Australian film festival opens in Accra

The Australian High Commission will be hosting the first ever Australian Film Festival in Ghana at the Silverbird Cinema from March 11-14, as part of a cultural program which facilitates the screening of Aussie films in a mini-festival organized by Australia’s overseas missions. The Ghana mission, which also coordinates the business of the Australia in other West African states, beat a host of hopeful hosts to have the honour of hosting this year’s festival.

The festival which is free to the public will see the screening of 8 Australian films including: Australia Rules, Crakerjack, Unfinished Sky, Swimming Upstream, Ten Canoes, The Magic Pudding, Bootmen and The Black Balloon. These films have been selected to provide a window into the identity and character of contemporary Australia. The themes include migration, indigenous issues, humour, drama and sports.

William Williams, the Australian High Commissioner to Ghana has expressed his excitement about the festival, saying: “We are very proud that this festival has been brought to Ghana. It is a wonderful opportunity for Ghanaians to see a unique selection of films that showcase the diversity of Australia’s landscape and people”.

Mark Lazarus, the producer of the festival’s flagship film, Australia Rule is in the country to partake in activities scheduled to mark the festival. He has a wealth of experience in film production and film financing and is currently the Drama Investment Manager at Australia’s peak film body, Screen Australia. While in Accra, Mr Lazarus will hold workshops with Ghanaian film producers and students of the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI).

In a media briefing, Mark Lazarus expressed his excitement about visiting Ghana and an overwhelming expectation to observe and learn about Ghana’s film industry as well as share ideas with stakeholders towards the growth of film in Ghana. The Australian High commission also expressed hope of getting the opportunity to showcase Ghanaian film and culture in Australia in a similar fashion in a not too distant future. Below is a calendar for the films showing at the festival:

Thursday March 11

The Black Balloon, 6:45pm

Bootmen, 8:45pm

Friday March 12

Crackerjack, 6:45pm

Ten canoe, 8:45pm

Saturday March 13

The Magic Pudding, 3:30pm

Swimming Upstream, 5:45pm

Sunday March 14

Unfinished Sky, 6:45pm

Australia Rules, 8:45pm