The Australian Academy Cinema Television Arts (AACTA) Awards announced a record-breaking 38 feature films in competition for this year’s highest screen accolades in Australia. AACTA also published the programs for AACTA Film Fest in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The Film Fest program is an all-inclusive look at Australian film, providing the opportunity to view the outstanding Australian films from the past 12 months.
This year’s slate of feature films in competition features a breadth of genres and locations, highlighting the countries industry achievements in telling diverse stories from all corners of Australia. The independent filmmakers behind these films are making waves and garnering attention both at home and abroad through their innovative use of low-budgets and unique voices. The ever-changing film industry landscape has also seen filmmakers embracing new pathways to audiences, with 50 per cent of competing films opting for non-traditional releases.
Australian Film Institute and AACTA CEO Damian Trewhella said, “In another record-breaking year for feature film entries, AACTA Film Fest is an unparalleled opportunity to view, support and discuss Australian film. These 38 films showcase a dynamic mix of genres and themes; feature a variety of unique stories that audiences often can’t find on traditional screens; highlight our increasingly diverse industry and filmmakers; and shines a spotlight on the incredible work many emerging Australian filmmakers are doing in the low-budget independent sector.”
Forty-five per cent of this year’s films were made by first-time directors, who vie for a nomination alongside leading Australian directors such as Bruce Beresford and competing brothers Nash and Joel Edgerton. The feature films in competition also star some of Australia and Hollywood’s biggest names, including Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, Helen Mirren and Simon Baker.
Feature films nominated include The BBQ, The Gateway, Mary Magdalene, Me and My Left Brain, Winchester, Watch The Sunset, Innocent Killer as well as 29 other tittles.
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