Melbourne 2016: Centrepiece Australian Black Comedy DOWN UNDER Announced at MIFF

The Melbourne International Film Festival has just announced an exciting addition to its lineup, continuing the genre fun, the Centrepiece gala film will be Down Under; a controversial pick that tackles the Cronulla riots; a racist conflict that broke out here in 2005 in Sydney.

Although the film has its world premiere at the upcoming Sydney International Film Festival, it is a relief that MIFF has confirmed the film also. More after the jump.

Abe Forsythe’s second feature film, Down Under, will screen as the prestigious Centrepiece Gala at the 2016 edition of the festival. This is the story of two carloads of hotheads from both sides of the fight destined to collide. Sincere, though misguided, intent gives way to farcical ineptitude as this hilarious yet poignant story of ignorance and fear unfolds, and what was meant to be a retaliation mission turns into something neither side could have imagined.

Centrepiece Gala celebrates Australian films and marks the mid-way point in the annual eighteen-day event. Forsythe's reaction to the inclusion of the film is predictably positive, “I'm thrilled that Down Under has been given the Centrepiece Gala. MIFF has long been one of my favourite film festivals to attend, so it means a great deal to me to be given such a prestigious slot.” This announcement follows that of the Sydney Film Festival, which will host the World Premiere on June 15.

Following these festival screenings, Down Under will release in cinemas on August 11. Presented by Screen Australia, Down Under is executive produced by Greg McLean (Wolf Creek).

Stay tuned to ScreenAnarchy for more on MIFF.