ music and street culture strand which since its introduction toured extensively to other events and festivals including the Adelaide Film Festival, Sonar Festival, and Austin Texas’ SxSW.

David will relocate from Edinburgh and start in his new position in February 2010, working closely with Director Katrina Sedgwick on the 2011 BigPond Adelaide Film Festival which takes place from 24 February to 6 March. [read more...]

SAMSON & DELILAH'S ACADEMY PROSPECTS

Screen Australia recently announced that AFFIF feature film Samson & Delilah is Australia's official entry for nomination consideration for Best Foreign Language Film at the 82nd Annual Academy AwardsR. Each country can submit one film for nomination consideration. To be eligible for consideration, films must feature predominantly non-English dialogue. Samson & Delilah is shot predominantly in the Aboriginal language Warlpiri. The film is still screening in Australian cinemas after more than 20 weeks and to date has taken over $3.17 million, making it the highest-grossing Australian film of the year. The 82nd Academy AwardR nominations will be announced on 2 February 2010, with the awards presented on 7 March.

Melbourne success for AFFIF short films

We would like to congratulate the filmmakers involved with the following three short AFFIF projects which won awards at the Melbourne International Short Film Awards announced at the ceremony on 8 August. This exceptional result strongly reflects the vibrancy of the filmmakers in South Australia and we are confident that these films will be as recognised internationally as they are in Australia.

Film Victoria Erwin Rado Award for Best Australian Short Film ($5000) Salt Directed by Michael Angus & Murray Fredericks

RMIT University Award Best Animation Short Film ($3000) The Cat Piano Directed by Eddie White and Ari Gibson

Melbourne International Film Festival Award for Experimental Short Film ($3000) Necessary Games Directed by Sophie Hyde with Paul Zivkovich, Kat Worth, Tuula Roppola

2009 Wrap-up

The 2009 BigPond Adelaide Film Festival wrapped on Sunday the 1st of March after 11 exciting days.

The winner of the 2009 NATUZZI International Award for Best Feature Film was TREELESS MOUNTAIN (USA/SOUTH KOREA) with director So-yong Kim receiving a cash prize of $AUD25,000.

Announcing the jury’s decision, Jury Pressident Laurence Kardish said, 'After viewing and discussing several strong films in the international competition, the Natuzzi jury awards TREELESS MOUNTAIN by So-yong Kim for its integrity, intensity and humanity... Rich in its observation of the tensions and humour of everyday life, TREELESS MOUNTAIN is distinguished also by its performances, particularly, the two young girls who play sisters...;

Responding to the news, So-yong Kim said "Filmmaking is a collaborative medium. So, on behalf of everyone who helped make Treeless Mountain we are very honored to receive this award from The BigPond Adelaide Film Festival. Thank you very much!"

The 2009 BigPond Adelaide Film Festival is delighted to announce three Australian films as winners of the BigPond Audience Awards with the brilliant SAMSON AND DELILAH directed by Warwick Thornton scooping the Best Feature Award. THE CAT PIANO by Eddie White and Ari Gibson has won Best Short Film and YES MADAM, SIR by Megan Doneman was voted Best Documentary.

Justin Milne, Group Managing Director Telstra Media said, 'The calibre of the films at the 2009 BigPond Adelaide Film Festival was exceptional and we are delighted to recognise the very deserving winners, SAMSON AND DELILAH, THE CAT PIANO and YES MADAM, SIR, in this way.'

Responding to the news, Warwick Thornton said, 'It's a beautiful day! To have our film embraced by the audience in Adelaide is such a gorgeous reward for all the Samsons and Delilahs in the world.'

Producer Kath Shelper said, 'The experience of BigPond Adelaide Film Festival was such a buzz for us and our cast and crew, and to receive the audience recognition like this is just very sweet icing on the cake.'

Over 11 days, the 2009 BigPond Adelaide Film Festival presented twenty two world premieres, including nine features and three documentary features, 62 Australian premieres and 143 films from 49 different countries screened.

Additionally, there were 6 forums, one 2 day Art & the Moving image symposium, 4 major gallery exhibitions, one 5 day residential cross platform laboratory and 16 special events including award ceremonies, street games, concerts, dome projections, GPS bikes and much much more.

Ticketed attendances grew by 30% over the 2007 festival. There were 39 international and 183 Australian film industry guests who participated in illuminating discussions after the films, as part of think tanks, laboratories, symposiums and forums across the program.

In a crowded cultural calendar the 2009 BigPond Adelaide Film Festival’s bold yet accessible programming ensured one third of all sessions had an attendance of 80% or more with 20% of sessions completely sold out.

BAFF congratulates Samson and Delilah

The BAFF is proud to be associated with the film Samson and Delilah via its Investment Fund and congratulates director Warwick Thornton and producer Kath Shelper on winning the Camera d’Or for Best First Feature Film at the Cannes Film Festival. This follows its screening to a standing ovation in the UN Certain Regard section of the festival and a warm reception by international critics.

THE CAT PIANO in official competition at Annecy

The 2009 BigPond® Adelaide Film Festival congratulates the makers of THE CAT PIANO, The People’s Republic of Animation, producer Jessica Brentnall and co- directors Eddie White and Ari Gibson, on the 8 minute animated film’s official selection in the Short Film Competition at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival (France). [read more...]

