By Tania Martin
STEPPING back in time, the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) is returning to its roots next month – the Dandenongs.
The festival will be screening several films at the Cameo Cinemas in Belgrave next month.
MIFF hosts a feast of cinematic delicacies from more than 50 counties for 19 days each winter.
The festival draws crowds of more than 182,000 each year, making it one of Melbourne’s most significant public events.
It has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the picturesque town of Olinda.
Now after 56 years the festival is returning to where it all began.
The popular film festival started in 1952 in Olinda and drew a massive crowd of 800 which surpassed the 80 that was expected.
It has since grown from a weekend festival into a 19-day event that is world renowned.
MIFF director Richard Moore said the Olinda Film Society originally helped to set up the festival which was to surpass all expectations.
“It was really about a group of enthusiastic people coming together to share ideas and views on how important film was to the country,” Mr Moore said.
A number of films including Beauty and the Beast and Joan of Ark as well as a several documentaries featured at the festival in 1952.
Mr Moore said following the wild success of the festival it was moved in 1953 to the Royal Exhibition Building.
But he said that the time had come to celebrate the festival’s birthplace.
While MIFF takes over Melbourne, the festival visits Cameo Cinemas in Belgrave from 1 to 3 August.
The opening night will feature home grown film, Not Quite Hollywood, an offshoot of Australian genre films of the 1970s and ‘80s.
Not Quite Hollywood is filled with outrageous anecdotes and lessons in maverick filmmaking, featuring interviews with celebrities such as Quentin Tarantino.
This fantastic flick is a fast-moving journey through a very Australian slice of cinema.
The opening night will be held on 1 August at 7.30pm and will include not only the film screening but also a question and answer session.
Movie buffs will also get the chance to view a number of international films at Cameo Cinemas on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 August to help celebrate MIFF’s homecoming.
“If this works this time it would be great to do it on a regular basis,” Mr Moore said.
To find out more about screening times call Cameo Cinemas on 9754 7844 or log onto MIFF’s website at www.melbournefilmfestival.com.au.
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