Mighty MIFF () is back this week from Thursday 8 August to Sunday 25 August. The program is 250 films thick, with round-the-clock screenings, world premiers, and emerging talent debuts. We’ve deciphered the program into bite-sized pieces so you know what to watch, where to eat (and drink), and all the things you can do off-screen.
YOUR GUIDE TO MIFF AT A GLANCE
- Watch: Voice, The Substance, Dying, We Were Dangerous, Memoir Of A Snail
- Eat: Bar Lourinhã, Cumulus Inc, Supernormal
- Do: Planetarium, MIFF Talks, Hear My Eyes
What To Watch
Voice
If you love observational docos like , is one you’ll want to catch this year at MIFF. It follows an Indigenous-run youth group from Yidinji and Yirrigandji Country that hit the road on a pilgrimage across the country to rally support for the ‘Yes’ vote for the Australian Indigenous Voice referendum of last year. Voice marks an Australian first to cover the Voice to Parliament, and it’s absolutely one to watch.
The Substance
Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley face ageism head on in with the perfect amount of unapologetic audacity. Fueled by body horror, we’re taken into a world where an injection exists that promises eternal youth—but it’s not without a butterfly effect. The hero musical piece by Raffertie in the is enough to get you snatching up a ticket.
Dying
Gauging from the trailer, Dying feels as explosive as that chaotic Christmas family dinner episode in The Bear. is four-fold as we watch Tom navigate ailing patients, intense pressures from work amid composing an orchestral piece, rekindling of an ex on the cusp of co-parenting, and an unhinged sister battling with her own struggles. It took out Best Film at the German Film Awards (plus several others) and secured the Silver Bear for Best Screenplay at the Berlinale.
We Were Dangerous
Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu makes her filmmaking debut with . 91% on the Tomatometer, and backed by Taika Waititi with his signature dark comedic touch on difficult-to-swallow topics (think Jojo Rabbit). Described as a ‘delinquent coming-of-age’, this ferociously feminist film centers around three Māori teens that find themselves on a remote island facility at the helm of The Matron (Rima Te Wiata, Hunt For The Wilderpeople). It took home the award for Special Jury Award For Filmmaking at SXSW this year, and we reckon it’s on track to win more accolades this year.
Memoir Of A Snail
Adam Elliot can both crack and fill your heart. His claymation is easily recognisable—just think of his past work including Mary And Max, and Harvie Krumpet. Now, after eight years from his last release, he’s back on the scene, headlining MIFF and gracing 2024 as the opening film. follows the memoir of Grace Puddle—hoarder of snails and other unlikely bits and bobs. You’re bound to recognise the voices of Eric Bana (The Dry, Time Traveler’s Wife), Sarah Snook (Succession), Kodi Smit-McPhee (Let Me In), Magda Szubanski (Kath & Kim), and Nick Cave in this melancholic animation.
Where To Eat And Drink
Naturally, you’re going get hungry before or after a film. If you’re looking for something outside of the usual suspects including Melbourne’s best CBD restaurants and world-class bars, here are our top three picks for the spesh venues around town participating in MIFF’s Food & Film series.
Bar Lourinhã
Straddling both electric and charming, Bar Lourinhã is the place to be before you catch La Cocina starring Rooney Mara. Enjoy post-film bites from the bar’s Mediterranean and Iberian-leaning menu with six-courses including slow cooked pork cheek with flavour-packed piperrada. It’s going down Friday 9 August at $111 per ticket (including the film).
Cumulus Inc.
We can think of no better way to finish MIFF’s My Favourite Cake than enjoying a late-night dinner at an Andrew McConnell stalwart. Cumulus Inc is the official dining destination for this MIFF film, serving up a three-course dinner inclusive of a cocktail on arrival (Marigold vermouth with Suze and orange bitters, no less). Tuesday 14 August at $115 a ticket (including film).
Supernormal
Hong Sang-soo’s A Traveler’s Needs is the perfect pairing to the buzzing Supernormal. After catching this comedy-drama centered around a Frenchwomen on a self-exploration journey through Korea at the Forum, meander down Flinders Lane and tuck into a banquet menu several courses long with a cheeky Makgeolli Mule on arrival. This one is on Sunday 18 August at $115 per ticket (including the film).
Things To Do
Melbourne Planetarium
The annual awe-inspiring fulldome showcase series is back at the Melbourne Planetarium for MIFF 2024. You cannot deny it’s always a vibe at one of Melbourne’s cultural hubs, and it’s no different when Limbotopia is shown across the 16m domed ceiling in an impeccable 7.1 surround sound system. Recline back and enjoy the immersive movie experience as you follow first-time director Hsieh Wen-Yee’s post-apocalyptic Taiwan.
MIFF Talks
It’s great seeing films and all, but one of the wonders of MIFF is the rare chance to get up and close with filmmakers and critics (plus academics and commentators) like . Every year, MIFF Talks platforms international and local guests alike take the microphone for panel discussion. As pop culture lovers, we’ve locked in for with Vulture and New York magazine’s film critic Alison Willmore; writer, actress and disability advocate Hannah Diviney, and ABC’s entertainment reporter Jared Richards, hosted by author and essayist Brodie Lancaster—but you’ve also got , and .
Hear My Eyes
Technically this one falls under the “what to watch” category, but Hear My Eyes does film differently. This year, catch the bonafide cult-classic Wake in Fright not only in 4k restoration, but with a brand new and live score from instrumental jazz-funk journeyman Surprise Chef.
FESTIVAL DETAILS
- When: Thursday 8 August to Sunday 25 August 2024
- Where: all across Melbourne
- Check out the full program
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Image credit: MIFF | Supplied