Melbourne International Film Festival
What is the Melbourne International Film Festival?
Now in its 73rd year, MIFF is one of the oldest film festivals in the world, alongside Cannes and Berlin. The annual festival is held over three weeks each year throughout Melbourne and surrounds. Founded in 1952, the festival presents a curated global program of screen experiences and the world's largest showcase of Australian filmmaking.
When is the Melbourne International Film Festival?
Running between August 7 and 24, MIFF will include 18 days of bold in-cinema programming with star-studded events, world premiere screenings, headline features and filmmaker talks.
What sort of things can we expect from the program?
Drumroll, please! The full MIFF line-up has just dropped, and let's just say it's getting a standing ovation (Cannes style, of course) from us. The 2025 program will feature more than 275 screen works – including both international and local picks – alongside a curated schedule of talks, panels and special events.
Kicking things off with a bang on August 7 is the Opening Night Gala Feature Film: If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, by writer-director Mary Bronstein and starring Australia's own Rose Byrne. Our Melbourne-based critic Stephen A Russell reviewed the film for Time Out when it premiered at the Berlin Film Festival, giving it five stars and calling Byrne's performance "a tour de force of matriarchal power".
Returning for its second year, MIFF's Premiere With Purpose Gala, presented by Decjuba, will screen Prime Minister on August 14 at ACMI. The documentary follows Jacinda Ardern's tenure as New Zealand PM, as she navigates crises and redefines global leadership with her empathetic yet resolute approach.
The MIFF Headliners program is where you'll find all the hot, buzzy films from the festival circuit. We're talking about Jafar Panahi's It Was Just An Accident, which is fresh off winning the coveted Palme d'Or at this year's Cannes Film Festival; Kristen Stewart's directorial debut The Chronology of Water, a poetic adaptation of writer Lidia Yuknavitch's visceral 2011 memoir; The Mastermind by film auteur Kelly Reichardt, starring Josh O'Connor in a profound exploration of American masculinity; Twinless, a dark queer comedy starring Dylan O'Brien; and Lurker, a thriller by the producer and screenwriter of The Bear and Beef.
Some Aussie highlights include Jimmy Barnes: Working Class Man, which paints a comprehensive portrait of the Cold Chisel frontman through unprecedented behind-the-scenes access and interviews; and Yurlu | Country, and inspiring ode to Country that explores Banjima Elder Maitland Parker's fight to reclaim his asbestos-tainted homeland.
On August 11 and 12, don't miss J ulia Holter: The Passion of Joan of Arc – an Australian premiere that's exclusive to MIFF. The live-score event reimagines the famed 1982 French film by visionary Danish director, Carl Theodor Dreye and involves composer and singer-songwriter Holter performing alongside her band, Hugh Brunt from the London Contemporary Orchestra and a local ensemble.
In partnership with Now or Never, When the World Came Flooding In is part immersive installation and part VR documentary. This world premiere explores the intimate stories of life during a natural disaster.
Time Out Melbourne (yep, that's us!) is also presenting a film. Birthright is Zoe Pepper's razor-sharp debut that dives into themes of generational wealth and millennial desperation. The story follows a recently unemployed and evicted man who must move back into his childhood home with his retiree parents and heavily pregnant wife.
Phew! And that's only scratching the surface – for the full program, which features more docos, local flicks, short films, international blockbusters, the Bright Horizons competition and MIFF Premier Funs, head here.
How much are tickets for the Melbourne International Film Festival?
