WHAT’S ON WHERE
We’ve got a number of great venue partners who are helping us bring a world of film and special events to you across the region
BRUNSWICK PICTUREHOUSE
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![A shirtless man with tattoos and dark hair sits on a wooden chair in an artist studio, working on a large canvas on an easel near a window. Several smaller paintings are propped against the wall, and painting supplies and wine bottles are on the floor.]()
SPOTLIGHT ON BYRON
Saturday 21 October 2pm
Spotlight on Byron, the Saturday afternoon session at the Brunswick Picture House, is a showcase of the imaginative and hardworking talent that we have in our tiny shire. These nine short films cover teen horror, ghostly playfulness, human comedy, topical social commentary, First Nations struggle and the wonder of nature on our doorstep. Truly a compendium of the diversity of life on the North Coast.
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![Black and white photo of a man with long gray hair and beard, sitting on a chair in a studio. He is wearing a plaid shirt and holding a small electronic device, with one hand resting on the armrest. Studio equipment such as lights and cables are visible in the background.]()
THE TRUST FALL : JULIAN ASSANGE
NSW Premiere + Q&A
Saturday 21 October 6pm
Despite being detained, silenced and hidden from public view in maximum security Belmarsh Prison, multi-award-winning Australian journalist and publisher Julian Assange has become one of the loudest voices for free speech of our times.
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![Promotional poster featuring a woman in traditional attire with multiple arms, each holding signs related to tourism, education, migration, exports, markets, policies, and linkages. The background is blue with floral and celestial decorative elements, announcing a film release date of February 11, 2023.]()
BRAND BOLLYWOOD DOWNUNDER
World Premiere + Q&A
Sunday 29 October 2pm
Delve beneath the colourful exterior of Hollywood’s biggest rival to discover the artistry, organised chaos, music, dance, politics and unique characters that have led to Bollywood taking Australia by storm.
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![An elderly woman walking through a lush garden with various flowering plants and shrubs, next to a wooden deck with potted plants and outdoor furniture.]()
THE LAST 2 WEEKS AT LONGLEE
NSW Premiere + Q&A
Sunday 29 October 6:30pm
As 82-year-old Lee confronts her mortality, her family grapples with emotion and memories. Amidst COVID restrictions and with the support of a dedicated palliative care team, they unite to fulfill Lee's final wish: to die at home.
LENNOX HEAD CULTURAL CENTRE
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![A man and woman sitting outdoors at night, facing each other with smiles. The woman has long hair and is holding an acoustic guitar, while the man is wearing a hoodie. There is a tall streetlight between them, illuminating the scene.]()
UNDER STREETLIGHTS
World Premiere + Q&A with cast & crew
Sunday 22 October 3:30pm
Born from a grassroots initiative to empower young talent in remote Australia, this film champions the transformative power of music and the promise of a united future.
A heartwarming ode to hope, connection, and the melodies that bind us. Experience a film that will uplift, inspire, and leave you humming its tunes long after the credits roll.
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![Colorful graphic with the words 'Point of Change' over a background of historical and modern images, including Indigenous people, a surfing scene, and natural landscapes.]()
POINT OF CHANGE
Australian Premiere + Panel with Tricia Shantz, Rusty Miller, Wendy Adcock, Thornton Fallander Dick Hoole & Kevin Lovett.
Saturday 21 October 6pm
The remarkable and previously untold true story of the first surf pioneers to ‘discover' the 'Point' on the isolated Indonesian island of Nias and the dramatic consequences and the devastating social and ecological repercussions for the people and place that followed.
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![Close-up of a man wearing a wide-brimmed hat, outdoors, with trees and water in the background.]()
THE EDGE OF NATURE
With Q&A with Josh Fox
Sunday 29 October 3pm
Oscar-nominated, Emmy-winning filmmaker Josh Fox’s film opened at the 2023 Byron Bay Film Festival and is back by popular demand.Josh explores how nature may just teach us how to heal ourselves.
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![A large ocean wave with a surfer riding it while a jet ski speeds past on the right, and a crowd of spectators standing on a pier watching.]()
GROUND SWELL: THE OTHER SIDE OF FEAR
Lennox Premiere
Sunday 29 October 6:30pm
Narrated by Josh Brolin this film explores how Big Wave Surfers push past their fear and find out what is on the other side as they tackle monstrous waves in locations from Nazare in Portugal, Jaws, and Pipeline in Hawaii, and Mavericks in Northern California.
THE REGENT MURWILLUMBAH
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![Black and white photo of a woman singing into a microphone while holding a saxophone, with short dark hair and a sleeveless top.]()
MUTINY IN HEAVEN
NSW Premiere
Saturday 21 October 5:30pm
The story of The Birthday Party's ascent, apex and inevitable collapse is a thrilling tale of epic struggle, artistic genius and total dysfunctionality. Told in the group's own words, Mutiny In Heaven brings the band's story to the screen for the first time.
