Step onto the Red Carpet at the 18th Byron Bay International Film Festival's Opening Night Gala, a dazzling evening bursting with style, colour and glamour. Limited Film ONLY + After-Party Tickets are available.

From learning the fundamentals of storytelling that will allow you to craft unforgettable moments, to getting practical with lighting, and achieving that coveted cinematic look—this workshop will equip you with the skills you need to bring your ideas to life!

Plus, bring your camera for a special tech troubleshooting session with a Bond University expert, and walk away filming like a pro.

Based on Isabella Tree’s best-selling book by the same title, Wilding tells the story of a young couple that bets on nature for the future of their failing, four-hundred-year-old estate. Screens with LUCKY FOWL & FARMING FOREVER

The imagination and technical proficiency of Australia’s emerging filmmakers never ceases to amaze the BBFF programming team, whose challenging job is to select just 10 films from all those submitted by these visual storytellers for entry into the Festival’s Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year Competition.

Set against the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Black Dog follows Lang, a former prisoner, returning to his hometown, now marked for demolition. He bonds with a stray black whippet amidst the ruins, symbolizing the fight against erasure. Directed by Guan Hu, the film explores resilience, identity, and societal shifts in modern China.

In 2008, years after nearly drowning in a traumatic and life-changing surfing accident, Drouyn suddenly resurfaced by coming out as a trans woman on national television. Her new name, she said, was Westerly Windina. “It was a supernova,” Westerly said of her gender awakening. “It just kicked in one night, and suddenly Peter went; Westerly was there.” Screens with THE BOOK OF HUNTER

All life on Earth is connected by a great mystery we are only just beginning to unravel. Hidden between the world of plants and animals, another world exists…Fungi: Web of Life. Screens with [S], TRUST THE BEES and HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT

In May 1973, 10,000 artists, activists, hippies, radical students, gurus and visionaries descended on a small dairy town for 10 days of social and cultural exploration that changed a generation. Those 10 days birthed an irrepressible movement that may have been the much-needed blueprint for sustainable change.

A dramatic tale of resilience and friendship produced by Taika Waititi. In 1954 New Zealand, Māori teens Nellie (Erana James from The Wilds) and Daisy (Manaia Hall), along with Lou (Nathalie Morris from Bump), are transferred to a remote island facility after a failed escape from a reform school. Overseen by the strict Matron (Rima Te Wiata of Hunt for the Wilderpeople), the girls face harsh punishments but remain undeterred, plotting a daring escape that highlights their unbreakable bond. Screens with LAST MAN STANDING

Bondi Icebergs is the most photographed pool in the world. For nearly a century this spectacular 50 metre stretch of sparkling blue at the southern end of Bondi Beach has occupied a special corner in the hearts of millions. Screens with IAN

At the age of 19, young Arnaud Mestelan left home to embark on his first solo surf trip. On the platform at the train station in Biarritz, he met Robbie Page, an Australian pro surfer. Screens with PRESENCE, JUST BENEATH THE SURFACE AND FRAGMENTS OF A HALF LIFE

Jazz and decolonization are entwined in this forgotten episode of the Cold War, where the greatest musicians stepped onto the political stage, and downtrodden politicians lent their voices as inadvertent lead singers.

Damon Gameau (2040, That Sugar Film) takes eight children on a biofuel-powered journey across Europe to explore environmental solutions. Their mission is to bring the climate conversation from street protests to corporate boardrooms, inspiring a new generation to influence the world's most powerful companies. Screens with TURRAKANA HOME

Join us for an evening where the skyline meets creative visuals, featuring a curated selection of cutting-edge music videos from talented artists. As night falls, the rooftop comes alive, illuminated by the dynamic rhythms and visuals of our exceptional music video lineup.

In the misty forests of North America, a family of Sasquatches—possibly the last of their enigmatic kind— embark on an absurdist, epic, hilarious, and ultimately poignant journey over the course of one year. Screens with WAYS OF BEING

You Should Have Been Here Yesterday combines hundreds of hours of lovingly-restored 16mm footage – uncovered in the garages and dusty cupboards of our original surf filmmakers – with a salt-infused soundscape by Headland and wisdoms from Australian Surfing’s Gurus, Outsider Artists and Intuitives. Screens with SAELUHUS/HOUSE OF BLISS

Soul Paint exists at the nexus of immersive technology, creative storytelling and wellbeing to explore the richness of the embodied human experience. Participants are taken on a journey to explore and creatively express feelings of emotion and sensations in the body.

A dramatic tale of resilience and friendship produced by Taika Waititi. In 1954 New Zealand, Māori teens Nellie (Erana James from The Wilds) and Daisy (Manaia Hall), along with Lou (Nathalie Morris from Bump), are transferred to a remote island facility after a failed escape from a reform school. Overseen by the strict Matron (Rima Te Wiata of Hunt for the Wilderpeople), the girls face harsh punishments but remain undeterred, plotting a daring escape that highlights their unbreakable bond. Screens with TO BE SILENT

You Should Have Been Here Yesterday combines hundreds of hours of lovingly-restored 16mm footage – uncovered in the garages and dusty cupboards of our original surf filmmakers – with a salt-infused soundscape by Headland and wisdoms from Australian Surfing’s Gurus, Outsider Artists and Intuitives. Screens with END OF THE ROAD

Set against the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Black Dog follows Lang, a former prisoner, returning to his hometown, now marked for demolition. He bonds with a stray black whippet amidst the ruins, symbolizing the fight against erasure. Directed by Guan Hu, the film explores resilience, identity, and societal shifts in modern China.

