The programming is complete, the theatres are booked, and an exciting group of filmmakers are ready to invade Brisbane come the end of July. In a prelude to the official unveiling of the programme, I wanted to take a moment to share a unique section added to the festival this year: Quintessentially Queensland.

As the title suggests, this section has a strong Queensland connection and comprises both shorts and features. Programming began in early January, and since then the pieces have serendipitously fallen into place to form a quality lineup that appropriately coincides with the 150 years of statehood. Among the many highlights, I have a few personal favourites:

Subdivision-World Première

The St.George Bank Brisbane International Film Festival, in collaboration with NOVA 106.9, is pleased to present the first public screening of hilarious new comedy Subdivision. Directed by Sue Brooks (Japanese Story) and starring a slew of well-known actors, this première is bound to be the talk of the town.

Dennis Tupicoff: Portrait of an Artist Evolving

Long-time festival patrons will be familiar with the films of Queensland-born filmmaker Dennis Tupicoff, whose first of a number of films at BIFF, Darra Dogs, screened here in 1993. This year provides an opportunity to watch the evolution of Tupicoff's work over ten films made between 1976 and 2008. Dennis will be in attendance, and the films will be screened in a two-session block. This section will be hosted by Professor Bruce Molloy, Bond University.

Queensland Films 1930-1960: From the Talkies to Television

Tracing the achievements of Queensland filmmakers and the chronicling the story of the state from the start of ‘talkie' production to the first TV broadcasts, this film is a must for anyone interested in a fascinating trip down memory lane. This work in progress will be presented by film historian and filmmaker Pat Laughren.

QNFA Alumi

Since its inception twenty-three years ago, the Warner Roadshow Studios Queensland New Filmmakers Awards has served as a launch pad for many of the state's brightest up-and-coming filmmakers. This year, four previous winners are returning to Brisbane to screen their latest feature. Among these four titles is Ivan Sen's highly anticipated existentialist, extraterrestrial mood piece Dreamland.

By Programming Manager, Alex Fischer