The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) is coming back to HOTA from February 5 to February 9 with the best AACTA Festival you’ve ever scene!
Emerging and established filmmakers, film buffs and casual fans alike can enjoy a diverse array of sessions, hands-on workshops, exclusive screenings, and special events, all underpinned by the prestigious AACTA Award ceremonies.
With over 100 events — many of them free! — including an expanded music program, some of the highlights this year include conversations with some of the most legendary screenwriters in the industry, such as John Collee (Boy Swallows Universe) and Andrew Knight (Hacksaw Ridge), an exploration of boundary-breaking queer storytelling from trailblazing voices like Spankie Jackzon and Nina Oyama, as well as perspectives from First Nations filmmakers on preserving culture through film.
Fans will get to hear from Aussie cinematographers behind some of Hollywood’s greatest hits, and even learn about the VFX magic behind iconic Marvel scenes. And fear not, horror fans, AACTA Festival will include a variety of sessions on the growing popularity of the genre, complete with sneak peeks at some of the most anticipated releases, like Site Unseen and Beast of War.
Newer forms of media will be represented, with sessions led by online creators like Mackenzie Macintyre and Emily Grosser, and a live recording of the First Things First podcast with hosts Matty Mills and Brooke Blurton, offering unfiltered access to proud First Nations voices.
There will be plenty for music lovers, too, with a live performance of the original music behind the BING Original film, How To Make Gravy — based, of course, on the iconic Paul Kelly Song. There will even be a chance to be the star yourself, if only for the night, at a lively karaoke bar!
But that’s not all, folks! Even younger film fans will have something to look forward to, with the Australian premiere of Looney Tunes: The Day The Earth Blew Up happening on February 8, including a Q&A with Porky Pig and Daffy Duck himself, voice actor Eric Bauza.
You can find the full program for this unmissable celebration of the power of storytelling in the heart of the Australian screen industry here.