The 2023 Cunard British Film Festival returns to cinemas in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra and Byron Bay this November with a stunning selection of films from the British Isles. This year’s line-up boasts an array of dramas, comedies, true stories and documentaries, featuring several of Britain’s finest, much loved acting and filmmaking talents.
Opening this year’s festival is the Australian Premiere of ONE LIFE starring Sir Anthony Hopkins arriving direct from its World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. Based on a deeply moving true story of kindness and compassion that was almost forgotten for 50 years, Hopkins delivers a remarkable performance as Sir Nicholas Winton, also known as the “British Schindler”, who helped rescue hundreds of children from Europe on the verge of World War II. The film also stars Lena Olin, Romola Garai, Alex Sharp, Jonathan Pryce, and Helena Bonham Carter in supporting roles.
A new documentary that takes a deep dive into cinema history, MY NAME IS ALFRED HITCHCOCK, offers fans old and new an inspiring portrait of a truly iconic filmmaker. Extensively and intricately researched, this insightful documentary weaves footage from virtually every film Hitchcock ever made to offer a fresh profile of the masterful movie maker and his practice.
Another much-loved name in British cinema is Ken Loach. The festival is delighted to present the Australian Premiere of his new film THE OLD OAK. The latest work from the revered filmmaker tells the story of a publican who struggles to hold onto his small-town pub as tensions rise upon the arrival of Syrian refugees seeking asylum. True to form, Loach continues to examine social and human rights issues and delivers a heartfelt narrative on the power of acceptance and community.
Engaging with notions of masculinity, self-discovery and gender expression with touching honesty and insight, writer-director Dionne Edwards’ PRETTY RED DRESS is a beautifully poignant journey supported by a stellar cast and featuring the music of Tina Turner. Set in South London, the exhilarating sojourn weaves a story of powerful self-expression, confronting the past and of course, a glorious red dress.
The festival is pleased to announce that Marcus Markou, the director of THE WIFE AND HER HOUSE HUSBAND will be visiting Sydney and Melbourne for a series of Q&A sessions. Featuring an honest, tender script navigating the highs and lows of married life, Markou crafts an engrossing and engaging drama fuelled by solid central performances. Charting the breakdown of a marriage, a forgotten letter brings the couple together to face their past and their most intimate feelings for each other.
The festival opens on Wednesday 1 November in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth and Thursday 2 November in Byron Bay, Canberra and Brisbane concluding on Wednesday 29 November in all cities.
The full programme to be announced and tickets on sale on Thursday 5 October.
The Cunard British Film Festival presented by Palace screens in the following locations:
Sydney: 1 – 29 Nov, Palace Norton Street, Palace Verona, Chauvel Cinema, Palace Central
Melbourne: 1 – 29 Nov, The Astor Theatre, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, The Kino and Pentridge Cinemas
Adelaide: 1 – 29 Nov, Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas, Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas
Perth: 1 – 29 Nov, Palace Raine Square, Luna on SX, Leederville and Windsor
Canberra: 2 – 29 Nov, Palace Electric Cinemas
Brisbane: 2 – 29 Nov, Palace Barracks and Palace James Street
Byron Bay: 2 – 29 Nov, Palace Byron Bay
www.britishfilmfestival.com.au