A Multipass-12 to MIFF gives you 12 standard festival admissions, which you can enjoy by yourself or share with friends. The full price for a share pass is $285.60 or $257.10 for concession holders. There's also a Multipass-6 on offer for $151.20 or $136.10 for concession holders. Single session tickets are also available to purchase.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
12 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Influencer receives 'crazy' cosmetic procedure which leaves her with shock lumps all over her face and neck - but she swears it is better than fillers
An Australian influencer has revealed the results of a shocking cosmetic procedure that left raised bumps across her lips, jaw and neck. Skye Wheatley, 31, is very open about the numerous procedures and surgeries she has undergone to achieve her ideal look, including a controversial 'fox eye' surgery. But on Friday the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! winner went under the needle once more for skin boosters, which leave behind unusual lumps in the skin. 'I got some skin boosters done today. I don't know exactly what she used. But I got them through here [points at her lips], all on my neck,' she said on Instagram. Skye then leaned in close to show the numerous raised bumps covering her neck, lips and jaw. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'This is what it looks like. It looks crazy, but it just plumps the skin, adds so much hydration, and I'm obsessed with skin boosters,' she continued. 'I don't think I would want to touch filler over skin boosters at all. I really just want to work on getting my skin strong, healthy, and just adding lots of collagen, hydration.' Skin boosters are the latest cosmetic treatment trend sweeping through the influencer community. The procedure involves injecting hyaluronic acid into the skin, with claims it improves hydration and elasticity by boosting the skin's natural ability to retain moisture. While dermal fillers add volume and structure, skin boosters are said to stimulate collagen production and enhance the skin's natural quality and texture. They can sometimes leave bumps under the skin near the injection sites, but these typically go away after a few days as the product disperses. It comes after Skye underwent a controversial fox eye lift surgery, among several other procedures, in Turkey last October. The influencer revealed she couldn't open her eyes for three days following the procedure. 'Being in a foreign hospital with no eyesight was pretty unsettling,' she previously said. Skye also had liposuction, a complementary temporal lift, and a blepharoplasty. A temporal lift is a fat transfer into the face to prevent the need for injectable dermal fillers, and a blepharoplasty is an eyelid surgery. Skye has previously revealed on Instagram a list of all the plastic surgery procedures she's ever had done. She mentioned surgery on her nose, her breasts (twice), arms, inner thigh, and face.
Metro
43 minutes ago
- Metro
Danny Philippou chewed on real knives for his extreme scene
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The Philippou brothers can proudly say that they are willing to do whatever it takes to make their terrifying films – even if it means chewing knives themselves. Bring Her Back is a new twisted horror movie from Australian twin filmmakers Danny and Michael Philippou. The brothers are the minds behind the 2022 smash hit Talk to Me, and sit down to chat about their new project, which is only the second movie they've ever made. On a Zoom call at the crack of dawn on a Tuesday, I meet the enthusiastic filmmakers for the first time and immediately complain that they gave their main villain the same name as me. They burst into laughter, setting the tone for this interview. 'You were a massive point of inspiration!' Danny says, fuelling my ego. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Without too much of a spoiler, there is one scene in the A24 supernatural horror that is so visceral, it reportedly left some fainting in cinemas. Metro's Tori Brazier even said in her review: 'I physically recoiled at Bring Her Back's most disturbing and stomach-churning scene.' So, of course, it was necessary to ask the brothers how on earth they came up with something so gory and disturbing. 'I thought of it. I'm pretty proud of myself, actually,' says Danny. 'It's always tapping into things that make you uncomfortable, make you personally cringe. And like, metal on teeth was always such a thing. And so it has always spawned from what is making me uncomfortable. And I think what also helped, in terms of the practical element, trying to pull it off practically, was the sound design of it. 'It was literally me chewing on a knife. So that's the sound that people hear, and that's why I feel it is so like, 'Oh, what the f**k'.' He added that other nauseating noises in the film were also created by him, getting creative with the sound department. 