Opening | Thursday 28 September 2017 | 7.30 pm 

Friday 29 September 2017 

Project Papa | 7 pm

Theo & Hugo (Paris 05:59) | 9 pm 

Saturday 30 September 2017 

Short Films

Short Films: Female Perspective

Short Films for Charity Event – FREE Screening 

Sunday 1 October 2017 

Panel discussion: Women’s Tales | 2.15 pm – FREE Event 

Junod: Japanese Animation | 3.30 pm

Brexitannia + Damned Dolls | 5.30 pm

Closing Screening: Vergot (+Shorts) | 7.30 pm 

November 17th - 26th 2017

THE GULF Selected as Opening Film // Country Focus Devoted to Turkey //
2nd Annual Presentation of Inmate Jury Prize DAS BRETT

6^th ANNUAL EVOLUTION MALLORCA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

October 26^th - November 4^th, 2017

Events include Opening Night Gala

In Person Gala Award and Tribute to Academy Award-winning filmmaker Paul Haggis

Spanish premiere of The Song of Sway Lake with special guests and writer/director Ari Gold

Special screening of acclaimed Norwegian film Thelma by Joachim Trier

Sundance hit The Big Sick with Kumail Nanjiani and Zoe Kazan

Acclaimed Documentary Life And Death of an Architect

Special screening of Barrage starring Isabelle Huppert and her daughter Lolita Chammah

Palma de Mallorca, October 4, 2017: Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival, set in the heart of Mallorca's buzzing and culturally rich center of Palma, has announced its line-up of screenings and events for the festival's 6th edition. The nine-day festival will take place, October 26^th - November 4^th, 2017, and includes an in-person Gala tribute to legendary filmmaker Paul Haggis, a Gala Opening Night event, narrative and documentary competition sections, a Drive in Cinema section at Port Adriano, an extended Kids section co-curated by the Andorra Kids Film Festival, a Virtual Reality presentation by TheVrand, and industry panels and seminars featuring elite international industry experts.

EMIFF will present 12 films in Narrative feature and 8 films in Documentary feature Competition, 30 international short films, a special Music Video section curated in partnership with The Los Angeles Music Video Festival, as well as additional nightly events and special screenings. Special events include the Opening Night Gala Screening of The Song of Sway Lake, produced by Ari Gold Films. Centerpiece Gala will be the 'Evolution Vision' Award Presentation to iconic filmmaker Paul Haggis, with a screening of his award-winning film Crash. Other Gala events include: Spotlight Gala Screening of acclaimed narrative film The Big Sick, a Closing Night Gala Screening of Thelma (the official Oscar submission by Norway for best foreign-language film) and an Awards Gala at Mercado Gastronómico San Juan.

Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival (EMIFF) is one of the fastest growing and exciting film festivals in the Mediterranean. An excellent hub for networking with some of the brightest minds in filmmaking, EMIFF is as intimate and invigorating as it is breathtakingly gorgeous.

Filmmakers and industry professionals visit this island paradise to discover "the next great generation of filmmakers" The festival presents a diverse selection from world premieres to film festival favorites, short film screenings, Q&As, a Drive-In Cinema section at the Philip Stark designed Port Adriano, an Art & Cine event at the modern museum of contemporary art Es Baluard, and a Virtual Reality zone presented by VRand.

Said EMIFF Founder and Executive Director Sandra Seeling Lipski, "EMIFF is more than a film festival; it provides a forum for cultural understanding and enriching educational opportunities, focusing on showcasing a diverse collection of both local and international independent films. The Festival supports the creation and advancement of innovative and artistic cinematic works from both emerging and seasoned filmmakers, and proudly embraces the passion, vision, and independent spirit of these talented artists. Alongside our partnerships with the local community and educational institutions, the Festival stimulates an interest in the study and appreciation of film and encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to participate. The focus of our programming changes each year to reflect current trends in world cinema, culture and politics. This year, we showcase films that promote our mission to Bridging Cultures - Bridging People."

"I am particularly excited for our Evolution Vision Award recipient; three time Academy Award winner, writer/director Paul Haggis. The Evolution Vision award honors a filmmaker that has shown resilience in the film industry and has, time after time, proven his talent with excellent creations as a writer, director or actor. Paul is an incredible inspiration for the next generation of filmmakers," said Lipski.

About Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival

Now in it's sixth year, EMIFF attracts over 4000 attendees from over 24 countries worldwide. In 2017, EMIFF will continue to expand the presence of international filmmakers and strengthen its position within the worldwide film festival calendar. Since it's 2012 inception, the number of films screened has tripled, counting over 80 movies from 25 countries during the 2016 festival program.

Previous guest filmmakers, talent, and industry attendees include: Danny DeVito, Oscar Jaenada, Emma Suarez, Manuella Velles, Marc Clotet, Ana de Armas, Colm Meany, Benito Zambrano, Feo Aladag, Ronald Souse Richter, Lilith Stangenberg, and Claudia Eisinger.

EMIFF is extremely grateful for the incredible support of: 2017 EMIFF Diamond Sponsors Premier FX. Gold Sponsor First Mallorca. Additional collaborators include ATB Mallorca, Sponsored by Rialto Living, with the support of Port Adriano, Es Baluard Museum, Mercedes Auto Vidal, Consell de Mallorca, InfoMallorca, Islas Baleares Film Commission, Illenc, Teatre Principal and Ajuntamiento de Palma among others.

Festival passes and individual tickets are available now.

Additional Information about Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival is available atwww.evolutionfilmfestival.com

Connect with Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival:

https://www.facebook.com/EvolutionFilmFestival/

Twitter: @EvolutionIFF

Instagram: evolutionmallorcafilmfestival

For press use only, festival stills can be downloaded here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B1z30oOM5-sALXNZcTFWQi10c28

Photos of Evolution Award Honoree Paul Haggis:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BzSrPUhCCkK4Y1VsU2E1Y3dGN00

All screenings and events will take place in Palma de Mallorca, at venues including the Teatro Principal, Cineciutat, Rialto Living, Port Adriano, Musuem Es Baluard, The Vrand Garage VR space and Mercado San Juan.

Festival Awards will be awarded on November 4^th by internationally esteemed jurors in the following categories: Feature film - Best feature film, Best Actress, Best Actor.  Short Film - Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Feature and Short Documentary, best Music Video, Best Experimental short, Best feature film Screenplay, Festival Awards -, Best Film Made in Baleares short, Evolution Island Award (best feature film made in Baleares) and the Evolutionary award (best new filmmaker).

The EMIFF award is designed by internationally acclaimed artist GUSTAVO.

GALA AND COMPETITION SLATE BELOW:

OPENING NIGHT FILM

The Song of Sway Lake, Director: Ari Gold (US) Spanish Premiere.

A young jazz collector plots to rob his wealthy grandmother of a rare 78 record, but his plan is derailed when his accomplice falls for the glamorous matriarch. "The Song of Sway Lake" is a lush romantic drama about the vanished grace of America, and the spell cast by the melodies of the dead. 

Filmmakers and talent will be in attendance (subject to availability)

SPOTLIGHT GALA SCREENING

Barrage, Director: Laura Schroeder (France)

After ten years abroad, Catherine (Lolita Chammah) returns to Luxembourg to catch up with her daughter Alba, brought up by Catherine's mother Elisabeth (Isabelle Huppert). She then kidnaps Alba and takes her on a trip to a lake up North.

CENTERPIECE GALA TRIBUTE & SCREENING - HONORING PAUL HAGGIS

'Evolution Vision' Award Presentation to iconic filmmaker Paul Haggis, with a screening of his Academy Award winning film Crash, 2006.

Paul Haggis is the first screenwriter to write two Best Film Oscar winners back-to-back: "Million Dollar Baby" (2004) directed by Clint Eastwood, and "Crash" (2005) which he himself directed.  For "Crash," Haggis won Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. The film also received an additional four nominations including one for Haggis' direction. "Crash" reaped numerous awards during its year of release from associations such as the IFP Spirit Awards, the Screen Actors Guild, and BAFTA.
Paul Haggis will be in attendance

CLOSING NIGHT GALA SCREENING & AWARDS PARTY

Thelma, Director:Joachim Trier (Norway)

A woman begins to fall in love, only to discover that she has fantastic powers.

