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Oscar-nominated writer/director Francis Veber coming to MIFF

Press release from Screen Australia

Screen Australia is pleased to announce that Oscar®-nominated writer and director Francis Veber (La Cage aux Folles, The Valet, Tais-toi! and The
Dinner Game) will be a special guest of the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) 2011.

Described by The New York Times as “a master of the modern French farce”, Veber will present a series of public lectures and a two-day masterclass as part of Screen Australia’s focus on comedy at MIFF. The Screen Australia initiative is in association with the festival’s MIFF 37ºSouth Market and Accelerator and Sue Maslin/Film Art Media.

Following the success of the Bob Rosen lectures as part of MIFF 2010, Mastering Comedy: A Directing Masterclass with Francis Veber has been specifically designed for this initiative with a focus on directing comedy and will target experienced directors of film and television.

In addition, as part of his first visit to Australia, Francis Veber will be In Conversation with Steve Kaplan, expert on comedy screenwriting and Hollywood script consultant, at the Forum Theatre during MIFF.

Two further public events will see Veber present lectures on his films, one in English and one in French, presented in conjunction with Alliance Francaise de Melbourne.

The masterclass has a limited number of places. Directors wishing to attend are asked to apply via the application form on the Screen Australia website.

Francis Veber schedule:

Tuesday 2 August, 10.30am: Public lecture (in French), Village Roadshow Theatre,
State Library of Victoria presented in conjunction with Alliance Francaise. Bookings
through MIFF.

Wednesday 3 – Thursday 4 August, 9am: Mastering Comedy: A Directing
Masterclass with Francis Veber, ACMI Studio 1. To apply click here.

Friday 5 August, 10.30am: Public lecture, Village Roadshow Theatre, State Library of
Victoria. Bookings through MIFF.

Saturday 6 August, 11am: In conversation with Steve Kaplan, Forum Theatre.
Bookings through MIFF.