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![A man and children playing tug-of-war outdoors, with the man wearing a sign that says 'SOL' and others wearing signs, as they participate in an activity on a school field.]()
RADICAL
Murwillumbah Premiere
Sunday 22 October 1 pm
Among his students is Paloma, aspiring to be an aerospace engineer. Christopher Zalla's "Radical", inspired by true events and a winner of Sundance's Audience Award, captures the resilience of youth and the transformative power of education.
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![A man smiling and raising his arms in a body of water surrounded by trees.]()
LET'S GET LOST (AILLEURS SI J'Y SUIS)
Australian Premiere
Friday 27 October 1 pm
In this wry comedy, Mathias, at a life crossroads, mysteriously retreats into the forest, leaving everyone bewildered. His absence prompts those close to him to reevaluate their own choices, dreams, and regrets.
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![A woman lying on a ledge high above a cityscape with skyscrapers, with the text "and the king said, what a FANTASTIC MACHINE" overlaid. Additionally, there is a camera lens in the foreground.]()
FANTASTIC MACHINE
Murwillumbah Premiere
Friday 26 October 3:15pm
What happens when humanity’s infatuation with itself and an untethered free market meet 45 billion cameras…? Fantastic Machine explores, explains and exposes how our unchecked obsession with image has grown to change our human behaviour.
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![A young girl with long blonde hair wearing a wide-brimmed brown hat and holding a remote control, looking serious. Partially visible person in the background. Blue overlay with text celebrating the Byron Bay International Film Festival, October 20-29, 2023, highlighting the 'Young Australian Filmmaker' award or category.]()
YOUNG AUSTRALIAN FILMMAKER OF THE YEAR
Friday 27 5:25pm
In the pulsating heart of the Australian film landscape lies a gem that sparkles with the promise of tomorrow: the Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year Competition. An integral part of the Byron Bay International Film Festival (BBFF) since 2007, this competition has, year after year, stood as a beacon for budding filmmakers, calling out to those who dare to dream big.
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![An artist sitting in his studio surrounded by colorful paintings, holding a mug, with his face covered by his hand.]()
BROMLEY: LIFE AFTER DARK
NSW Premiere
Saturday 28 October 3pm
David Bromley found that art appeased the voices in his head and helped him find beauty in the world. So he made the life-changing decision to commit his whole being to something meaningful. Light after Dark takes us into the world of this prominent Australian artist.
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![Two men are laughing and talking on the beach near the ocean under a cloudy sky.]()
FREEDOM IS BEAUTIFUL
Murwillumbah Premiere + Q&A
Saturday 28 October 5:15pm
Freed after eight years of detention, Farhad Bandesh and Mostafa Azimitibar turned to art and music as peaceful resistance under Australia's harsh offshore processing, showcasing resilience and optimism in Angus McDonald's unflinching yet hopeful documentary.
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![A woman with curly red hair wearing a beige, semi-transparent dress with a tied waist, posing against a wallpapered background with floral patterns.]()
THROUGH THE LOCAL LENS: HOME-GROWN FILMS
Sunday 29 October 3pm
Experience regional tales and talent in 'Through the Local Lens', a diverse short film showcase highlighting culture, resilience, introspection, heritage, and the vibrant life of the Northern Rivers region.
PALACE BYRON BAY
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![A young woman and a young man sit opposite each other outdoors at night, illuminated by a streetlamp. The woman has long hair and is smiling, with an acoustic guitar resting on her lap. The man has short curly hair, is smiling, and is wearing a jacket.]()
UNDER STREETLIGHTS
World Premiere + Q&A with cast & crew
Saturday 21 October 7:30pm - (SOLD OUT)
Sunday 29 5:15pm Encore Screening
Born from a grassroots initiative to empower young talent in remote Australia, this film champions the transformative power of music and the promise of a united future.
A heartwarming ode to hope, connection, and the melodies that bind us. Experience a film that will uplift, inspire, and leave you humming its tunes long after the credits roll.
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![Woman has her body painted and is covered with a blanket, while another woman is preparing a fire in a jungle.]()
SEEDS OF INSPIRATION: CHRONICLES OF HOPE & CHANGE
World/NSW Premieres + Q&A
Sunday 22 October 12:45pm - (SOLD OUT)
Saturday 28 5pm - Encore Screening
A trio of films (Mother Earth Educators, Refugia & Between Earth & Sky) that resonate with themes of connection, rejuvenation, and the profound impact of nature on our lives. It’s a cinematic journey that shines a spotlight on the resilience of the human spirit and the undying bond we share with Mother Earth.
