Brisbane International Film Festival - Screen Queensland calls for submissions for 2018

In an interesting turn of events Screen Queensland has called for submissions from interested parties to present the 2018 and possibly beyond Brisbane International Film Festival. It’s an event that has had a chequered history since being established back in 1992. It was resurrected last year and came under the partial stewardship of Palace Cinemas the nation’s leading commercial promoter of these activities. Now it appears that an opportunity is being provided to look over the field. The announcement by the Chair of Screen Queensland follows:

A unique opportunity to run the annual Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF) is now open to potential organisers, announced Screen Queensland Chair Catherine O’Sullivan.

“The re-birth of BIFF in 2017 showed the enormous potential of this flagship event and confirmed that Brisbane audiences want an annual festival of world cinematic fare,” Ms O’Sullivan said.

“The successful 23rd BIFF in August 2017 generated strong interest from multiple parties keen to shape the future of this festival and take it to new audiences.

“BIFF holds a special place in the festival calendar and this is a rare opportunity to realise a new vision for this treasured film event and deliver an annual festival for the next three years.”

Ms O’Sullivan said the Queensland Government supported BIFF, along with a range of festivals across the state through Screen Queensland’s Screen Culture program.

“Screen Culture funding of $1.05 million for 2017–18 will support 36 film events across the state,” Ms O’Sullivan said.

The BIFF submission requires presenting the festival for a period of three years commencing in 2018-19 to build BIFF’s scale, scope and profile.

The successful applicant will receive up to $250,000 funding per festival through Screen Queensland’s Screen Culture program for a total of $750,000.

BIFF 2017 presented 60 films and more than 100 screenings over 18 days, with an international premiere, two world premieres and six Australian premieres, along with free family-friendly events.

BIFF is a festival which celebrates the many facets of filmmaking, so along with a public program, the expectation is for BIFF to host an annual supporting program of industry events and panel discussions.

The successful applicant will demonstrate evidence of matched third party finance or in kind support.

Download guidelines here:

Guidelines PDF

Guidelines Word

For applications go to:https://screenqueensland.smartygrants.com.au/BIFFSubmission2018-2021

Among the terms and conditions set out in the Guidelines is the requirement, under “Who Can Apply”

To be eligible, Applicants must;

Be a Queensland resident. A Queensland resident is defined as a person who has their principal place of abode and business in Queensland and has been registered on the State electoral roll for at least 6 months prior to the application.