The 2008 Lavazza Italian Film Festival takes over Palace Centro Cinemas in October each year.
Brisbane’s cultural calendar is studded with film festivals that present the best local and foreign cinematic offerings, from award-winning feature films and inspiring documentaries to an eclectic mix of short films and animation.
Read on for our month-by-month guide to Brisbane’s film festivals.
FEBRUARY
Tropfest
Known as the world’s largest short film festival, Sony Tropfest is a free, public, outdoor, annual short film festival held in February each year. The festival’s central aim is to stimulate the production of short films and then provide an audience for the work of Australia’s emerging filmmakers. From more than 700 entries each year, 16 finalists are selected to premiere their films via simultaneous satellite screenings in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Perth, Hobart and regional locations around Australia. It’s a great event for all – and a must-see for anyone with a passion for film.
Where: Cultural Forecourt, Southbank
How to get there: South Bank is regularly serviced by buses, trains and ferries. For further information on public transport, visit our transport pages.
MARCH
Alliance Français French Film Festival
French cinema has ‘je ne sais quoi’ – a certain something. Funny, dramatic, romantic or sexy – see some of the best films to come out of France at Brisbane’s incredibly popular French Film Festival.
Where: Palace Centro Cinemas, New Farm
How to get there: For information on public transport and taxis, visit our transport pages.
APRIL
German Film Festival
Wir wünschen Ihnen ein aufregendes Festival! Enjoy the Festival of German Films! Germany is well-known for its artistic heritage – enjoy an eclectic and exciting mix of the latest-release German films at the German Film Festival, which visits Brisbane in April each year. Whether you are new to the festival or a faithful follower, enjoy the show – und viel Vergnügen im Kino!
Where: Palace Centro Cinemas, New Farm
How to get there: For information on public transport and taxis, visit our transport pages.
MAY
Spanish Film Festival
Dear Amigos! Discover the beauty, exuberance and sunshine of Spanish language films at Brisbane’s annual Spanish Film Festival. Each year’s festival presents a diverse and exceptional overview of contemporary Spanish film production. The word “passion” so often comes up when people talk about Spain – and the festival is an opportunity to share Spanish passion on celluloid. Olé!
Where: Palace Centro Cinemas, New Farm
How to get there: For information on public transport and taxis, visit our transport pages.
Brisbane Queer Film Festival
The annual Brisbane Queer Film Festival (BQFF) celebrates queer cinema by showcasing films that rarely receive mainstream theatrical or television release. Entries are hand chosen by the festival’s director so that a variety of shorts, documentaries, features and foreign films are incorporated into the program. The festival commences with the Opening Night Gala, a massive queer party, and the next six days are packed with a variety of films and film packages. The festival is open to anyone, and while it is not restricted to the queer community it is restricted to over 18s.
Where: Brisbane Powerhouse
How to get there: Brisbane Powerhouse is accessible by bus and ferry. For information on public transport and taxis, visit our transport pages.
AUGUST
Brisbane International Film Festival
It doesn't matter what you're into, the Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF) has something for everyone. BIFF presents a diverse range of spectacular and celebrated feature films from around the world, powerful documentaries, films on filmmaking, retrospectives, animation, experimental work, late night thrillers, children's films, a short film competition and much more. The 24-day festival prides itself on showcasing work from the Asia Pacific region.
Where: The festival takes place at a variety of venues. Check the BIFF website for details.
SEPTEMBER
Liquid Lens
Tap into the refreshing creativity of Australian short film makers. The Liquid Lens Awards short film competition is supported by the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Water as part of Brisbane's Riverfestival.Filmmakers from across Australia deliver an array of inspiring films which entertain and captivate the audience with interesting views about that most-talked about resource - water.
Where: The festival takes place at a variety of venues. Check the Liquid Lens website for details.
OCTOBER
Lavazza Italian Film Festival
Pretend you’re in Italy for two weeks by immersing yourself in Brisbane’s Lavazza Italian Film Festival. Each year the festival presents the very best contemporary Italian films from the Venice, Rome, Cannes and Berlin International Film Festivals. There are dozens to choose from, all with English subtitles.
Where: Palace Centro Cinemas, New Farm
How to get there: For information on public transport and taxis, visit our transport pages.
NOVEMBER
The OtherFilm Festival
OtherFilm Festival (OFF) evolved out of the exploratory and experimental atmosphere of the Brisbane underground art scene – and is dedicated to avant-garde, experimental, abstract, expanded and other film. The festival includes film workshops.
Where: The festival takes place at a variety of venues. Check the OFF website for details.
Greek Film Festival
Catch the latest Hellenic hits at the annual Greek Film Festival. The festival presents a bumper program of handpicked features, sourced from far and wide. Don't miss out!
Where: Palace Centro Cinemas, New Farm
How to get there: For information on public transport and taxis, visit our transport pages.
Hola Mexico Film Festival
A newcomer to Brisbane’s film festival scene, the Hola Mexico Film Festival heats up the screens with an impressive program of feature films and tantalising shorts. The festival presents a complete cinematic experience, from confronting documentaries and light comedies to raw emotional and inspiring stories. Complimenting the visual feasts on show, the Hola Mexico Film Festival Opening Night Fiesta serves up a feast of fabulous Mexican food, music and entertainment. A night not to be missed!
Where: Dendy George Street, Brisbane City
How to get there: For information on public transport and taxis, visit our transport pages.
