Tasmania’s Breath of Fresh Air (BOFA) Film Festival will bring together an eclectic mix of special guests in Launceston this November 4th - 8th for a series of ticketed and free discussions.

Dayne Pratzky, the famous anti-fracking activist a.k.a the Frackman; Paul Barclay, the Radio National program host and Walkley Award winner; Robert Woolfe, the creative behind MadeOpen, a social network for social good; and Her Excellency Mrs Annemike Ruigok, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Australia, are just a few of the individuals attending the Festival.

“After searching the world’s best international film festivals, we’ve gathered a breathtaking selection of cinema,” said Festival director Owen Tilbury. “And this year we have an equally as exciting troupe of film industry professionals and cinephiles joining us for the adventure.”

“Whilst BOFA is first and foremost about relishing the pleasure of watching great cinema, it’s also about action,” said Tilbury. “Our guests will be actively participating in action sessions and panel discussions where we can all tackle big and important issues surrounding modern cinema.”

From the interactive master class, ‘Maximising Impact and Money for Indie Films’, which details the best practices for indie filmmakers, to ‘In Conversation with Paul Barclay’, where the potential for film to combat domestic violence and initiate social change will be discussed, the Festival will cover a vast array of topics.

A particular highlight this year will be the ‘Big Picture Discussion’, where industry professionals will discuss how we can ethically support developing countries in the light of reducing aid.

The ‘Creating Community Change’ and ‘Creating Innovative Regions’ action sessions will also encourage young innovators to start thinking about their creative pursuits as vehicles for change, and explain how to transform an idea into action.

Special guests include:

• Joana Hayter and Gina Olivieri, will be joining Mrs Annemike Ruigrok for the ‘Big Picture Discussion.’ Hayter is the CEO of International Women’s Development Agency, and Olivieri is the Grassroots Engagement Manager of RESULTS Australia Inc.
• Karl Mattingly, will speak at BOFA’s Innovative Tasmania Awards. Mattingly is a partner at investment management company Slow Capital, and will discuss the importance of fostering growth and entrepreneurship in Tasmania.
• David Doepel, will present at the ‘Maximizing Impact and Money for Indie Films’ master class. Doepel is managing director of Leap Frog Films and TUGG Australia and NZ.
• Andrea Ulbrick, will present at the ‘Maximizing Impact and Money for Indie Films’ master class. Ulbrick is the Commissioning Editor of the ABC TV Factual and will discuss new forms of film distribution including cinema on demand, event screenings and direct fan distribution.
• Mike Hill, will be a joint presenter with Ulbrick. Hill is CEO of Moonshine Agency, a content creation company specializing in film and video production, photography, and digital communications.
• Richard Harris, will also be speaking at the ‘Maximizing Impact and Money for Indie Films’ master class. Harris is the Head of Business and Audience, Screen Australia and will be discussing new opportunities and challenges for contemporary filmmakers and why the old system is disintegrating.
• Rebecca Barry, will also be speaking at the ‘Maximizing Impact and Money for Indie Films’ master class. Barry is the director of Media Stockade and will be explaining how planning and strategy can maximize a filmmaker’s impact and ensure the best work is made despite money restraints. 
• Malinda Wink, will join Barry at the master class. Wink is the executive director of GoodPitch Australia, which brings together filmmakers with NGOs, foundations, philanthropists, social entrepreneurs, potential corporate and brand partners, broadcasters and media with leading social issues — to forge powerful alliances around-ground breaking films.
• Bill Lark, will be the keynote speaker at the ‘Sharing the Bounty’ action session.  Lark is the owner of the world famous whiskey company, Lark distillery.  The ‘Sharing the Bounty’ session will consider how we can innovate and share our food system with those most in need of it locally and globally.
• Music icon Mick Thomas will be playing with his band The Roving Commission at the official Red Carpet After Party following the premiere of Death Or Liberty. Thomas wrote the soundtrack for Death Or Liberty.
• Steve Thomas and Craig Dow-Sainter will also attend the Red Carpet Premiere of Death or Liberty. Thomas directed the film and Dow-Sainter was the producer.
• Richard Todd will attend the Frackman opening night screening. Todd is co-director of the film.
• Natalie Henessey and Grant Henessey will attend the premiere of their film Sweet Running Machines. The pair are co-directors of the film and Tasmanian locals.
• Roger Scholes, will attend the screening of The Tale of Ruby Rose, the Tasmanian Retrospective Film for 2015. Scholes is the film’s director and also a local.

• Partho Sen-Gupta, will attend the screening of Sunrise. Sen-Gupta is the director.
• Danny Youd will attend the world premiere of The Grey Areas. Youd is the director.

With this array of respected guests in attendance – BOFA 2015 is an event that all film buffs, lovers of the arts, advocators of social change and emerging filmmakers should mark on their calendar. It’s sure to be more than a ‘breath of fresh air!’