'Even with the wood chewing, like our sound designer was just recording me chewing on bench tops and things like that. That's why you can't fake the sound. 'Sometimes you have to send it.' The film stars Oscar-nominee Sally Hawkins as Laura, an eccentric foster parent who takes in step-siblings Andy (Billy Barratt) and Piper (Sora Wong), who are grieving after the death of their father. Jonah Wren Phillips also stars, playing Olly, a selectively mute little boy who is also under Laura's care, who Andy labels a 'freak' straight off the bat – and to be frank, the analysis isn't inaccurate as the child's behaviour becomes increasingly creepy. 'Casting is everything,' says Danny when discussing the incredible talent of the young actors. 'Each actor had their sort of thing; it was such a specific ask. So with Piper, we knew we wanted to authentically cast a vision-impaired person. So that was really important to her casting.' Piper's lack of vision is a key plot point and expertly portrayed by Sora Wong, a young actress who had never before appeared in a film. 'Letting the young actors know that there's no such thing as a bad take. Like, you can't let anyone down. This is a really safe space. I don't even know what I'm doing. I don't know what I'm doing here! It's like, let's all find the film together,' says Danny. The directors admit that they had zero belief that the megastar Sally Hawkins was ever going to actually appear in their film. 'We reached out to her first and approached her first with the expectation that she'd say no, but when they reached back and they're like, 'Sally, loved the script,' our minds were blown. And she's such a beautiful human and such an incredible performer and a generous collaborator. She was the best.' They added that her performances were so powerful that she was even a little frightening on set. 'There were two or three scenes, and we were scared to approach her because she was so in the headspace, she was in a really frenzied state. That's how powerful she is. She's f**king awesome.' When it comes to scary moments, Michael shares that rain, which features heavily as a motif in the film, caused a lot of on-set chaos. 'There are some big tracking shots, stuff that goes from inside to outside in the rain, and rain is such a difficult thing to shoot with, because, with makeup, as soon as you start, it starts raining. That all washes off. Costumes get wet. Sound is hard to use, and there are so many things that have to go right. 'You're kind of holding your breath a little bit in those moments, like, 'please just let us get away with it in this moment.' Actually, I'll say the scariest thing was when we were shooting with real rain, with real rain machines and stuff. We were filming a scene, and I looked down and water was coming under the front door, like it, like, flooded the house almost. So that was a bit scary.' The directors are both quick to emphasise that with only one other film under their belts, they are still novices. 'It's so interesting, because every film or project that you do, it always feels like you're starting from scratch, and you forget everything a little bit, and it always feels like you're drowning. So even with the next movie, and having these two, I'll still not feel like I know what I'm doing. That's the honest answer,' said Danny. When it comes to looking forward at future projects, it seems prudent to ask if they have any plans to draw on their experiences as twins – a sibling relationship that frequently appears in horror movies – but rarely from twin directors with the real-life credentials themselves. More Trending 'Oh my gosh, yeah, potentially down the line,' says Danny. 'I think you write stuff that scares you, not annoys you. You just annoy me,' Michael adds jokingly to his brother. Danny adds: 'I feel like there would be no beautiful relationship between the siblings if they were twins. They'd hate each other, but maybe one day we'll bring that to screen!' Bring Her Back hits UK cinemas on Saturday, July 2 6. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Beetlejuice 3 director wonders if he's been 'replaced' after development update MORE: 9 deliciously bleak films and where to stream them after 'soul-crushing' new horror MORE: 'Spine-chilling' horror remake with near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes rating now streaming
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
How to get an ultra-ripped physique in your 50s like Sacha Baron Cohen - as Borat star unveils his post-divorce revenge body