Thirteen year old Missy Taylor lives at home with her addict mother, Annette. When Annette’s boyfriend Trent is released from prison, he takes up residency in the family home. Before long, Trent sets his predatory sights on Missy, forcing her to kill him in a courageous act of self defence. However, when Annette finds the body, she sides with her lost lover, Missy’s abuser, sparking a terrifying chain of events… Screens with HITCHHIKING IS SAFE AND DARK MOMMY

Set against the captivating backdrop of the Atlas Mountains, "Moonlit Steps" follows the riveting journey of the "Without Borders" dance company as they conclude their Moroccan tour. A startling incident during their penultimate show in a mountain town spirals into a desperate quest. Screens with 3MWh

BEFORE THE MIRROR, SAILING HOME, MIND THE GAPS, CHASING THE BREEZE, EDGE OF THE EARTH, BELLE ISLE, TRUST THE BEES, CHOOKAS, SUVIRA, TRINKET & OUT OF THE WILD

Damon Gameau (2040, That Sugar Film) takes eight children on a biofuel-powered journey across Europe to explore environmental solutions. Their mission is to bring the climate conversation from street protests to corporate boardrooms, inspiring a new generation to influence the world's most powerful companies. Screens with WAITING FOR THE MAN & GREY POWER

An agent from Bhutan's Ministry of Gross National Happiness traverses the country annually to assess happiness levels, guiding government policy but also seeking his own contentment. This task, selected for Sundance, involves challenging treks through mountainous regions and detailed surveys covering everything from livestock to personal satisfaction. Screens with THE LIGHTHOUSE

Bondi Icebergs is the most photographed pool in the world. For nearly a century this spectacular 50 metre stretch of sparkling blue at the southern end of Bondi Beach has occupied a special corner in the hearts of millions. Screens with IAN

Amidst the chaos and destruction of the brutal Russian invasion of Ukraine, three artists defiantly find inspiration and beauty as they defend their culture and their country. Screens with TONY

WING SUIT FLYERS - The quest to fly like a bird, unaided by machine has captured the imagination of humankind as long as we have been gazing upon the world’s natural flyers

IMPACT - The powerful story of two skydivers, Mark Lucchiari and Ben Lucock, and their journey to recovery after a near-fatal accident.

“Washed Away" delves into Australia's most devastating flood, revealing stories of resilience and grit that rarely make headlines. Against the backdrop of destruction, the film captures communities standing strong together, all set to a raw, evocative soundtrack from celebrated Australian artists.

A dramatic tale of resilience and friendship produced by Taika Waititi. In 1954 New Zealand, Māori teens Nellie (Erana James from The Wilds) and Daisy (Manaia Hall), along with Lou (Nathalie Morris from Bump), are transferred to a remote island facility after a failed escape from a reform school. Overseen by the strict Matron (Rima Te Wiata of Hunt for the Wilderpeople), the girls face harsh punishments but remain undeterred, plotting a daring escape that highlights their unbreakable bond. Screens with SOLUTIONS

Three migrant school kids (Korean, Sri Lankan and Croatian) form a band in the '80s. They fight racism and the music industry to take their Aussie punk music to the world. The Hard-Ons become the biggest independent Australian band of their time and blaze a trail overseas for other bands to follow.

Three women - a duped mail-order bride, a numbed anaesthetist determined to have a romantic weekend, and an empty nester on an unexpected mission of mercy - each navigates her way through an unfamiliar landscape and the contours of the human heart.

This very special short film session at BBFF2024 showcases an array of award-winning films from Australia, Norway, Gambia, and beyond, each deeply rooted in its unique cultural context yet universally resonant. LE CHARADE, COLD WATER, BASRI & SALMA IN NEVER ENDING COMEDY, LOSER, SHOOTING WATERMELONS, THE LETTER, SUPERDUPERMEGAGIGASINGLE.

Before winning the 2022 Archibald Prize, Dhungatti artist Blak Douglas documented his artistic process for a portrait of his Indigenous grandmother, showcased at the National Gallery of Australia’s Indigenous Art Triennial. Douglas explores his heritage and confronts intergenerational trauma, using family archives to deepen the narrative beyond the canvas. Screens with MAKING REVISIONS & TO BE SILENT

Based on Isabella Tree’s best-selling book by the same title, Wilding tells the story of a young couple that bets on nature for the future of their failing, four-hundred-year-old estate.

Based on Isabella Tree’s best-selling book by the same title, Wilding tells the story of a young couple that bets on nature for the future of their failing, four-hundred-year-old estate. Screens with TURRAKANA HOME , SAELUHUS/HOUSE OF BLISS & GATH & K’IYH: LISTEN TO HEAL

In 2003, a low-level cannabis case would end Weldon Angelos’ budding and promising career in the music industry. But it would also give birth to a national movement to reform our country’s criminal justice system, uniting far right conservatives like billionaire Charles Koch and Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) with liberals such as Senator Corey Booker, Van Jones and musicians Alicia Keys, and Snoop Dogg. Screens with POWER SIGNAL

In 2008, years after nearly drowning in a traumatic and life-changing surfing accident, Drouyn suddenly resurfaced by coming out as a trans woman on national television. Her new name, she said, was Westerly Windina. “It was a supernova,” Westerly said of her gender awakening. “It just kicked in one night, and suddenly Peter went; Westerly was there.” Screens with BENEATH THE WAKE

Graphic art pioneer Jim Phillips, known for his impactful rock posters and skateboard designs, shaped skateboarding's golden era as Santa Cruz Skateboards' art director. Despite career setbacks and health challenges, Phillips remained resilient, reviving his career with freelance work. This documentary highlights his enduring influence on modern art and his unyielding passion. Screens with B.I

The celebration of Iman’s latest promotion as investigating judge in the Revolutionary Guard Court coincide with widespread public protests after the death of a young woman in the streets of Teheran.