The 18th Brisbane International Film Festival has just wrapped, marking the end of Australia’s busy festival season. BIFF Executive Director and APSA Nominations Council member Anne Demy-Geroe has developed a strong tradition of bringing a rich slate of Asia-Pacific films to BIFF and 2009 was no exception. Film critic and FIPRESCI Juror Tim Milfull was APSAs correspondent for BIFF with
daily updates through the APSA Festival Log. Join us online in the Multimedia Lounge to see Tim’s wrap of the festival including all of the award winners and an insight into Tim’s experience as a juror.
On BIFFs closing day, the Indonesia Calling seminar focussed on three films in the program that deal with significant moments in Indonesia’s history: its colonisation (Indonesia Calling: Joris Ivens in Australia); its international politics during the Suharto regime (Kantata Takwa); and its occupation of East Timor (Balibo). The seminar brought together the three filmmakers – Robert
Connolly, John Hughes and APSA Academy member Gotot Prakosa – to discuss politics and personal choices in these historical representations of Indonesia on film.
Hosted by Julie Rigg and Paul Barclay from Australia’s Radio National (with translation provided by APSA’s own Indonesian-born Patricia Laksmono), the seminar will be broadcast this afternoon (Tuesday, August 11) on a special edition of Australia Talks Movies at 6pm Australian EST. You can listen live or download the podcast here: http://www.abc.net.au/rn/australiatalks.