Sacha Baron Cohen has shocked fans with his jaw-dropping transformation for the role of Marvel's hot supervillain Mephisto. The British Borat actor, 53, who split from Australian actress Isla Fisher in 2023, after more than two decades together, looked worlds away from his former self as he showed off his ripped body in the new issue of Men's Fitness UK. He revealed he had just three weeks to get into superhero shape, putting in the 'hard work' ready to portray Mephisto, a devil-like figure who makes Faustian bargains. Speaking to the publication, Sacha revealed he and his celeb-loved trainer Alfonso Moretti concentrated on short workouts of 25 minutes, a diet high in fibre and protein as well as low in sugar and '100 push ups a day'. Celebrating his topless cover, the Ali G star also quipped on his Instagram page that he used 'private chefs and personal trainers'. But for people who want to avoid pricey options like personal cooks and trainers, fitness experts have thankfully told FEMAIL the secrets to getting an ultra-ripped body over the age of 50 like Sacha. Mark Harris, fitness expert at Mirafit, said: 'For anyone aiming for a similar physique, it's all about the right approach.' He noted that those hoping to achieve a toned physique like Sacha's need to establish 'a well-tailored workout routine that combines cardio and strength-training elements, while still including substantial recovery periods'. 'I recommend aiming for around three to four weekly training sessions, focusing on weighted exercises such as deadlifts and squats. 'Prioritising form over reps is essential for avoiding any injury which could stunt progress. Cardio is beneficial on less intense days; even a brisk walk can effectively manage weight and boost recovery. 'On recovery days, opting for yoga or pilates sessions can help reduce injury risk while improving flexibility and mobility, which can boost performance during workouts. 'These active recovery days allow people to strive towards their fitness goals, such as achieving Sacha's incredible physique while prioritising rest.' Mark concluded: 'Overall, with the right approach to fitness, I believe anyone, at any age, can reach their fitness goals. The combination of recovery, strength-training, cardio and amending lifestyle habits has allowed this actor to achieve a slimmer and more defined physique. 'With the help of expert trainers, Sacha has credited short but intense workouts as his focus. This means rigorous strength and cardio-based routines, combining a variety of functional movements, high-intensity interval training and weight lifting, giving him this incredible transformation. 'He also credits nutrition as a massive element to his success, claiming he "replaced beer with protein shakes". This highlights his commitment to his fitness regime, revealing how amending unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as alcohol intake, plays a massive role in fitness success.' Meanwhile, Rachael Sacerdoti, a personal trainer and nutritionist, said that 'regular people' should skip the complexity of Sacha's intense transformation and instead focus on getting 'genuinely stronger in basic movements'. Her tips included: 'Eating 35-40g protein per meal, not just post-workout. Training a minimum of three times weekly with complete focus rather than six mediocre sessions. Sleeping 7-9 hours non-negotiably. Most importantly, give yourself time.' 'Sacha had a short amount of time combined with unlimited resources and die hard discipline. You need the same focus, even if your timeline stretches longer,' urged the fitness expert. 'People in their fifties have better mind-muscle connection and discipline than younger individuals. 'While hormones shift with age, they remain sufficient for significant muscle building and fat loss. Women may need to focus more on strength training to combat post-menopausal muscle loss, but the principles remain identical. 'The real victory isn't looking like a Marvel character, it's proving your body can still undergo remarkable transformation at any age.' Elsewhere, Kunal Makwana, personal trainer and founder of KMAK Fitness in the UK and US, who has trained hundreds of men over 50, insisted that the 'first three weeks are when you're likely to see the biggest change'. 'You're not going to become ripped overnight but if you commit, you'll look and feel drastically better within 21 days,' said the fitness expert. The trainer explained: 'The key to a lean, defined look after 50 is resistance training as you're losing muscle mass every year. Focus on compound movements like squats, presses, and rows which are high impact and will give you amazing results. 'Low-impact cardio, even just walking, helps burn fat without stressing your joints. It helps with fat loss at any age. 'For most men over 50, training once a day for 45–60 minutes, 4–5 times a week, is ideal. A typical weekly routine should include two upper body sessions, one lower body day, one full-body metabolic workout, and one or two active recovery days. 