MIFF launches first glimpse of 2024 program

The Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF), running from August 8 to 25, has unveiled the first of its extensive 2024 program, promising a diverse array of films and events for all to enjoy.

Presented annually since 1952, MIFF stands as Australia’s premier film festival, with the 2024 program boasting an impressive lineup of more than 250 films set to grace big screens across Melbourne.

The festival’s first program announcement revealed the opening night gala on August 8 will feature Melbourne local Adam Elliot’s film, Memoir of a Snail.

This beautifully crafted stop-motion film arrives 20 years after his 2004 Oscar win for Harvie Krumpet, with Memoir of a Snail featuring a stellar line-up of Melbourne talent including Sarah Snook, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Magda Szubanski, Eric Bana, Tony Armstrong, Nick Cave, and Jacki Weaver.

“Adam is an extraordinary talent, there’s no-one in the world who makes films like him. He has this incredible vision for cinema, his works are dark and they’re delightful and very personal,” MIFF artistic director Al Cossar said.

“There are so many things in it [Memoir of a Snail] that are iconically Melbourne. I think people will see Melbourne in a whole new way, and in a way which is very familiar at the same time.”

Throughout the festival, attendees can enjoy a variety of experiences across the CBD, from exploring iconic Melbourne venues such as The Capitol and Forum Melbourne, to late-night screenings at ACMI.

With an abundance of things to do and films to see, Mr Cossar encourages festivalgoers to step out of their comfort zones this year and experience the magic of MIFF.

“I’d say spend the day, go to a few different venues, and see something you’ll never have the opportunity to see again or that you wouldn’t normally see. You might discover something that you love,” he told CBD News.

“Maybe you want to see two or three or four things, maybe you want to go for yum cha or dumplings before or after – I think the joy of MIFF is having a day in the city and just kind of being a bit adventurous with the program as well and exploring CBD spaces.”

With the full program announcement coming on July 11, Mr Cossar urges people to check out the program and secure tickets early. 

“[MIFF] is a pretty extraordinary story of cultural longevity within Melbourne, and an event that is extraordinarily special to Melburnians.” •