2009 BigPond® Adelaide Film Festival confirms 30 percent audience growth / SAMSON AND DELILAH wins BigPond Audience Award for Best Feature

The 2009 BigPond Adelaide Film Festival is delighted to announce three Australian films as winners of the BigPond Audience Awards with the brilliant SAMSON AND DELILAH directed by Warwick Thornton scooping the Best Feature Award. THE CAT PIANO by Eddie White and Ari Gibson has won Best Short Film and YES MADAM, SIR by Megan Doneman was voted Best Documentary. [read more...]

NATUZZI prize winner announced!

The 2009 BigPond® Adelaide Film Festival (BAFF) is delighted to announce TREELESS MOUNTAIN by So-yong Kim as the winner of the NATUZZI International Award for Best Feature Film. [read more...]

2009 BigPond® Adelaide Film Festival welcomes Jane Schoettle

Jane Schoettle, programmer for the Toronto International Film Festival is in Adelaide this week as a guest of the 2009 BigPond Adelaide Film Festival, conducting script advisory workshops and offering invaluable advice to local filmmakers working on several Screen Australia and South Australian Film Corporation projects, and helping the filmmaking teams take their scripts to the next level. She will also view a number of Australian films screening as part of BAFF’s program. [read more...]

2009 BigPond® Adelaide Film Festival Open!

Adelaide was buzzing this week as hundreds of national and international filmmakers, film industry figures and talent filled the city for the opening weekend of the 2009 BigPond Adelaide Film Festival (BAFF). [read more...]

Stars of LAST RIDE come to Port Augusta!

LAST RIDE, the debut feature film by Glendyn Ivin, will have a special free screening at Cinema Augusta, Port Augusta on Saturday 28 February presented by ETSA Utilities in association with the 2009 BigPond® Adelaide Film Festival (BAFF) and Country Arts SA. Stars of the film, Hugo Weaving and bright new acting talent, Tom Russell, will be in attendance, along with Glendyn Ivin and producers Antonia Barnard and Nicholas Cole. [read more...]

Festival director explains her passion for romantic comedies

Romantic comedy is one of the world’s most beloved genres - when these films are good, I absolutely love them. But, as with anything popular, the Rom Com is often looked down on and frequently underrated. [read more...]

BigPond named as major sponsor of 2009 Adelaide Film Festival

On 3 December, first programming and 2009 festival information was released at a media event held at the Adelaide Airport, with the poster reveal and announcements of a special partnership for 2009, the full Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund slate, and strands on Romantic Comedy and Art and the Moving Image. [read more...]

Investment Fund Film Premieres Announced

The titles of 12 hotly anticipated Australian commissions, to have their world premieres during the festival, have now been announced – in a robust program including feature films, documentaries, shorts, animation and installation. [read more...]

Fest heats up with Romantic Comedy in 2009

The festival in 2009 is celebrating one of the simplest, most elegant, and most successful genres of all time, with a bouquet of films in Romantic Comedy: Not Just for the Ladies! [read more...]

Art and the Moving Image Strand Expands for 2009

The BigPond Adelaide Film Festival continues its commitment to exploring the myriad screens available for creative work with bold gallery programming and a symposium exploring the nexus and tensions between gallery art and cinema. [read more...]

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

Do you want to be part of one of Australia’s newest and most exciting film festivals? Do you love learning new skills and meeting new people? Then volunteering for the BigPond Adelaide Film Festival is for you! [read more...]

2009 BigPond Adelaide Film Festival announces NATUZZI Award Jurors

The BigPond 2009 Adelaide Film Festival is pleased to announce the jury for the 2009 NATUZZI INTERNATIONAL AWARD for BEST FEATURE FILM. [read more...]

Lynette Wallworth installation commissioned by Investment Fund

The 2009 BigPond Adelaide Film Festival is excited to announce a bold new programming direction with the presentation of a new commissioned work - and first major survey of selected works - by acclaimed Australian artist Lynette Wallworth, to take place at the University of South Australia's Samstag Museum of Art, Australia's newest public art museum. [read more...]

Adelaide Film Festival Announces Naming Rights Sponsor and Eleven New Australian Films to Premiere at the 2009 Festival

Australia's biennial and youngest Film Festival is delighted to announce Australia's largest internet service provider, BigPond as the naming rights sponsor of the 2009 Adelaide Film Festival. [read more...]

Fake Film Festival Press Release : Call for Entries

Returning to the Adelaide Film Festival in 2009, FAKE taps into the modern filmmakers repertoire by asking aspiring and established directors, editors, animators and digital media practitioners to put together films in three categories. [read more...]

South Australia looks forward to a Year Without Sex

South Australia will once again partner with the multiple award wining creative team behind Look Both Ways, Bridget Ikin and Sarah Watt, who have reunited to create the new feature film My Year Without Sex. The South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) and the Adelaide Film Festival have jointly committed a total of $250,000 [read more...]

Adelaide Film Festival Named in Variety’s List of Top Fifty Film Fests

11 September, 2007 The Adelaide Film Festival is honoured to be included in Variety’s Top 50 Film Festivals list, announced today. The international bible of the world entertainment industry, Variety made their selection from ‘the planet’s 1000 plus film fests’, with films selected for their ‘industry punch or by virtue of vision, originality, striking setting, audience zest [read more...]