Group photos at a film festival, featuring various individuals and couples posing on a red carpet and in front of a backdrop with a festival logo.
Collage of various scenes including live music performance, a group of people at an event, two women on a red carpet at a film festival, sushi platter, an illustrated woman drinking, a person holding a wine bottle, colorful bottles labeled 'Papa Salt
A collage of various food and drink items at a social gathering, including three glasses of beer, a bottle of wine, a platter of assorted sushi and sashimi, bottles of gin, and bottles of flavored soda or lemonade.
Three long white rectangular plates with assorted sushi rolls, garnished with sliced jalapeños, fish roe, and sauce, placed on a black surface.
Assorted sushi rolls surrounding a decorative platter with sliced raw tuna, salmon, and cucumber garnishes.
A man with curly blonde hair and a beard taking a selfie through a small opening, wearing a black shirt and a large blue pendant necklace.
A large wall mural of a woman with black hair, red lipstick, and holding a cigarette in her mouth, surrounded by numerous bottles of alcohol.
Group of four people standing in front of a dark background with decorative plants and vases, holding glasses of champagne, with the word 'Birthright' in pink cursive text at the top.

BBFF2025 OPENING NIGHT

Where Filmmakers and Filmlovers Come Together

Friday 17 October 6:30pm

Step into the spotlight at the 19th Byron Bay International Film Festival’s Opening Night Gala - a celebration of cinema, style and community. Dress to impress (or express!) and make an entrance on the red carpet as we raise a toast to the filmmakers and stories that define BBFF2025.

The night begins with a Red Carpet Reception, where you’ll mingle with cast and crew from Birthright, alongside many of the talented filmmakers and on-screen talent featured across this year’s lineup.

The music will be provided by Ole Falcor, a singer-songwriter whose uplifting blend of folk, rock and ambient sounds weaves heartfelt lyrics with intricate guitar work.

The evening unfolds in style with flowing conversation, fine drinks and vibrant live music. You’ll enjoy premium pours from Bimbadgen Estate, BBFF’s Official Wine Partner, alongside refreshing Heads of Noosa brews, exceptional coastal aperitifs from Papa Salt Coastal Gin and Fever-Tree mixers - and quality mocktails for your designated driver.

These are beautifully paired with Tokyo Doll’s signature Japanese-fusion delicacies - a culinary prelude to the 8:00pm screening of our Opening Night film.

The Celebration Continues Downstairs - After-Party at Tokyo Doll with XUJA will be on the decks, a DJ whose globally influenced house and electronic sounds will keep the good vibes rolling. The large karaoke booth will be open for those who want to end Opening Night on a high note and as Birthright sure to spark spirited conversation, the after-party offers a stylish space to connect, debate, and keep the Opening Night momentum going.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BIRTHRIGHT

Opening Night always sells out - don’t miss your chance to be part of Byron’s biggest night in film.

Be part of the buzz that launches 10 days of bold cinema, creative connection, and unforgettable experiences.

