Introducing MIFF 68½.
Last month came the devastating announcement that, for the first time in its 68-year history, Melbourne International Film Festival would not go ahead this year. Now, the team behind the beloved event have announced MIFF 68½, a 2020 digital film festival.
The reimagined festival will celebrate film through a spread of special ticketed online events. Running across MIFF’s original 2020 dates, August 6 – 23, MIFF 68½ will allow audiences to stream the fully-curated program from the comfort of their homes.
The program will be revealed on July 14 and is set to include a number of films which were chosen to appear as part of the physical festival’s intended 2020 program.
There will also be a presentation of short films across Australian, International, Animation and Documentary categories, with MIFF’s traditional Shorts Awards to be adapted for this year’s digital format.
Made possible by the philanthropy of Melbourne-based film producer, businesswoman and philanthropist Susie Montague and the support of screen director, actor and this year’s Festival Ambassador, Rachel Griffiths, MIFF will be hosted on state-of-the-art streaming platform Shift 72.
“MIFF is a Melbourne icon that offers an important point of togetherness for our city and creative communities each year,” said MIFF Artistic Director Al Cossar.
“MIFF 68½ is our response to these difficult times – the result of our desire to sustain MIFF’s outstanding film programming, stay connected with our audience, and foster new audience connections during this truly unparalleled time.”
We are excited to announce MIFF 68½, a reimagined celebration of cinema online, featuring a suite of films and special events – all streamable from the safety of your home across MIFF’s original 2020 dates (6–23 August). pic.twitter.com/9Ls2ePNmrS
— Melbourne Film Fest (@MIFFofficial) May 7, 2020
MIFF 68½ is happening from August 6 – 23. The program will be revealed on July 14. For more information, visit the MIFF website.
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