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![A person singing into a microphone while holding a saxophone, with a background of curtains, in black and white.]()
MUTINY IN HEAVEN
NSW Premiere
Sun 22 5pm (SOLD OUT), Tues 24 12:30pm + Sat 28 7:30pm (SELLING FAST)
The story of The Birthday Party's ascent, apex and inevitable collapse is a thrilling tale of epic struggle, artistic genius and total dysfunctionality. Told in the group's own words, Mutiny In Heaven brings the band's story to the screen for the first time.
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![A woman and a man with their backs turned, standing in snowy mountains. The woman is facing forward with a concerned expression, wearing a beige coat and a patterned scarf, while the man is looking down, wearing a black coat.]()
ANATOMY OF A FALL
Byron Premiere
Monday 23 12:30pm + 7pm (SOLD OUT)
Friday 27 4:30pm (SELLING FAST)
Sunday 29 encore coming soon
Director Justine Triet's cinematic brilliance, underscored by haunting steel drums, earned this film the Cannes Palme d’Or 2023, making it an unforgettable watch.
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![A man with a Toy Sign labeled 'SOL' watching children play a game outdoors on a school field.]()
RADICAL
Byron Premiere
Wed 25 7pm + Sun 29 October 12:30pm
Among his students is Paloma, aspiring to be an aerospace engineer. Christopher Zalla's "Radical", inspired by true events and a winner of Sundance's Audience Award, captures the resilience of youth and the transformative power of education.
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![An artist in a studio covering his face with one hand while sitting on a stool, surrounded by colorful paintings of people, animals, and abstract art, with art supplies scattered on the floor.]()
BROMLEY: LIFE AFTER DARK
NSW Premiere + Q&A with the Bromleys & Filmmakers
Fri 27 7:30pm (SELLING FAST) + Sat 28 12:30pm Oct
David Bromley found that art appeased the voices in his head and helped him find beauty in the world. So he made the life-changing decision to commit his whole being to something meaningful. Light after Dark takes us into the world of this prominent Australian artist.
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![Black and white photo of children and young people gathered around a damaged car in a debris-filled area with hillside in the background.]()
KAUGERE: A PLACE WHERE NOBODY ENTERS
World Premiere + Q&A
Saturday 28 October 3pm
Set amid the squalor of one of Papua New Guinea’s infamous settlements, Kaugere is a modern-day parable of once tribal men finding their feet through the game of rugby league.
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![A woman in an orange polo shirt and red pants walking outside a modern building with school children in yellow uniforms and purple socks in the background.]()
CLUB ZERO
Byron Premiere
Saturday 28 October 5:15pm
Mia Wasikowska shines in this Cannes' 2023 featured film as Miss Novak, a teacher at an elite boarding school championing the idea of "conscious eating." Her innovative lessons quickly spawn a fervent student group, "Club Zero", advocating for minimalistic consumption.
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![Four people sitting on a worn-out sofa in a dimly lit, cluttered room with peeling walls, a suitcase on the floor, and laundry hanging in the background.]()
INTERNATIONAL SHORTS: POWERFUL FOREIGN FILMS
Sunday 29 3pm
Showcasing films from a diverse range of countries, including Italy, Luxembourg, Argentina, and beyond, this session epitomizes the power of cinema. Significantly, among this global lineup are several nominees for BBFF2023's Best Short Film Award.
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![An elderly man and a young woman sit on a wooden bench outdoors in a wooded area, smiling and looking upward. The man wears a blue work jumpsuit with a towel around his neck, and the woman wears a pink jacket over a striped shirt, holding a gaming controller.]()
PERFECT DAYS
Byron Premiere
Friday 27 12:30pm
Sunday 29 7:30pm (SELLING FAST)
From the acclaimed director of classics like Paris, Texas, Buena Vista Social Club, Wings of Desire and The Salt of the Earth, Wim Wenders returned to the Cannes Competition this year with a poignant tale set against the backdrop of Japan.
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![Poster for the Byron Bay International Film Festival featuring a young girl with long blonde hair, wearing a cowboy hat, looking serious, with a person in the background holding a phone. The poster includes text about the festival date and the theme 'Young Australian Filmmaker'.]()
YOUNG AUSTRALIAN FILMMAKER OF THE YEAR
Saturday 21 October 12:30pm
In the pulsating heart of the Australian film landscape lies a gem that sparkles with the promise of tomorrow: the Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year Competition. An integral part of the Byron Bay International Film Festival (BBFF) since 2007, this competition has, year after year, stood as a beacon for budding filmmakers, calling out to those who dare to dream big.
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![A woman in black shorts and sneakers standing on a balcony overlooking a city skyline with tall buildings. The image features an advertisement overlay with the text "and the king said, what a FANTASTIC MACHINE." A camera lens is visible on the right side of the image.]()
FANTASTIC MACHINE
Byron Premiere
Sunday 22 October 3pm
What happens when humanity’s infatuation with itself and an untethered free market meet 45 billion cameras…? Fantastic Machine explores, explains and exposes how our unchecked obsession with image has grown to change our human behaviour.