NARRATIVE FEATURE COMPETITION

The Big Sick: Director Michael Showalter (US)

Pakistan-born comedian Kumail Nanjiani and grad student Emily Gardner fall in love but struggle as their cultures clash. When Emily contracts a mysterious illness, Kumail finds himself forced to face her feisty parents, his family's expectations, and his true feelings.

Strassenkeiser: Director Florian Peters (Germany)

Berlin intoxicated by the summer Carnival. In the middle of it is Noah, a 12 year old lost boy, who is supposed to meet his father. Instead Noah chooses to spend his time with small-time crook Samuel, he experiences the journey of his Life. A Roadmovie through the streets of Berlin.

Noctem: Director Marcos Cabotá (Spain)

Two friends disappear while in Mexico, a year later, friends find their phones, which are full of recordings, which they use to find out what happened to them.

Cast and Crew will be in attendance

Even Lovers Get the Blues: Director Laurent Micheli (France)

Ana is sleeping with Hugo, Dalhia with Graciano, Léo with Louis, and Arthur with everyone. Parties and love affairs lead to heart searching, deep desires and the craving to live life to the full. Even Lovers Get the Blues draws the portrait of the love and sexual lives of disenchanted and passionate young people.

En Acabar: Director Guillem Miro (Spain)

An idealist young man cheats on two friends of childhood and his ex allota to accompany him in search of the best verbena de Mallorca when he is actually looking for a candy that left him in love.

Cast and Crew will be in attendance

Reevolution: David Sousa Moreau (Spain)

The most sensational 'media crime' investigation of history has started. In Reevolution, the flashbacks and the interrogatories weave, challenging the audience to rebuild the story of four suspects accused of having freed humanity.

Cast and Crew will be in attendance

Dark Blue Girl: Director Mascha Schilinski, (Germany)

When Jimmy and Hannah finally find a buyer for their holiday home on the Greek volcano island Santorini, the ex-couple returns to the place where they broke up two years ago.

Cast and Crew will be in attendance

House of Norway: Director Jan Vardøen (Norway)

A Persian refugee comes to Norway seeking asylum, and winds up at a quirky, secluded academy where he must pass a series of tests in order to stay.

Director will be in attendance

Antenna: Director Arik Rothstein (Israel)

Eighty four-year-old Yehoshua discovers a cellular antenna on his roof. He believes that all his ailments are caused by the radiation from the antenna, and his feelings escalate into an obsession. His wife and three grown sons are unwillingly swept into this battle in this film comedy.

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE COMPETITION

Ladies First: Director Uraaz Bahl (India)

The inspirational story of Deepika Kumari who, as a girl born on the road to impoverished parents in rural India, went in search of food, stumbled upon archery, and within four years became the number 1 archer in the world. 

Cast and Crew will be in attendance

Shiners: Director Stacy Tenenbaum (US)

Shiners delves into the lives of shoe shiners around the world giving you an insider's view of this often overlooked profession. Travel from Tokyo to La Paz, New York, Toronto and Sarajevo, to meet the men and women who make their living cleaning our shoes.

Director will be in attendance

A Year with Betty Gold: Director J McMerty (US)

Betty Gold is about to turn 80 with no plans on retiring. From her early days as Miss. Texas to installing large scale sculptures around the world, some things have not changed; her tenacity, humor and philosophy of yes. A Year with Betty Gold follows this abstract California artist as she shares her insights on love and life while pulling back the curtain on the struggles of a contemporary artist.

Cast and Crew will be in attendance

Grab and Run: Director Roser Corella (Germany | Spain | Kyrgyzstan)

Since Kyrgyzstan gained its Independence in 1991, there has been a revival of the ancient practice of Ala-Kachuu, which translates roughly as "grab and run". More than half Kyrgyz women are married after being kidnapped by the men who become their husbands.

The Vienna Philharmonic - Beyond Music!: Co Merz (Austria)

The Vienna Philharmonic has been considered as one of the best orchestras in the world. With a long tradition in mind, the musicians reflect on the role of their orchestra in the 21st century. In a modern world in which so many traditions are fading,

Director will be in attendance

Resistance is Life: Director Apo W. Bazidi (Turkey | United States | Syria)

Eight-year-old Evlin characterizes the resilience of Kobane's resistance against ISIS forces through her experience in a refugee camp on the Turkish-Syrian border.

