The Melbourne International Film Festival is weeks away, but the excitement is already growing for this year's event. Hopefully to set the tone, MIFF have announced key sponsor Grey Goose Vodka as well as some information on the fun genre-blender The Death And Life Of Otto, which will officially kick off proceedings as its opening gala film.
Fact, including the announced film, MIFF will have opened with two Australian time travel genre films (the other being the Ethan Hawke vehicle Predestination).
Starring Xavier Samuel, Matilda Brown and Rachel Ward, The Death and Life of Otto Bloom chronicles the life and great love of Bloom (Samuel), an extraordinary man who experiences time in reverse – passing backwards through the years while remembering the future.
The Death And Life Of Otto Bloom is a MIFF Premiere Fund supported debut feature by Melbourne filmmaker Cris Jones. "Not only does it signal the arrival of an exciting new filmmaking talent in Cris Jones, it speaks to so many of the themes that will run throughout the entire program this year”, said MIFF Artistic Director Michelle Carey.
Cris said of the announcement: “To have Otto Bloom premiering on MIFF's Opening Night is such an honour and a joy. For me, MIFF is more than a celebration of film. It is a family and a home. The festival has played an enormous role in my journey as a filmmaker, and without the support of the Premiere Fund, this film would not exist. I’m so grateful to Michelle Carey and the festival team for giving our film the best possible start in life, and look forward to celebrating the work of our wonderful cast and crew at such an amazing event.”
Stay tuned to ScreenAnarchy for more on MIFF.