Brisbane movie-goers have helped make this year’s St.George Bank Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF) one of the most successful in its 17-year history.
Arts Minister Rod Welford said the 11-day BIFF ticketed programme finished last night with sales up 10 per cent on last year’s figures.
"Ticket sales have been exceptional this year on the back of strong programming and marketing designed to engage with new audiences," Mr Welford said.
"Total ticket sales grew 10 per cent, with 24 sold-out cinema sessions including opening and closing night, both Galas and many of the screenings for schools and young people.
"We’ve had strong attendances in 2008, but we won’t know the final figures until the conclusion of the forthcoming BIFF in the Burbs screenings, which begin on Friday."
Mr Welford said the BIFF ticketed programme ended with the Australian premiere of Edge of Love at The Regent.
"The closing night film screening was preceded by the announcement of BIFF’s Jury Awards and the top 10 audience films," he said.
The juries selected four films for recognition: Interfaith Jury Award – The Visitor; FIPRESCI Jury Award – Good Cats; Cine Sparks Youth Jury Award – King of Ping Pong; and NETPAC Jury Award – Foster Child.
Audiences nominated their top 10 films as follows: 1) Persepolis; 2) Lemon Tree; 3) Son of Rambow; 4) Hunger; 5) Sukiyaki Western Django; 6) In Bruges; 7) Black Ice; 8) Katyn 9) Redbelt; and 10) Lorna’s Silence.
Seize the Day, by Brisbane filmmaker Alex Chomicz, was also named the winner of the inaugural Queensland Short Film Prize sponsored by The Courier-Mail.
Writer Ingrid Mason’s script for Seize the Day was developed through the Pacific Film and Television Commission’s Short Film Development Scheme and the Short Film Fund.
Mr Welford encouraged film-goers to continue enjoying the festival by attending BIFF in the Burbs, a series of free outdoor movie screenings especially for families.
"From this Friday night until Saturday 20 September, we will be showcasing the latest and greatest animated films at parks across south east Queensland," he said.
"Not only are the films completely free of charge, but our sponsors are ensuring a real carnival atmosphere with free popcorn, face painting and activities for the kids."
[Release by PFTC]