Eve Lamb
Castlemaine’s historic Theatre Royal is getting set to host some remarkable new films as part of this month’s Melbourne International Film Festival.
Enhancing the Castlemaine connection, this year’s MIFF will include the Australian premiere of documentary film Hating Peter Tatchell co-produced by Sir Elton John, co-starring Stephen Fry and Ian McKellen – and edited in Castlemaine by locally-based film editor Bergen O’Brien.
The Theatre Royal’s Tim Heath says a further element of interest for Castlemaine audiences will be the theatre’s later (October) hosting of a live performance by renegade country music artist, Wanita – as featured in the film I’m Wanita which is an inclusion on the MIFF program screenings locked in for Theatre Royal.
“We’re extremely excited to be part of the regional program,” Tim says.
“MIFF is an internationally recognised film festival.
“We chose the films (screening at Theatre Royal) in conjunction with MIFF and we’re really pleased to present a program that we think will be in keeping with the diversity here in Castlemaine.
“We feel like there will be something for everyone.”
Celebrating its 69th running, MIFF’s newly revealed 2021 program boasts 283 international and Aussie films including 199 feature films, 84 shorts, 40 world premieres and 154 Australian premieres.
“In Castlemaine the screenings at the Theatre Royal will include Off Country, Anonymous Club, James and Isey (New Zealand), Hating Peter Tatchell, Chef Antonio’s Recipes for Revolution, I’m Wanita and Little Tornado,” MIFF programmer Kate Fitzpatrick told the Mail.
“It’s a great line-up.
“I’d encourage people to get along and support their local theatre and come and see some great films, and I’d also encourage people to jump on the MIFF website.”
MIFF will deliver in-cinema screenings in Melbourne city, suburbs and eight regional Victorian towns, and will also be going nationwide via its online platform enabling film lovers the chance to immerse themselves in new world-class film wherever they may be in Australia.
A total 62 films will be available on MIFF Play, the festival’s online screening platform.
The festival’s two overlapping programs (in-cinema and online) will encompass 18 days with the in-cinema experiences running August 5–15, and MIFF Play expanding into homes online August 14–22.
