Celebrated writer and director, Brenda Matthews, a proud Wiradjuri woman, will introduce her documentary film ‘The Last Daughter’ to open the 39th Warburton Film Festival in June.
Presented by Yarra Ranges Film Society, the three-day festival will screen eight films over the weekend of 14 to 16 June featuring an international feast of film from countries including Australia Belgium, the UK, Italy, France and Bhutan.
Ms Matthews will introduce The Last Daughter on a Friday night followed by a Q&A and will be signing copies of her book in co-operation with Healesville’s Verso Books.
YRFS president, Vivienne Bond, said the Society is thrilled to present another wonderful selection of films.
“We’re especially pleased to have Ms Matthews in Warburton for what promises to be a very special opening night,” she said.
“Brenda usually addresses much larger audiences, so we are extremely fortunate to have her with us as the writer, director with Nathaniel Schmidt, and the subject of the book, in this much more personal setting.”
Ms Matthews and her husband, Mark, will be staying on until the Festival Dinner.
“The committee has paid special attention to balancing genres with a mix of documentary, drama, comedy and suspense,” Ms Bond said.
Continuing the role of YRFS in promoting film-making, the best entries from the Show Us Your Shorts competition will screen before each of the feature films with a presentation to the winning film-makers on the Sunday.
As part of the festival experience, patrons receive a guide by Healesville writer and film critic Seth Hynes featuring insights and analysis of each of the films.
“We are excited to welcome people from all around Yarra Ranges and further afield to enjoy this weekend of film and to enjoy the charming hospitality of our town,” Ms Bond said.
“The festival dinner on the Saturday night is a great way to relax and socialise and as always, our local eateries offer a warm welcome to our filmgoers.”
Places are limited for the dinner, so early booking is recommended.
Bookings, with options from a single to multiple films, can be made online at www.culturetracks.info (click movies/Warburton Film Festival), by phone on 1300 368 333 or in person at Arts Centre Warburton and The Memo Healesville.
For information on the program visit www.warburtonfilmfestival.com.au
The festival is made possible each year with the support of Yarra Ranges Council and Warburton/Yarra Junction Bendigo Community Bank.
