Only days before the start of the Sydney Film Festival, the Melbourne International Film Festival has released 29 titles from its 2017 program. Running from 3 to 20 August, it will include the Australian premiere of Jane Campion’s TOP OF THE LAKE: CHINA GIRL, starring Nicole Kidman and Elisabeth Moss, just as it did at Cannes.
We’re hoping that this sneak peek of the 2017 program gives you a taste of what’s to come,” says Artistic Director Michelle Carey. “The calibre of films on offer this year is very impressive, from Australian stalwart Jane Campion’s TOP OF THE LAKE: CHINA GIRL to breakout hit PATTI CAKE$, MIFF brings you the story of the world through curated and unforgettable screen experiences.”
Australia is well represented with two films from Kriv Stenders, the topical and politically charged AUSTRALIA DAY, and THE GO-BETWEENS: RIGHT HERE, a documentary chronicling the beloved Australian band. They will join Australia’s “first Muslim romcom” ALI’S WEDDING from Jeffrey Walker; Jennifer Peedom’s epic documentary MOUNTAIN; Gregory Erdstein’s charming feature debut THAT’S NOT ME; and innovative documentary THE SILENT EYE, capturing an intense performance from free jazz pioneer Cecil Taylor and modern dance artist Min Tanaka.
Internationally, Alex Ross Perry’s GOLDEN EXITS, starring Emily Browning, Chloë Sevigny, Jason Schwartzman and Beastie Boy Adam Horovitz, will make its Australian debut. Speaking of massive casts, Charlie Hunnam, Sienna Miller and an “unrecognisable” Robert Pattinson lead James Gray’s THE LOST CITY OF Z, adapting David Grann’s nonfiction bestseller about a real-life El Dorado adventure. GOD’S OWN COUNTRY, from the UK, has been described as “A British Brokeback Mountain, but better.” As a winner of the Sundance Film Festival’s World Cinema (Dramatic) Best Director award, and a recipient of the Teddy jury award at the Berlin Film Festival, this is one to catch.
Other highlights include the super buzzed coming of age drama CALL ME BY YOUR NAME from Italy’s Luca Guadagnino (A Bigger Splash); Terrence Malick’s critically divisive SONG TO SONG; Raoul Peck’s gripping documentary I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO, narrated by Samuel L. Jackson; the Lovecraftian THE ENDLESS from directors Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead; and the Sundance Special Jury Prize winning STEP.
You can find the full list on miff.com.au.
