The 2024 Russell Hobbs British Film Festival is set to captivate audiences across Australia this November, returning to cinemas in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Byron Bay, and for the first time, Ballarat. The festival promises a carefully curated program featuring a diverse mix of genres, including dramas, thrillers, comedies, documentaries, and retrospectives. This year’s lineup showcases some of the most recognizable faces from British cinema, including Saoirse Ronan, Andrew Garfield, Florence Pugh, Ralph Fiennes, Jude Law, and Tim Roth.
The festival will kick off with the Australian Premiere of BLITZ, directed by Steve McQueen. This visually striking period drama explores key moments of World War II in London, featuring performances from Saoirse Ronan, Paul Weller, and rising star Elliot Heffernan. The event will conclude with the exclusive premiere of the much-anticipated film WE LIVE IN TIME, showcasing poignant performances by Oscar nominees Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield. This romantic drama delves into the critical question of how to make the most of our time on Earth.
Mike Leigh’s latest film, HARD TRUTHS, will serve as the festival’s centerpiece. The film reunites Leigh with actress Marianne Jean-Baptiste in a darkly humorous examination of family dynamics, focusing on the challenges faced by a hypersensitive woman and her impact on those around her.
Fresh from its release in the UK, THE OUTRUN features Saoirse Ronan as Rona, who escapes her tumultuous life in London for the serene beauty of the Orkney Islands, her childhood home. This journey allows her to confront her troubled past and seek healing.
Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche star in THE RETURN, an adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey. This film maintains the classical essence of the Greek epic while incorporating a distinctly British perspective, offering an expertly crafted narrative with an all-star cast. It will premiere at the festival before its UK release.
Another Australian premiere, WIDOW CLICQUOT, is a British/French co-production that tells the inspiring true story of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, known as the “Grande Dame of Champagne” or Veuve Clicquot. This effervescent portrait celebrates her remarkable achievements.
Aylin Tezel’s directorial debut, FALLING INTO PLACE, is also featured. This tender drama follows Kira (played by Tezel) and Ian as they navigate their personal struggles during a winter weekend on the Isle of Skye, forging a deep connection that forces them to confront their pasts when they return to London. Tezel will participate in Q&A events in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.
The festival will take audiences back to Tudor times with FIREBRAND, which chronicles the final months of King Henry VIII’s reign through the eyes of his sixth wife, Katherine Parr. Alicia Vikander and Jude Law deliver gripping performances in this historical drama.
Special screenings will include CONCLAVE, an adaptation of the best-selling novel featuring Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Lawrence. He undertakes the secretive task of selecting a new Pope while uncovering hidden secrets that could disrupt the Roman Catholic Church.
Pierce Brosnan and Helena Bonham Carter lead the cast in FOUR LETTERS OF LOVE, a touching tale of Nicholas and Isabel, whose journey to true love is fraught with complications. Other romantic dramas showcased include THE SALT PATH, starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs, and THIS TIME NEXT YEAR, which explores the lives of Minnie and Quinn, who, despite being born just minutes apart, follow vastly different paths.
Andrea Arnold’s film, BIRD, focuses on 12-year-old Bailey as she seeks solace in nature amid family turmoil. This powerful exploration of identity and resilience stars Barry Keoghan and examines the impact of her mother’s abusive partner.
A special music-themed sidebar, “Brit Rock to Brit Pop,” features documentaries like THE STONES AND BRIAN JONES, chronicling the legacy of Brian Jones and the Rolling Stones, along with Led Zeppelin’s legendary 1973 Madison Square Garden performances in THE SONG REMAINS THE SAME. The festival also includes BLUR: LIVE AT WEMBLEY STADIUM, showcasing Blur’s historic 2023 concert.
Unconventional rom-coms such as AND MRS and THE RADLEYS will provide a comedic touch, while CHUCK CHUCK BABY explores the unexpected romantic twist in Helen’s life when her childhood friend Joanne reappears.
THE PROBLEM WITH PEOPLE features festival favorite Colm Meaney alongside US comedian Paul Reiser as estranged cousins who must resolve long-standing family disputes.
Time-bending dark comedy TIMESTALKER examines a woman’s obsession with the same bad boy across centuries, offering a sharp commentary on desire. Meanwhile, TUESDAY, starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, forces a mother and daughter to confront mortality in unexpected ways.
POISON is an intimate exploration of grief, featuring poignant performances by Tim Roth and Trine Dyrholm as a divorced couple reunited under unforeseen circumstances.
EDGE OF SUMMER follows two 11-year-olds on a quest to uncover a mystery during a summer holiday, while GREY MATTER depicts a troubled teen’s journey as a caregiver to her grandmother. In LIES WE TELL, an orphaned heiress defies her sinister uncle’s plans to claim her inheritance.
The festival will mark the 25th anniversary of Lynne Ramsay’s debut feature, RATCATCHER, presented in a new 4K restoration, as well as a tribute to the late Dame Maggie Smith with a screening of A ROOM WITH A VIEW, showcasing Lucy’s journey in Florence.
A newly released documentary, MERCHANT IVORY, reflects on the collaboration between Ismail Merchant and James Ivory, highlighting their contributions to arthouse cinema.
THE SHAMROCK SPITFIRE follows Brendan “Paddy” Finucane, an Irishman who rises to become a legendary fighter ace during WWII.
A retrospective entitled “History Restored” features classic historical dramas like A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS, HEAT AND DUST, HENRY V, THE LION IN WINTER, and THE MUSIC LOVERS, all presented in new 4K restorations.
The Russell Hobbs British Film Festival opens on Wednesday, November 6 in multiple cities, concluding on Sunday, December 8. Tickets are now on sale at www.britishfilmfestival.com.au.
Festival Locations and Dates
Melbourne: 6 Nov – 8 Dec, various Palace venues
Ballarat: 6 Nov – 8 Dec, Palace Regent
Canberra: 6 Nov – 8 Dec, Palace Electric Cinemas
Brisbane: 6 Nov – 8 Dec, Palace Barracks and James Street
Adelaide: 6 Nov – 8 Dec, Palace Nova Eastend and Prospect
Perth: 6 Nov – 8 Dec, Palace Raine Square and Luna on SX
Byron Bay: 6 Nov – 8 Dec, Palace Byron Bay
Sydney: 7 Nov – 8 Dec, various Palace venues
Get ready for a month filled with remarkable films and inspiring storytelling!
Related topic:
5 Animated Features Nominated for 37th European Film Awards
Which Transformers Movies Has Megan Fox Appeared In?
How Many Issues in The Walking Dead?