Michelle Carey’s program for the 64th Melbourne International Film Festival combines the latest movies making waves at international festivals with special focuses on refugees, Asia, dance, food, music, animation and schlock.
A special retrospective of the films of US comedian Jerry Lewis promises to alter perceptions of Lewis as a 1960s answer to Adam Sandler. Enigmatic Japanese actress Setsuko Hara, who was active in the 1940s and '50s, is also in the spotlight.
The work of US women filmmakers in the 1970s and '80s is celebrated in an impressive series of revival screening in MIFF, as is the ‘Escuela de Barcelona’ – the Barcelona school of filmmakers going against the grain of realism in the 1970s.
Abe Forsythe’s dark Australian comedy Down Under is receiving a special centrepiece gala screening, and there is a particularly strong set of Australian movies showcased this year including a couple of restored classics.