Surviving Peace: Director Josef Avesar (Isarel, | United States)

Picking up where 'The Gatekeepers' left off, the documentary 'Surviving Peace' examines why the Israeli-Palestinian peace process has stalled for sixty seven years, even to the present, with the failure of the Kerry talks leaving two state solution now 'dead in the water.' Then this film examines what until now has been an unexplored solution- confederation

Life And Death Of An Architekt: Director Miquel Eek, (Spain)

Ferragut was an architect eclectic and original, a maverick who faced injustice rooted in politics, bureaucracy and business men impatient for dealing operations in the territory. Ferragut was an illustrated man, spiritual restless, and a passionate for culture: visionary filmmaker, music lover and gay in a society bitterly cruel with homosexuality that was used by muddying his image and his death.

Director will be in attendance

Since 2000 half of the winners of Stockholm International Film Festivals’ most prestigious award, the Bronze horse, have been female directors. It is unique for a film festival to both screen and award women and men equally in one competition.

Stockholm Film Festival has been working hard for many years to promote female directors in the film industry. Female directors are in general less likely to get funding, which results in fewer movies directed by women.

But despite that, Stockholm Film Festival manages to present an equal starting field in our most prestigious section – the StockholmXXVIIICompetition  – without compromising on showing the most high quality films. The first movie in the competition this year is Ava by LéaMysius.

The praised debut drama Ava was nominated for four awards at Cannes film festival earlier this year, winning the Palme d'Or for Best Movie in the SADC category as well as the Palm Dog jury prize. 

Ava will also have the honor of being the official campaign picture of this year’s Stockholm Film Festival.  

Léa Mysius’ captivating drama follows thirteen-year-old Ava who is spending the summer at the Atlantic coast with her mother. But the summer idyll is shattered when Ava is told that she will lose her eyesight in just a few months. To live life to the fullest before turning blind Ava decides to escape – with a young man on the run.

– I’m very proud that we can present an equal lineup in the Stockholm XXVIII Competition. It’s a result of hard work. We review all films directed by women, and for that reason we manage to find fantastic movies that we want to highlight, says festival director GitSheynius.

The 28-year-old debuting director Léa Mysius will be visiting Stockholm to attend this year’s festival. Tickets for the premier screening of Ava on November 11th will be released on October 5th. After the screening, director Léa Mysius will participate in a seminar with the audience regarding the film.

The Stockholm International Film Festival takes place November 8th-19th.

Léa Mysius will be available for interviews during the festival. For media inquiries, please contact pressekreterare@stockholmfilmfestival.se.

If you haven’t already, don’t forget to apply for press accreditation for this year’s festival: www.stockholmfilmfestival.se/eng/press

The 28th Stockholm International Film Festival, November 8-19, 2017
The Stockholm International Film Festival started in 1990 and is today one of the leading competitive film festivals in Europe. The festival takes place every year in November with more than 200 films from more than 60 countries. 

WE LOVE FILM! 

#CINEMAFORTHESENSES

The Byron Bay Film Festival is just one day away. Byron Bay Film Festival invites you to join us on the red carpet gala events, filmmakers discussion panels, VR & AR exhibitions and workshops, celebrity spotting, and an immersive cinematic experience covering a diverse range of genres and themes, including equality, women in film, surfing, mental health, environment, human rights, and much more.

Check out who's coming to town...

The Revelation Perth International Film Festival has partnered with the City of Perth and the National Film and Sound Archives to present Accidental Cinema as a part of the Invigorate Perth initiative.

Accidental Cinema is an ongoing projection-based public art initiative that takes unoccupied shop fronts across the City of Perth and transforms them into purpose-built moving image vignettes reflecting on the City’s vibrant history and contemporary life.
 
Using some of the earliest film shot in and around the Perth, the first installation features timeless moving images from the astonishing Corrick Collection which have been restored by the National Film & Sound Archive.
 
The Corrick Collection contains some of the oldest surviving silent films in the world. They were restored after spending many years in a Tasmanian garage, eventually being donated to the NFSA by the Corrick family. Hundreds of nitrate films were collected by the Corrick family as they toured their vaudeville show around the world at the turn of the century, screening many short films along the way. The collection features some of the oldest known moving image records of Perth, dating from 1907.
 
