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The Melbourne International Film Festival 2024 (MIFF) is set to be a milestone event for MDW. Our entertainment law team has provided legal services to nine projects that will premiere at the Festival.
2024 marks MIFF’s 72nd anniversary, and this year, it will run from 8 to 25 August.
“Having nine projects in one film festival is a tremendous accomplishment, and it reflects a significant amount of hard work from our entertainment team,” said MDW Principal Bryce Menzies. “It’s also a statement about our expertise and our trusted reputation in the industry. We’re delighted to see these nine projects get the recognition they deserve.”
The projects include:
Left Write Hook
Left Write Hook will have its world premiere at MIFF and will screen on 14, 17, 18, 22, 24 and 25 August.
Directed by Shannon Owen, this feature-length documentary invites viewers to witness the groundbreaking program in which eight survivors of child sexual abuse combine boxing with creative writing in their recovery journey.
Audrey
Feature film Audrey, directed by Natalie Bailey, will have its Australian premiere at MIFF on 16 August. More screenings are scheduled for 17, 18 and 23 August.
Plot: When Audrey falls into a coma, her self-appointed mother-of-the-year Ronnie Lipsick is left with no choice but to keep dreams alive by assuming her daughter’s identity.
Described as “razor sharp” and “a surprising delight”, this hilarious black comedy was nominated for Best Narrative Feature at SXSW Film Festival 2024.
Inside
Inside is director Charles Williams’ first feature film and stars Guy Pearce. It will have its world premiere at MIFF on 9 August, with further screenings scheduled for 14, 17, 22, 23 and 24 August.
Williams is known for his success at the Cannes Film Festival, having won the Short Film Palme D’or for All These Creatures.
Plot: Mel Bright (played by newcomer Vincent Miller) is guided through prison hardships by inmates Mark Shepard (Cosmo Jarvis) and Warren Murfett (Guy Pearce).
Voice
Voice is a feature-length documentary by directors Krunal Padhiar and Samara Jose. It will have its world premiere on 21 August and a further screening on 23 August.
It follows the journey of a youth-led road trip across Australia, gathering support for the Indigenous Voice referendum.
Voice is produced by award-winning producer Ben Lawrence.
Like My Brother
Like My Brother is a feature-length documentary written by Sal Balharrie and directed by Sal Balharrie and Danielle MacLean.
It will have its world premiere on 10 August, with an additional screening scheduled for 12 August.
It was filmed over a six-year period and tracks the lives of four young Tiwi women who aspire to become elite Australian Rules Football players. Following their journey from the Tiwi Islands to Melbourne, the documentary uncovers each girl’s desires and dreams while navigating barriers.
In Vitro
In Vitro is a feature film directed by Will Howarth and Tom McKeith. It stars Ashley Zukerman (Succession)
It will have its Victorian premiere on 19 August, with another screening scheduled for 22 August.
Described as “A masterstroke in nerve-shredding cinema,” the film is a sci-fi thriller set in rural Australia.
Kid Snow
Kid Snow is a feature film directed by Paul Goldman.
It will have its Victorian premiere on 15 August, with a further screening scheduled for 20 August.
Plot: Set in 1970’s Western Australia, the film follows the world of tent boxing. It features groundbreaking performances from Billy Howle and Phoebe Tonkin.
Garry Phillips’ sweeping cinematography features the vast Eastern Goldfields in Western Australia.
MIFF describes the film as “a story of hope and the redemptive power of love.”
Runt
Runt is a family feature film directed by John Sheedy.
It’s scheduled for screening on 11 and 25 August.
Plot: Runt is the adaptation of Craig Silvey’s novel about a young girl and her dog on a mission to save her family farm after drought and unmanageable debt take hold.
MIFF describes the film as “an upbeat underdog tale for the whole family.”
The Moogai
The Moogai is a horror feature film written and directed by Jon Bell.
It will have its Victorian premiere on 22 August, with another screening scheduled for 23 August.
Plot: After giving birth to her second baby, a young Aboriginal mother has hallucinations of a malevolent spirit trying to steal the baby. This film tackles the horrors and the trauma of the Stolen Generations.
This film is described as “unsettling at times and utterly terrifying”.
The final word
We’re proud of our association with these nine projects and look forward to witnessing their success.
Visit the MIFF website to view the schedule and buy tickets.
Contact us for more information about our entertainment law services.
