Chris, the embodiment of love itself, emanates compassion, transcending limitations and inviting us all into his radiant embrace. Yet, amidst his rich internal landscape of dreams and boundless imagination, the world often fails to see beyond the cover of the book — a book that if we dared to open, would reveal radical inspiration, creative brilliance, hope and love.

Inspired by Chris’ real-life heroes Banksy, David Bowie and Freddie Mercury, Lighting the Dark shines brightly on Chris’ profoundly moving and life-affirming adventure through the world. Throughout the work, each of these icons acts as a mirror reflecting Chris’ expansive perception and limitless sense of possibility.

With the mesmerising Dancenorth Ensemble by his side, Chris leads the way, transforming the stage into a portal where love and light illuminate darkness.

A masterpiece of collaboration and community, Lighting the Dark is a profound celebration, traversing individual and universal truths in a dance to the very centre of what it means to be human.

Lighting the Dark
12-14 September 2024
Thomas Dixon Centre, 406 Montague Rd, West End
www.brisbanefestival.com.au

Taking place at the Elizabeth Picture Theatre, New Farm Cinemas, the Gallery of Modern Art and the Institute of Modern Art, the festival is also proud to shine a spotlight on female talent in its fourth year — from the pioneering Věra Chytilová to the rising local talent of Alena Lodkina, more than 80-percent of the films programmed are directed or co-directed by women.

Once again offering a carefully curated, propulsive showcase of cinematic excellence, QFF 2018 opens with a night of new Australian cinema. Soda_Jerk’s controversial and acclaimed Terror Nullius will launch the festival with a film that’s equal parts political satire, eco-horror and road movie. A rogue remapping of national mythology, Terror Nullius was created through an intricate remix of Australia’s pop culture and film legacy.

Finally, the 2018 festival comes to an end with two sporting films, though of a quite varied bent. First comes the documentary John McEnroe: In the Realm of Perfection, a study of the tennis player at the height of his career as the world champion — and facing the hardest loss of his career at the 1984 Roland-Garros French Open.

It is followed by Diamantino, QFF’s closing night film, a fictional piece that marvels as the world’s greatest soccer star loses his touch and sets off on a delirious odyssey where he confronts neo-fascism, the refugee crisis, genetic modification, and the hunt for the source of genius. The latest collaboration from QFF regulars Gabriel Abrantes and Daniel Schmidt, it’s in love with every form of storytelling and concocted from pure pleasure.

Queensland Film Festival
July 19 2018 ‐ July 29 2018
Elizabeth Picture Theatre, New Farm Cinemas, Gallery of Modern Art and the Institute of Modern Art
www.qldff.com