“Working with archives in this way is the most wonderful experience” says Revelation Director Richard Sowada. “They can tell us so much about ourselves today and where we have come from. We can’t wait to see these special moments across the city.”
 
The Accidental Cinema concept will change from location to location and it’s expected that over the next eight months Perth will see four more iterations with site-specific moving image material. The current installation features a three-screen presentation located at Piccadilly Arcade, a location which itself is inextricably linked with film in Perth.
 
Accidental Cinema will be on view at Piccadilly Arcade until 31 December. The exhibition has been developed by Perth’s own projection maestro’s Frankensound and commissioned by the Revelation Perth International Film Festival and National Film and Sound Archives

Revelation is proudly supported by the Australian and West Australian governments through Screenwest and Screen Australia. 
 

October 5, 2017 (DENVER) - The Denver Film Festival (DFF), produced by Denver Film Society (DFS), announced its educational programs for the 40th anniversary edition of the Festival. They will include access to the Festival for teachers and students K-8, a robust program for high school students, and a new initiative to connect college students, ages 18-24, with the film industry.

“The Denver Film Society's vision is to cultivate community and transform lives through film, and there's no better place to begin than with its young minds," says Education Director, Neil Truglio. "Opening an avenue for students to showcase their vision, while also creating the opportunity for current, working filmmakers to share their knowledge is an obvious win-win. Our goal through Project NEXT is to cultivate the next generation of filmmakers, festival audiences and cinema lovers right here in Denver."

Project NEXT announces the launch of a high school film festival that will coincide with DFF40. High school short-subject films may be submitted through a web portal and will be judged for inclusion by a panel of industry professionals. The selected films will screen as part of High School Day at the Festival, Friday, November 10 at the Festival Annex at the McNichols Building in Civic Center Park. High School groups from around the state will be encouraged to come to High School Day to take part in panels, workshops, equipment demonstrations, screenings and an award ceremony, sponsored by Riverfront Park Community Foundation, for the top high school films in multiple categories. The Project NEXT Festival submissions opened October 1 and will close on October 27. Students are encouraged to promote their inclusion in the program, as there will be a Viewer's Choice Award chosen through popular vote. To register a high school troupe or to submit a film please visit denverfilm.org/education/projectnext. High School filmmakers, whose films are selected for inclusion at High School Day, will receive an advanced badge to the 12-Film Festival which will include events, screenings, conversations with filmmakers and other exciting opportunities.

DFF40 announces a special curated program for Project NEXT students ages 18-24. This special badge will give students access to exclusive screenings and panel events, one-on-ones with industry guests - including directors, actors and producers, and Festival vouchers to be used for any DFF40 regular-priced screenings. The curated badge will include a specific schedule of events for the 12-day Festival, all chosen and created especially to give 18-24 year old students a deeper look at the Festival and place them firmly inside of the filmmaking industry as it celebrates the best in film from 2017. The badge will be on sale through DFS starting October 10, but the organization will also be giving away badges between now and the start of the Festival. Liberty Global is partnering with DFS on this initiative through a sponsorship that will allow 25-50 students access to a free Project NEXT badge through an application process hosted at denverfilm.org/education/projectnext. Students are encouraged to apply today.

Project NEXT will connect K-8 students to age-level appropriate content for teachers in the community who wish to participate in the programming through DFS' connection with the SCC (Scientific & Cultural Collaborative). Teachers interested in engaging with DFF40 may contact the Society's Education Director, Neil Truglio at neil@denverfilm.org to create a school specific outing.

Individual tickets go on sale to DFS members on Tuesday, October 10 and to the general public on Thursday, October 12. High-level members will be able to purchase their tickets in advance of the public & member onsale dates. Tickets will be available for purchase online at www.denverfilm.org or the DFF main box office location at the Sie FilmCenter (2510 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80206).

Festival Packages are currently on sale. The following packages offer the best discounted price to attend the Festival. Packages increase in price after Sunday, October 8.