'On Day 1, you'd focus on upper body strength with dumbbell bench presses, overhead presses, tricep dips and incline push-ups, followed by a core finisher like planks and leg raises. 'Day 2 would be lower body and core: bodyweight squats to warm up, followed by goblet squats, lunges, glute bridges and ab work like dead bugs and plank shoulder taps. 'Day 3 is for active recovery: walking 10,000 steps and doing 15 minutes of mobility work, targeting the hips, back and hamstrings. It's not a rest day where you lie on the sofa, it's about keeping your body moving so your joints stay happy and your recovery stays on track. 'Day 4 is back to upper body, this time with a pulling focus, so rows, lat pulldowns or assisted pull-ups, bicep curls and rear delt flys, with a core finisher like Russian twists. 'Day 5 is a full-body metabolic session with a 20–30-minute high-intensity circuit made up of kettlebell swings, push-ups, squats, dumbbell snatches and planks.' The fitness expert said: 'Most men over 50 are eating way too little protein. Aim for at least 1.6g per kg of body weight per day and cut back on processed carbs and booze to help get rid of belly fat. 'This isn't about starving yourself, it's about cleaning up your diet. You want nutrient-dense foods, not just fewer calories so incorporate lean meats, veg, whole grains and healthy fats. 'Hormones like testosterone and cortisol have a huge impact on body composition. Getting 7+ hours of quality sleep and drinking 2–3L of water daily will support fat loss and muscle recovery. 'The goal isn't to train like a 25-year-old. It's to train like a smart 50+ man who wants to look incredible, stay injury-free, and feel strong and capable. 'Sacha's physique is lean, athletic and realistic which is what makes it so aspirational. Most guys over 50 can see real changes in just three weeks with this kind of approach. You don't need to be extreme, just consistent and your body will respond fast.' Sacha underwent his superhero makeover ahead of stepping into the Marvel universe as a devilishly good-looking demon. Posing shirtless for the fitness magazine cover, the actor looked incredible as he showed off his chiselled abs and toned arms. Speaking to the publication, Sacha revealed he turned to Matthew McConaughey to get the phone number of celebrity trainer Alfonso Moretti, who has well-established reputation for transforming physiques on impossible deadlines. He joked: 'I called Matthew and asked for help. After asking who I was and how I'd gotten his number, he finally gave me Alfonso's contact'. Sacha went on to have a FaceTime meeting with Alfonso, who got him to strip down to his underwear during their first chat. Due to the short time frame and Alfonso workout methods, Sacha was tasked with being 'consistent' by doing '100 push ups a day'. But the actor's incredible transformation was far from marathon workouts and extreme dieting, as they concentrated on short workouts and a diet high in fibre and protein as well as low in sugar. He said: '25-minute workouts that were sustainable. Even while filming, the workouts happened. In the past, I would've thought you needed hour-long sessions. 'But the short sessions made it so much easier to stay consistent - even with the demands of being on set.' By the two-week mark, Sacha's wardrobe team had to spend $5,000 (£3,600) altering costumes because his body had changed so significantly. He was leaner, stronger, and fitter than ever before. His trainer Alfonso gushed: '100 per cent committed. He could be filming for 15 hours, start at 6am, finish at nine at night and he'd still send me a text: "Do you have time for a workout?"' Revealing his new appearance on his Instagram Story, the funnyman quipped: 'This is not AI, I really am egotistical enough to do this.' He also wrote that he is 'hard launching my mid-life crisis' and 'debuting my new character: middle aged man who replaced beer with protein shakes' His trainer also shared the magazine's photos to Instagram and wrote that he 'could not be more proud' of Sacha after working out with him. 'Sacha trusted my process and followed the plan exactly. Not only did he earn better health and fitness with incredible aesthetics…but also… The COVER of Men's Fitness!!!' Moretti wrote. 'From Borat to Buff full article coming this Friday! For now, enjoy the pictures. Tell me he doesn't look absolutely incredible!' In a recent press conference, Marvel chief Kevin Feige confirmed that Sacha will be portraying the MCU character. Sacha first rose to fame in the 1990s with his Ali G character, the infamous spoof wannabe gangster who became a comedy star. He also starred as Borat, a journalist from Kazakhstan, and played the role of flamboyant Austrian fashionista Bruno. He split with Australian actress Isla Fisher in 2023, after more than two decades together. The former couple share three children.