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![Two men walking and talking on a beach, smiling and enjoying the moment.]()
FREEDOM IS BEAUTIFUL
Byron Premiere + Q&A
Saturday 21 October 5:15pm - SOLD OUT
Wednesday 25 12:30pm - Encore Screening
Freed after eight years of detention, Farhad Bandesh and Mostafa Azimitibar turned to art and music as peaceful resistance under Australia's harsh offshore processing, showcasing resilience and optimism in Angus McDonald's unflinching yet hopeful documentary.
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![A man standing on a tropical beach next to a palm tree, looking at the ocean with waves, cloudy sky, and distant shoreline.]()
OLAS Y ONDAS - WAVES & SWELLS
Sunday 22 October 7:30pm
Embark on a exhilarating journey through the waves and stories of Luso-Hispanic surf culture. 5 strong surf films make up this exceptional session.
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![A smiling man swimming in a natural body of water with arms raised.]()
LET'S GET LOST (AILLEURS SI J'Y SUIS)
Australian Premiere
Saturday 21 October 3 pm
Thursday 26 October 12:30pm Encore Screening
In this wry comedy, Mathias, at a life crossroads, mysteriously retreats into the forest, leaving everyone bewildered. His absence prompts those close to him to reevaluate their own choices, dreams, and regrets.
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![Two young women with curly hair enjoying themselves outdoors on a city rooftop at sunset; one is sitting on the ground wearing a floral dress and cap, the other is standing in a light dress.]()
HABANA SHAKES
World Premiere + Q&A
Thursday 26 7pm
A valentine to Cuban youth culture youth and Habana (an island city and Cuba's capital, on the cusp of change) Habana Shakes is lyrical and an observational window into the world's of Maya, Yoljany, Yelda, Teresita and Lehardi.
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![Large ocean wave with a surfer riding it near a red lighthouse, with a crowd of onlookers on the pier.]()
GROUND SWELL: THE EDGE OF FEAR
Byron Premiere
Tuesday 24 October 7pm (SELLING FAST)
Ground Swell: The Other Side of Fear is an in-depth look at the 2021-22 big wave season through the eyes of Nic Von Rupp, Kai Lenny, Matt Bromley, Torrey Meister, Vini dos Santos and pioneering female surfer Bianca Valenti and maybe the 100-foot wave.
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![A collage of photos from a film festival event, featuring people socializing, live music performance, food and drinks, red carpet arrivals, and a film screening.]()
OPENING NIGHT: THE EDGE OF NATURE
World Premiere - SOLD OUT
Friday 20 October - Party 6:30pm Film 8pm
Step into the spotlight at the 17th Byron Bay International Film Festival's Opening Night Gala, a dazzling evening bursting with style and glamour. The evening starts with a fabulous party, followed by the World Premiere of Josh Fox’s new film The Edge of Nature.
SPECIAL EVENTS
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![A woman's face integrated with a digital, high-tech interface resembling a futuristic cyborg or AI, with glowing blue circuits and a digital headpiece]()
TECHNOLOGY TALKS
BEACH HOTEL
Saturday 21 October 12 to 5pm
BBFF delves into the innovative ways Creatives can harness technology to enable and build their creative visions, opening new realms of possibility in an ever-evolving space.
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![Poster for the Byron Bay International Film Festival showcasing a neon-lit DJ turntable with colorful swirling patterns, event details include date, time, and location, and it mentions a free after-party at Lovers Lane.]()
MUSIC VIDEO SHOWCASE
BEACH HOTEL
Wednesday 25th October 8:30 to 10pm
Get ready to groove and be mesmerised by the magic of music and visuals at the BBFF2023 Music Video Showcase!
This is free event - with an after party at Lovers Lane
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![Stylized text that reads 'Lovers Lane' in black on a gray background.]()
OFFICAL AFTER PARTY VENUE
LOVERS LANE
After Party for Opening Night - Friday 20 October
After Party for Music Video Showcase - Wednesday 25 October
Wednesday to Saturdays
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![People watching an outdoor movie screen at night under a partly cloudy sky with the moon visible.]()
BEACHSIDE FULL MOON CINEMA
MAIN BEACH NEXT TO SURF CLUB
Friday 27 October from dusk
FREE
Enjoy a magical night out
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![Abstract black and white swirling smoke patterns creating a symmetric design.]()
JACK BAILEY "UNTITLED"
SHOPFRONT ACTIVATION - UPSTAIRS AT THE MERCATO
20-29 October
Local Artist Jack Bailey returns to BBFF with his latest work “Untitled” an expansive visual journey, that challenges and transcends the modern boundaries of macro propaganda, and micro attention spans we have been so readily conditioned to.