Six Pack: $60 ($10 per ticket) Member, $78 ($13 per ticket) Non-Member - Valid for matinee and regular screenings and panels, not valid for special presentations. After October 8: $66 Member, $84 Non-member. secure.denverfilm.org/package/package.aspx?PID=603

Fifteen Pack:  $135 ($9 per ticket) Member, $180 ($12 per ticket) Non-Member – Valid for matinee and regular screenings and panels, not valid for special presentations. After October 8: $150 Member, $195 Non-member. secure.denverfilm.org/package/package.aspx?PID=604

Red Carpet Package: $75 ($25 per ticket) Member, $90 ($30 per ticket) Non-Member - Three Red Carpet film experiences at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, including Opening Night - November 1, Centerpiece - November 3; and Closing Night - November 11. secure.denverfilm.org/pass/index.aspx

Dinner and a Movie Packages: $75 Member, $85 Non-Member. Enjoy an amazing night out with dinner at any Larimer Square restaurant ($50 gift certificate), free parking at the Larimer Square garage, and Red Carpet evening at the Denver Film Festival. secure.denverfilm.org/pass/index.aspx

Flavor of the Fest: $100. The Flavor of the Fest Package is your opportunity to engage in a sampling of our Festival offerings. Package includes a ticket to one Red Carpet Premier with After Party and 4 tickets to regularly priced DFF40 screenings. secure.denverfilm.org/tickets/film.aspx?id=29612

Enjoy the Denver Film Festival in a whole new way by becoming a Member. Memberships begin at just $65 and allow you to purchase DFF40 tickets at a member discount. No matter what membership level you choose to join Denver Film Society, your contributions will be appreciated and make a difference. For more information on membership please visit: denverfilm.org/membership

Experience DFF as an insider. Join the DFS Leadership Circle for exclusive Festival access. Please visit: denverfilm.org/membership for a breakdown of levels and benefits. In addition, please contact Suzanne Yuzer at suzanne@denverfilm.org or 303-595-3456 ext. 223 to purchase a Leadership Circle Membership. 

Press accreditation is currently open and closes on Friday, October 13. Complete details on how to apply are currently available at: denverfilmfestival.denverfilm.org/media/media-accreditation/

To keep up to date with DFF40 on social media: like the DFF Facebook (Facebook.com/DenverFilmFestival) page, follow @DenverFilm on Twitter and join the conversation by using the hashtag: #DFF40.

FILM FEST 919 TO UNVEIL IN 2018
AT THE HELM OF RANDI EMERMAN, CAROL MARSHALL
AND CLAUDIA PUIG 

The 1^st Annual Film Fest 919 will premiere in Chapel Hill, North Carolina next year, October 2018, it was announced today by Founders Randi Emerman and Carol Marshall.  Programmed by Claudia Puig, former USA Today movie critic, current NPR film critic and president of the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, the festival will showcase award-winning feature films discovered from the festival circuit worldwide, as well as notable filmmakers. These gems will be programmed and combined with renowned culinary artists specific to the region of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Triangle.
 
Film Fest 919 will kick off with a launch party and a special screening of A24’s Cannes and Toronto Film Festival favorite THE FLORIDA PROJECT. The film’s writer/producer Chris Bergoch will be in attendance and will participate in a Q&A with Claudia Puig on October 25, 2017 at Silverspot Cinema at University Place in Chapel Hill. The event will also feature selections from one of the many culinary artists of the region. Set over one summer, THE FLORIDA PROJECT, directed by Sean Baker and starring Willem Dafoe, follows precocious 6-year-old Moonee (Brooklyn Prince, in a stunning breakout turn) as she courts mischief and adventure with her ragtag playmates and bonds with her rebellious yet caring mother, all while living in the shadows of Disney World.
 
Emerman and Marshall join forces with an abundance of festival experience, having worked together for 15+ years at the Palm Beach International Film Festival. In addition, Marshall proved an integral factor in the growth of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival for 25 years.  “We created Film Fest 919 to further satiate the rabid appetite (pun intended) this community has for fresh voices and global perspectives,” remarked Emerman. “We’re thrilled to have the support of Silverspot Cinema and University Place. We also look to complement the Full Frame Documentary and River Run Film Festivals, two renowned local events which take place in the Spring.”
 
“The Triangle provides a wonderful cultural environment in which to showcase films,” adds Marshall. “We are excited to bring our 30+ years of film festival experience to this community.”
 
