WHAT’S ON WHERE

World Premiere + Q&A with cast & crew

Saturday 21 October 7:30pm - (SOLD OUT)

Sunday 29 5:15pm Encore Screening

Born from a grassroots initiative to empower young talent in remote Australia, this film champions the transformative power of music and the promise of a united future.

A heartwarming ode to hope, connection, and the melodies that bind us. Experience a film that will uplift, inspire, and leave you humming its tunes long after the credits roll.

World/NSW Premieres + Q&A

Sunday 22 October 12:45pm - (SOLD OUT)

Saturday 28 5pm - Encore Screening

A trio of films (Mother Earth Educators, Refugia & Between Earth & Sky) that resonate with themes of connection, rejuvenation, and the profound impact of nature on our lives. It’s a cinematic journey that shines a spotlight on the resilience of the human spirit and the undying bond we share with Mother Earth.

NSW Premiere

Sun 22 5pm (SOLD OUT), Tues 24 12:30pm + Sat 28 7:30pm (SELLING FAST)

The story of The Birthday Party's ascent, apex and inevitable collapse is a thrilling tale of epic struggle, artistic genius and total dysfunctionality. Told in the group's own words, Mutiny In Heaven brings the band's story to the screen for the first time.

Byron Premiere

Monday 23 12:30pm + 7pm (SOLD OUT)

Friday 27 4:30pm (SELLING FAST)

Sunday 29 encore coming soon

Director Justine Triet's cinematic brilliance, underscored by haunting steel drums, earned this film the Cannes Palme d’Or 2023, making it an unforgettable watch.

Byron Premiere

Wed 25 7pm + Sun 29 October 12:30pm

Among his students is Paloma, aspiring to be an aerospace engineer. Christopher Zalla's "Radical", inspired by true events and a winner of Sundance's Audience Award, captures the resilience of youth and the transformative power of education.

NSW Premiere + Q&A with the Bromleys & Filmmakers

Fri 27 7:30pm (SELLING FAST) + Sat 28 12:30pm Oct

David Bromley found that art appeased the voices in his head and helped him find beauty in the world. So he made the life-changing decision to commit his whole being to something meaningful. Light after Dark takes us into the world of this prominent Australian artist.

World Premiere + Q&A

Saturday 28 October 3pm

Set amid the squalor of one of Papua New Guinea’s infamous settlements, Kaugere is a modern-day parable of once tribal men finding their feet through the game of rugby league.

Byron Premiere

Saturday 28 October 5:15pm

Mia Wasikowska shines in this Cannes' 2023 featured film as Miss Novak, a teacher at an elite boarding school championing the idea of "conscious eating." Her innovative lessons quickly spawn a fervent student group, "Club Zero", advocating for minimalistic consumption.

Sunday 29 3pm

Showcasing films from a diverse range of countries, including Italy, Luxembourg, Argentina, and beyond, this session epitomizes the power of cinema. Significantly, among this global lineup are several nominees for BBFF2023's Best Short Film Award.

Byron Premiere

Friday 27 12:30pm

Sunday 29 7:30pm (SELLING FAST)

From the acclaimed director of classics like Paris, Texas, Buena Vista Social Club, Wings of Desire and The Salt of the Earth, Wim Wenders returned to the Cannes Competition this year with a poignant tale set against the backdrop of Japan.

Saturday 21 October 12:30pm

In the pulsating heart of the Australian film landscape lies a gem that sparkles with the promise of tomorrow: the Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year Competition. An integral part of the Byron Bay International Film Festival (BBFF) since 2007, this competition has, year after year, stood as a beacon for budding filmmakers, calling out to those who dare to dream big.

Byron Premiere

Sunday 22 October 3pm

What happens when humanity’s infatuation with itself and an untethered free market meet 45 billion cameras…? Fantastic Machine explores, explains and exposes how our unchecked obsession with image has grown to change our human behaviour.

Byron Premiere + Q&A

Saturday 21 October 5:15pm - SOLD OUT

Wednesday 25 12:30pm - Encore Screening

Freed after eight years of detention, Farhad Bandesh and Mostafa Azimitibar turned to art and music as peaceful resistance under Australia's harsh offshore processing, showcasing resilience and optimism in Angus McDonald's unflinching yet hopeful documentary.

Sunday 22 October 7:30pm

Embark on a exhilarating journey through the waves and stories of Luso-Hispanic surf culture. 5 strong surf films make up this exceptional session.

Australian Premiere

Saturday 21 October 3 pm

Thursday 26 October 12:30pm Encore Screening

In this wry comedy, Mathias, at a life crossroads, mysteriously retreats into the forest, leaving everyone bewildered. His absence prompts those close to him to reevaluate their own choices, dreams, and regrets.

World Premiere + Q&A

Thursday 26 7pm

A valentine to Cuban youth culture youth and Habana (an island city and Cuba's capital, on the cusp of change) Habana Shakes is lyrical and an observational window into the world's of Maya, Yoljany, Yelda, Teresita and Lehardi.

Byron Premiere

Tuesday 24 October 7pm (SELLING FAST)

Ground Swell: The Other Side of Fear is an in-depth look at the 2021-22 big wave season through the eyes of Nic Von Rupp, Kai Lenny, Matt Bromley, Torrey Meister, Vini dos Santos and pioneering female surfer Bianca Valenti and maybe the 100-foot wave.

World Premiere - SOLD OUT

Friday 20 October - Party 6:30pm Film 8pm

Step into the spotlight at the 17th Byron Bay International Film Festival's Opening Night Gala, a dazzling evening bursting with style and glamour. The evening starts with a fabulous party, followed by the World Premiere of Josh Fox’s new film The Edge of Nature.