Three Victorian filmmakers will see their features make their world debut with selection at three of the most highly regarded cinematic events in the world – the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Venice International Film Festival (VIFF) and British Film Institute (BFI) London Film Festival.
Victorian director Garth Davis will present his feature Lion for its world premiere debut at the Gala Presentation section of TIFF. Starring Dev Patel, Rooney Mara and Nicole Kidman, the true story of Saroo Brierley has been adapted for the big screen with parts of the film shot and post-produced in Melbourne. Film Victoria provided support to Lion through its Production Incentive Attraction Fund.
Lion has also been selected for the American Express Gala at this year’s 60th BFI London Film Festival and will receive its UK premiere in October at London’s Odeon Leicester Square.
Also selected for TIFF is Director Greg McLean’s The Belko Experiment, written and produced by James Gunn, which will have its world-premiere as part of the Midnight Madness program.
Fellow Victorian, writer and director Nicholas Verso will see his debut feature Boys in the Trees, produced by Mushroom Pictures screen at Venice in the Orizzonti competition, which showcases films that represent the latest aesthetic and expressive trends in international cinema. Boys in the Trees will then go on to screen in TIFF’s Discovery program.
Film Victoria CEO, Jenni Tosi said, “We’re thrilled that three talented Victorian filmmakers have been selected to screen at these prestigious events. It’s great to see the diversity and depth of creative talent in Victoria being recognised on the international stage. Congratulations to the creative teams behind each project”.
For more information about Film Victoria, including detail about Victoria’s production incentives and filming locations, visit www.film.vic.gov.au.