The Byron Bay International Film Festival, the town’s world-renowned 10-day celebration of independent cinema, returns in October for its 18th year, with screenings scheduled at Palace Cinemas Byron Bay, Lennox Head Cultural Centre, Brunswick Picture House and for the first time in nine years, Ballina Fair Cinemas.

An outstanding feature of the Northern Rivers cultural calendar, BBFF has for nearly 20 years brought the work of innovative filmmakers from all around the globe to the region and championed a diverse range of films made by local screen creatives. Some of the area’s most outstanding and consistent filmmaking talents are in this year’s line-up.

The 18th Festival promises to provide a window into the world, delving into personal and social stories, with well over 100 films set for screening, including documentaries focussed on the region’s counter-culture and surfing legends, Australia’s music, environment and indigenous issues, and penetrating behind-the-scenes examinations of some of the global frontlines, to the weird and not so wonderful shenanigans of the so-called free world.

Feature dramas, short films and experimental works offering human interest stories that explore the familiar and the far-out – the full range of human experience – will ensure audiences are captivated, enthralled and entertained.

The Festival will also once again be offering a full programme of altered and virtual reality experiences from the pioneering edge of visual media as well Q&As and panels providing opportunities to connect with the filmmakers and the people whose stories they are sharing. 

“We have a particularly exciting programme this year, with something to offer everyone,” says Festival Director J’aimee Skippon-Volke.

“I am proud to say that the Festival is continuing to go from strength to strength, in an arts/entertainment market that is sadly seeing many iconic festivals having to pull the plug. It’s a tough space to be in but BBFF is resilient, like the people of the region, and committed to thriving, not just surviving.

“It means that we have to have audience satisfaction and delight as our absolute priority and my team and I are highly conscious of making sure that each year we build an event which sparks connection for our audience – to the films, the filmmakers, the stories shared and to each other through the collective experience of watching film in a cinema

“We are very fortunate to have the support of directors, actors, writers, producers and film buffs from all over Australia and the US, UK, Europe and Asia. Many are regulars at the Festival, which along with our focus on exciting fresh talent cements BBFF as a pivotal Australian gathering for those invested in the future of cinema and eager to see it flourish despite the rise of competing media.

“They come here for the vibe, which is always uplifting, inspirational and fun, and for the kind of conversations they crave, where ideas are thrown around, connections made, and creative visions shared and workshopped.

“All this and the opportunity to experience some of the best independent films on offer in the world, some fresh from the screens of festivals like Sundance and Cannes and others screening for the very first time.

“We’re here to give bold and brilliant filmmakers the best shot at having their work seen and appreciated, and to introduce the community to films they would not have seen otherwise. 

“Please join them, and us, for a really good time.”

The 18th Byron Bay International Film Festival runs from October 18-27, with screenings at Byron Palace Cinemas, Lennox Head Cultural Centre, Brunswick Picture House, and Ballina Palace.