Written by Chris Swan
September 28, 2023
Highlights from the 2023 Brisbane International Film Festival
The program for this year’s Brisbane International Film Festival has arrived and it’s packed full of incredible films from around the globe. Cinema lovers are sure to find something to entice, but to help here are our top picks from the festival lineup.
The 2023 Brisbane International Film Festival will run in cinemas from October 26 – November 5.
Check out the full program HERE
Anatomy of a Fall
Winner of the Palme d’Or at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, writer/director Justine Triet (Sibyl, In Bed with Victoria) constructs a gripping Hitchcockian thriller that calls into question common beliefs, relationships and truth. Featuring a powerhouse performance from Sandra Hüller (Toni Erdmann) as an author accused of murdering her husband.
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Anselm
From Oscar nominated director Wim Wenders (Pina, Paris, Texas) comes an intimate look at the life and work of Anselm Kiefer, one of the most innovative and important painters and sculptors of our time. Shot in 3D and 6K resolution, the film presents an incredible cinematic experience of the artist’s work.
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Beyond Utopia
Winner of the Audience Awards at this year’s Sundance Film Festival (US Documentary) and Sydney Film Festival, BEYOND UTOPIA is a suspenseful and illuminating look at the high stakes journey various individuals take as they attempt to flee North Korea.
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Bromley: Light After Dark
BROMLEY: LIGHT AFTER DARK is a story of art, true love and triumph over darkness featuring renowned Australian artists David Bromley, best known for his paintings and sculptures.
The filmmakers will be in attendance at this year’s festival.
Mars Express
Combining 2D and 3D animation, this stylish, smart and futuristic film noir is an adrenaline-fueled, cinematic adventure, packed with humour and exhilarating action sequences.
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Monster
Palme d’Or winning director Kore-eda Hirokazu (Broker, Shoplifters) returns with MONSTER, the delicate and powerful story of duty, social conflict and secrets.
When her young son Minato starts to behave strangely, his mother feels that there is something wrong. Discovering that a teacher is responsible, she storms into the school demanding to know what’s going on. But as the story unfolds through the eyes of mother, teacher and child, the truth gradually emerges. Winner of Best Screenplay and the Queer Palm at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
Perfect Days
Winner of the Best Actor prize at Cannes, Koji Takusho plays Hirayama, a man who seems utterly content with this simple life as a cleaner of toilets in Tokyo. Outside of his very structured everyday routine he enjoys his passion for music and books. Academy Award nominated filmmaker Wim Wenders (Pina, Paris, Texas) directs a deeply moving and poetic reflection on finding beauty in the everyday world around us.
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Radical
An uplifting story full of hope and heart, starring Eugenio Derbez (CODA), this 2023 Sundance Audience Award winner is based on the true events of an inspirational teacher who takes a radical approach when he arrives at a poor performing school in Mexico.
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Robot Dreams
Dog lives in Manhattan and he’s tired of being alone. One day he decides to build himself a robot, a companion. Their friendship blossoms, until one summer night Dog, with great sadness, is forced to abandon Robot at the beach. Will they ever meet again?
Based on the acclaimed graphic novel by Sara Varon, this Cannes selected animation is an enchanting film for all ages.
Smoke Sauna Sisterhood
The first documentary by an Estonian director to compete and win at Sundance, SMOKE SAUNA SISTERHOOD is an intimate and deeply moving approach to issues of trauma, healing, and community. In the darkness of a smoke sauna, women share their innermost secrets and intimate experiences. Through a sense of communion, women wash off the shame trapped in their bodies and regain their strength. No story too shameful, no burden too heavy to carry when you share it with your sisterhood.
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The Munekata Sisters
This brand-new restoration of Yasujiro Ozu’s classic weaves all the hallmarks of the master filmmakers work in a beautifully rendered mediation on family, life, and love.
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