Puig further comments, “I’m very excited about Film Fest 919.  I’m thrilled to be programming and showcasing a carefully curated, compelling and diverse breadth of narrative features for such an engaged and film-loving audience.  And how fun it will be to pair the vitality of films with wonderful cuisine from the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Triangle.”
 
Tickets for the Launch Event will range from $35 - $100.  For more information, log onto www.FilmFest919.com. 
 
Contact:               Film Fest 919
                            info@FilmFest919.com
                            919-441-1

CONFLICT, RESILIENCE, STRENGTH AND SPIRIT:
 

From the award-winning documentary Ghost Hunting where ex-prisoners re-enact nightmarish interrogation memories, to political hip-hop feature Junction 48, and Australian documentary From Under the Rubble, the Palestinian Film Festival Australia returns this year with a program that celebrates the life, art and culture of Palestine and its people.

Five documentaries, two features and five short films will screen in Sydney, Canberra,Melbourne, Adelaide,Brisbane and Perth from 26 October - 19 November. Tickets to the Festival are on sale now at www.palestinianfilmfestival.com.au.   

 “We are thrilled to present this incredible selection of films that goes behind the news headlines and celebrates the culture and community of Palestine. We want people to leave with a deeper understanding of Australian-Palestinians, their stories and journeys, and that of the global Palestinian experience more generally,” said Festival Director Naser Shakhtour.

“This year’s festival falls on the same year that Palestinians remember and reflect on the 50 years since the 1967 War – the war where Israel occupied the remaining Palestinian territories of the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza Strip. The memory is one of trauma and loss but also of one of strength and resilience, and the Festival program is reflective of this spirit,” added Shakhtour.

Opening Night

The reflective documentary, Stitching Palestine will open the Festival in each city. Stitching Palestine delves into the lives and identities of 12 high-powered Palestinian women, with the stitching of a piece of embroidery progressing as they tell their stories, linking one to another.

Writer and architect Suad Amiry is one of the 12 women featured in Stitching Palestine and will attend the Festival as a guest this year. As well as having written several acclaimed books, Suad is the founder of RIWAQ, an NGO dedicated to preserving Palestinian collective memory through the restoration of architectural heritage sites in rural Palestine.

Features

• Junction 48 sets the Israel-Palestine conflict to a hip-hop soundtrack as Palestinian rapper Tamer Nafar stars as a version of himself, dreaming of hip-hop stardom whilst facing Israeli bigotry.
• Personal Affairs is the charming directorial debut for Maha Haj. The film centres on the relationships and tensions of an extended family, dispersed across multiple borders.

Documentaries

• From Under the Rubble, is an Australian feature-length film and explores the ongoing psychological damage and trauma faced by women and children after enduring years of conflict.
• Ghost Hunting won the Glashutte Original Documentary Award at the 67th Berlin International Film Festival and has generated buzz all over the world for its inventive and controversial style of storytelling. The film follows a group of Palestinian ex-prisoners who share their stories by re-enacting the nightmarish memories of their own interrogations.
• Off Frame aka Revolution Until Victory explores the Palestinian revolutionary period of the late 1960s and early 1970s through archival and old movie footage from the time. The film depicts the shift in the way Palestinian began to think of themselves: from refugee to freedom fighter.
• Looted and Hidden – Palestinian Archives in Israel exposes, for the first time, Palestinian materials that were plundered and erased from the public sphere by Israel and for many years were considered lost.
• Emwas: Restoring Memories is a personal film that follows director, Dima Abu Ghoush and her efforts to rebuild a scale model of her demolished hometown from the memories of its people.

Shorts

Accompanying the program will be five incredible international shorts. Highlights include: A Man Drowning which was nominated for the Palme d'Or - Best Short Film at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival and In Defense of the Rocket which charts the rise and fall of the Middle East peace process in photos to the rhythms of Beethoven’s 7^th Symphony.

The Festival is partly funded through the Council for Australia-Arab Relations (Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade) and supported through the Australian Cultural Fund.

The Palestinian Film Festival opens in Sydney (26-30 Oct), Canberra (27 Oct), Melbourne (2-5 Nov), Adelaide (10-12 Nov), Brisbane and Perth (17-19 Nov).