This November, the 2024 Russell Hobbs British Film Festival returns to cinemas in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra and Byron Bay with a stunning selection of films from the British Isles. The line-up includes films direct from international film festivals and is brimming with tender dramas, action packed thrillers, comedy, documentaries and retrospectives, featuring many of Britain’s most admired acting and directing stars.
It is with great delight we announce that the festival will include the recently opened Palace Regent Ballarat in Victoria in its national locations, bringing the first taste of the Palace film festival experience to the region.
The Festival is also pleased to welcome aboard naming partner Russell Hobbs, the iconically British appliance brand, established in Britain in 1952.
Dean Hammerton, Brand & Communications Manager, Asia Pacific says “We are very honoured to lead the partnership with Palace Cinemas at this year’s Russell Hobbs British Film Festival. Since the day Bill Russell and Peter Hobbs founded Russell Hobbs in Surrey UK, we’ve always done things in a recognisably British way with the goal of making everyday life a little bit easier. As a proud British brand, with a dash of style and history intertwined – we are very excited to support the celebration of British cinema and culture.”
Opening this year’s festival is the Premiere of BLITZ, Steve McQueen’s visually stunning period drama depicting pivotal moments of World War II in London. The powerful and sweeping portrayal of British life during these events, which arrives direct from its London Film Festival Premiere, features stellar central performances from Saoirse Ronan and Paul Weller, in addition to exceptional newcomer Elliot Heffernen who plays 9 year old George.
Closing this year’s Festival is the exclusive Australian Premiere of the highly anticipated WE LIVE IN TIME. Featuring beautifully nuanced performances from Oscar nominees Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, this heart rendering romance delves into the profound question of how to make the most of the time we have in this world.
Screening in special Festival previews one week prior to official opening, and during the festival, is WIDOW CLICQUOT. This British/French co-production based on a true story offers an effervescent portrait of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, the “Grande Dame of Champagne,” otherwise known as Veuve Clicquot.
Aylin Tezel’s directorial debut FALLING INTO PLACE is screening in its Australian Premiere at the Festival. The tender drama follows Kira (played by Tezel) and Ian, each fleeing their own personal struggles, who cross paths during a winter weekend on the Isle of Skye. Their connection is profound but when they return to London, they must both confront their past.
The Festival is excited to present the romance FOUR LETTERS OF LOVE, featuring a commanding ensemble cast including Pierce Brosnan and Helena Bonham Carter. Polly Steele’s beautiful story follows Nicholas and Isabel who are destined for each other, As ghosts, fate and the sheer power of true love pull them together, so too does life threaten to tear them apart.
The Russell Hobbs British Film Festival opens on Wednesday 6 November in Melbourne, Ballarat, Adelaide, Perth Byron Bay, Canberra and Brisbane and Thursday 7 November in Sydney, concluding on Sunday 8 December in all cities.
The full programme to be announced and tickets on sale in mid-October.
The Russell Hobbs British Film Festival presented by Palace screens in the following locations:
Melbourne: 6 Nov – 8 Dec, The Astor Theatre, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, Palace Penny Lane, The Kino, Pentridge Cinema
Ballarat: 6 Nov – 8 Dec, Palace Regent Ballarat
Canberra: 6 Nov – 8 Dec, Palace Electric Cinemas
Brisbane: 6 Nov – 8 Dec, Palace Barracks, Palace James Street
Adelaide: 6 Nov – 8 Dec, Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas, Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas
Perth: 6 Nov – 8 Dec, Palace Raine Square, Luna on SX, Leederville and Windsor
Byron Bay: 6 Nov – 8 Dec, Palace Byron Bay
Sydney: 7 Nov – 8 Dec, Palace Norton Street, Palace Moore Park, Chauvel Cinema, Palace Central
www.britishfilmfestival.com.au
