AACTA FESTIVAL 2024: AUSSIE SCREEN MAGIC WILL TAKE CENTRE STAGE ON THE GOLD COAST

By Sarah Waters

The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) has announced the debut of the AACTA Festival, a four-day celebration of Australia’s vibrant screen industry, held at HOTA on the Gold Coast early next year from February 8 - 11.

The event promises an immersive experience for all, from industry professionals to flm enthusiasts, schoolleavers, families and aspiring creatives.

More than 70 events are on the festival program, giving members of the public an opportunity to go behind the scenes of their favourite flms, meet their favourite stars, network with screen practitioners and learn more about Australia’s flm, TV, gaming and music industry.

The AACTA Industry Awards Ceremony will take place on Thursday, February 8, followed by a day of industry events, masterclasses and creator discussions on Friday.

On Saturday, February 10, the AACTA Awards Ceremony will welcome all the stars on the red carpet.

The event will wrap up on Sunday, February 11, with an array of screenings, live music, kids’ events, acting workshops, meet-andgreets and more.

Sunday will also feature the Screen Careers Expo presented by Essential Screen Skills, running all day and offering pathways for anyone wanting to break into the industry.

Cinematic highlights include a behind-thescenes look at the making of The Matrix; an animation deconstruction of international blockbuster Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, a deep dive into the stunt work from Mad Max: Fury Road and a showcase of the upcoming BINGE original series High Country, with Leah Purcell.

Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), and producer Paul Currie will give audiences an exclusive look of their upcoming Australian flm Better Man starring singer Robbie Williams.

Iconic Australian musician Russell Morris (The Real Thing) will take part in an exclusive in conversation with composer David Hirschfelder, and audiences can hear from Mortal Kombat director Simon McQuoid on the progress of the flm franchise currently being shot in Queensland.

Many of Queensland’s top writers will attend and be showcased throughout the festival, including Trent Dalton, author of Boy Swallows Universe, and Holly Ringland author of Lost Flowers of Alice Hart.

In addition to this, audiences can hear from writers Nick Earls, Lystra Rose, Mathew Condon, Richard Jameson, Tristan Michael Savage and Ben Hobson to name just a few.

The festival will host a series of Meet the Creators events, panel discussions with internationally renowned talent including directors Danny and Michael Philippou (Talk to Me), Warwick Thornton (The New Boy), and the team behind the hit TV show The Newsreader.

The Meet the Nominee panels offer a chance to hear from some of Australia’s biggest stars, producers, and directors, nominated for a prestigious AACTA Award.

The festival features a wide range of topical industry panels covering various aspects of the screen industry, from the future of AI and streaming to First Nations truthtelling and storytelling panels.

Also included are a range of online gaming ‘Let’s Play’ events, and an immersive art experience led by acclaimed painter, actor and musician Stan Yarramunua.

The kids’ events include Play School LIVE, kid’s acting workshops, face painting, live music and a very special appearance from Queensland’s beloved Bluey.

AACTA CEO Damian Trewhella said AACTA Festival is a must-attend event for anyone who loves Australian flm, television, music, gaming, art and pop culture.

“We are excited to present more than 70 events over four days celebrating the excellence of our industry,” Mr Trewhella said.

“From red carpet glamour to workshops and a special kids’ line-up, it’s an invitation for everyone to step into the magic of storytelling and creativity,” he said.

Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney said The AACTA Festival will bring leading local and national screen practitioners together on the Gold Coast - a renowned production and screen talent hub.

“Screen Queensland is proud to support the inaugural AACTA Festival and welcome aspiring flmmakers and audiences alike to also connect, learn and revel in this celebration of screen culture,” she said.

The AACTA Festival is now live.

For more information and to book tickets please visit aactafestival.com.

About AACTA

The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) is a not-forproft organisation, aimed at promoting, encouraging and celebrating screen excellence in Australia.

The Australian Academy is Australia’s only independent, member-based, national screen organisation that represents all differing screen crafts, from directors to producers, actors, writers, musicians and a vast number of members in below-the-line roles.

For over 60 years, the AACTA Awards (formerly the AFI Awards) have recognised and celebrated Australia’s highest achievements in flm, television, documentary, short form and digital content.