Ticket Options

Red Carpet Reception + Film - $90 - SELLING FAST

SOLD OUT Red Carpet Reception + Film + After-Party - $115

BOOK NOW

Past Opening Night Photos

Sign for the Byron Bay International Film Festival featuring a stylized eye logo and illuminated background, surrounded by potted tropical plants.
Group of six people at a social gathering, holding glasses of champagne, smiling, in a warmly lit indoor setting with wooden walls and decorative plants.
Illuminated sign reading 'PALACE CINEMAS' with a silhouette of a figure playing a golf club and a shield, mounted on a wooden wall inside a building.
A woman in a gold sequin dress holds a champagne glass and a champagne bottle, smiling at the camera at a celebration or party.
An older woman with blonde hair at the Byron Bay International Film Festival, wearing a shiny blue dress, holding a white handbag, with jewelry, and purple high heels, standing on a red carpet in front of a black backdrop with festival logos.
A musician playing an electric guitar on a small stage in a dimly lit room with purple and yellow lighting. There are posters for the Byron Bay International Film Festival on either side of the stage, with a patterned rug beneath the musician and a s
Person preparing a variety of salads and bread at a food table during a gathering, with two elderly men seated in the background.
Two women posing for a photo at the Byron Bay International Film Festival, with a person in the foreground taking their picture. The women are wearing colorful outfits and sunglasses and are standing in front of a black backdrop with the festival's l
Three people standing on a red carpet at the Byron Bay International Film Festival. The person on the left is wearing a blue dress and purple shoes. The person in the middle has a long gray beard, wears a black jacket and black shirt. The person on t
Three people smiling and embracing each other at the Byron Bay International Film Festival, with a dark backdrop featuring festival logos.
Two women smiling and posing at an event with a backdrop that reads Byron Bay International Film Festival.
Two women posing together at the Byron Bay International Film Festival, with a dark background displaying event logos. One woman is older with gray hair, wearing a black jacket and blue patterned shirt. The other woman is younger with blonde hair, we
Man with brown hair and beard wearing a black velvet blazer, patterned shirt, and beaded necklace, standing in front of a black backdrop.
A blue bottle labeled 'PAPA SALT Coastal Gin' with a black pour spout on top, placed on a counter with various jars and a tray of green herbs or leaves in the background.
Four people smiling and posing for a photo at a social event, with warm lighting and a wooden interior in the background.
Two elderly people, a woman with long white hair and glasses and a man with long white hair and a beard, standing on a red carpet at the Byron Bay International Film Festival, smiling for a photo against a black backdrop.
Three people posing together at the Byron Bay International Film Festival, with a black backdrop featuring festival logos. The woman on the left wears a blue dress, the man in the center wears a red floral shirt, and the man on the right wears a navy
A young woman in a colorful floral dress with a high slit, standing on a red carpet at the Byron Bay International Film Festival. She has long wavy brown hair and is smiling. Behind her is a black backdrop with the festival's logo, and there are pott
Two people, a woman with blonde hair and glasses, wearing a white embroidered top and blue pants, and a man with curly hair and beard, wearing glasses, a pink shirt, and plaid pants, standing together at the Byron Bay International Film Festival, hol
A man and woman dressed elegantly on a red carpet at an event, with a backdrop logo for the Byron Bay International Film Festival. The man is wearing a beige suit and sunglasses, and the woman is in a dark blue dress, smiling and holding a phone.
A woman with long brown hair, wearing a red floral off-shoulder dress with blue and cream flowers, smiling at the camera, standing in front of a black backdrop with白the Byron Bay International Film Festival logo.
A woman with gray hair wearing a loose, white, floral-patterned dress stands on a red carpet at a film festival, smiling and looking to her right. Behind her is a black backdrop with festival logos, blue decorative plants, and a sign that reads 'CINE
Three people dressed in formal attire at a bar or party, with shelves of bottles and snacks in the background. Two women holding glasses and a man in a light-colored blazer in the middle.
A man with curly blonde hair and a beard smiling, standing in front of purple neon angel wings, wearing a tropical shirt with palm tree patterns.
A woman with blonde hair in a black velvet blazer and wide-leg pants standing on a red carpet at the Byron Bay International Film Festival, against a black backdrop with festival logos.
Two women pose for a photo in front of a softly blurred background, with a camera visible on the right side of the frame.
Two elderly people, a woman and a man, smiling and walking through a neon-lit tunnel with blue, yellow, and red lights, during a nighttime event.
Three men at a social gathering, with a dimly lit indoor setting and people in the background.
A group of people at a social gathering or party, with one man in the foreground wearing a Japanese-style robe, holding his chin, and looking at the camera. The background shows other attendees chatting and enjoying drinks.
A smiling woman lying on a bed of various stuffed animals, including teddy bears, Elmo, unicorn, and other plush toys.