Yes!

Yes!Byron Bay Film Festival proudly supports Marriage Equality, and was proud to screen the documentary ‘Freedom to Marry’, which showed us the thirty five year campaign of Evan Wolfson to achieve marriage equality in the USA.With several local organisations including our great festival partners Screenworks, putting their hands up as supporters of marriage equality, Freedom to Marry was the prefect film to open our region’s International Film festival with."I applaud the Byron Film Festival's decision to open with Eddie Rosenstein's 'Freedom to Marry'. It was a powerful reminder of the simple message behind our current 'debate' - until we're all equal, no one is. By outsourcing its responsibility to protect and defend human rights our Government has failed in it's legislative obligations. And while I hate the idea of human rights being decided by a popular vote I hate the idea of losing that vote even more, which is why I encourage everyone to post their yes vote in." – Peter Wood, Arts Northern RiversIt’s not over yet, and as Tamara Smith MP said on opening night, we need to continue to have conversations with our community, and we cannot be complacent. We must ensure we get out and vote YES.In addition to Freedom to Marry, we have two great shorts that explore LGBTIQ stories screening the festival. Check them out: The Invisible Edge “As the writer and director of the documentary about homosexuality and surfing OUT IN THE LINEUP, which won Best Surfing Film at the Byron Bay Film Festival in 2014, I strongly support the right of all people, irrespective of gender or sexual orientation, to have their love and relationships acknowledged and respected in equal terms before the law.” – Ian Thompson, Filmmaker, The Invisible Edge Spinning in Slow MotionShort - Featured in our YOUNG AUSTRALIAN FILMMAKERS AWARDSLife is hard when you're young, free, gay and single. In the space of 24 hours twenty-five year old Tommy finds herself stood up on a date, eating cheesecake with a baby, patronised and lectured, and eating ice-cream in a 7/11 carpark.Screening 3:30pm Saturday 14 October, as part of the Young Australian Filmmakers Showcase & Awards.THE FESTIVALNow in its 11th year, BBFF spans 10 days in six venues, featuring over 175 independent films, and attracting filmmakers and film-lovers from all over the world. It is Australia’s most loved regional film festival.The 11th Annual Byron Bay Film Festival runs until Sunday 15 October 2017 in multiple venues throughout Byron Bay and surrounding suburbs.Closing Night Red Carpet Gala Event Saturday 14 October, Byron Bay Community Theatre.Don’t miss RUMBLE: The Indians Who Rocked the World – an illuminating feature on the immense influence of Native American musicians on mainstream music. Features an all-star line-up of commentators and music from Iggy Pop, Tony Bennett, Taj Mahal, George Harrison, Mildred Bailey, Aerosmith, Buffy Saint-Marie, Link Ray, Jimi Hendrix, Steven Van Zandt, Quincy Jones, Rhiannon Giddens, George Clinton, Quincy Jones, and many more.Rumble is followed by the festivals big night – the culminating celebration of another great festival, including music, food, beverages, red carpet, glamour, and good times!Join us for the hottest party in town!