With the Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF) just around the corner and running from Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 November, we asked Screen Queensland staff to share the movies they can’t wait to see on the silver screen during the festival. Find some hidden gems and expand your cinematic horizons through these ‘staff picks’ and explore the full program of over 60 films which invite audiences to be delighted, moved, afraid, ignited surprised and challenged.
Make sure to also book tickets to Shorts Screening 1 and Shorts Screening 2 which feature a selection of short films from Queensland creatives.
BE DELIGHTED
A LIFE ILLUMINATED
“My pick would be A Life Illuminated, because I find the deep sea fascinating! After high school it was a choice between studying science or studying film and TV. Films like this combine my two passions.”
– Shannon Howat, Senior Coordinator Creative Industry Partnerships
FWENDS
AUSTRALIAN STORY
“I’m drawn to a good heartfelt character story. The kind that make you laugh one moment and tear up the next.”
– Carrie Barber, Marketing and Communications Manager
IMAGINE
AUSTRALIAN STORY
“As a parent of teens, I’m always drawn to the variety of stories featuring the perspectives of this age group—and the animation looks incredible!”
– Rebecca Capper, Head of People and Culture
ULTRAS
“The Ultras are a fascinating section of club support and interested to hear why they are so passionate about their club and the lengths they go to, to how that support.”
– Brendan O’Sullivan, Location Services Manager
BE MOVED
FLATHEAD
QUEENSLAND STORY
“Jaydon Martin’s black-and-white feature is an example of indie filmmaking at its finest, proving you don’t have to sacrifice quality on a microbudget.”
– Phil Enchelmaier, Content Director
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
“I love the opportunity film festivals provide to see films I wouldn’t normally come across, like this one! I can’t wait to be moved by this tender story of two young girls in Egypt separated but also connected by their class divide.”
– Katelyn Eiby, Marketing and Communications Coordinator
BE AFRAID
EXIT 8
“Based on the Japanese game of the same name—this horror game intrigued, scared and frustrated me and I’m excited to see the movie do the same!”
– Finléy Cameron, Games and SQhub Coordinator
JAWS/BEAST OF WAR
AUSTRALIAN STORY
“I’m taking a visiting Swede to make sure Australia truly delivers on its global promise of horrifyingly adorable wildlife.”
– Catherine Kristensen, Executive Assistant, CEO and Board
WE BURY THE DEAD
AUSTRALIAN STORY
“Big fan of unique takes on the zombie genre, especially when set in Australia.”
– Paul Judge, Head of Legal
BE IGNITED
IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT
“Palme d’Or 2025 winner because I’m a movie snob (!) and like to see the films that have already gone through a selection process and been critically acclaimed.”
– Naomi Wenck, Head of Production Attraction
TOW
“Although this film is set in 1991, it mirrors an issue that seeps further than just the United Stated. Given our current economic climate, Tow seems as though it portrays real struggles and battles with injustice, relatable to the everyday civilian.”
– Ally Ryan, Coordinator Production Attraction
QUEENS OF THE DEAD
“I can’t wait to ‘be ignited’ by Tina Romero’s Queens of the Dead—this is ideal, campy festival fodder from a zombie film dynasty and sure to further confirm my long-held theory that everything is better with drag queens!”
– Amanda Lawson, Head of Marketing and Communications
BE SURPRISED
NO OTHER CHOICE
“I’m keen to see No Other Choice because I’m always interested to see the way Park Chan-Wook combines horror with humour.”
– Danielle Fox, Coordinator Content
KONTINENTAL 25
“Radu Jude is one of the most intriguing voices in contemporary cinema. His work is sharply in conversation with the techno-political machinations of modern life. Using aesthetic mediums as varied as 80s Romanian cinema, TikTok screen recordings, hard smartphone video and janky AI bootlegs. His stylistic and narrative fascinations perfectly satirise our current moment while providing darkly hilarious entertainment. Can’t wait to check out this and Dracula which are new features from this Romanian madman!”
– Jesse McCart, Program Manager Online
SCHINDLER SPACE ARCHITECT
“As a nerd for all things art and design, I’m excited to learn more about one of the most influential modernist architects that blended nature and design, and to consider the lessons we can take away for our own Queensland lifestyle and climate.”
– Emma Kendall, Legal Officer
BE CHALLENGED
BROKEN VOICES
“I am drawn in by the intrigue and I love music so anything with the promise of a song draws me in!”
– Catherine Leckenby, Coordinator Industry and Audience Partnerships
DREAMING OF LIONS
“I’m intrigued and excited to see Dreaming of Lions. Comedy, and absurdist comedy especially, is always a great escape from and a reflection on the tougher aspects of life. I’ll be laughing and crying my way through this one for sure!”
– Courtney Moore, Program Manager Production Attraction
SIRAT
“Looking forward to seeing this one which shared the jury prize at this year’s Cannes film festival with It was Just An Accident (another film I’m keen to see as well which is also screening at BIFF and nominated at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards). Sirat has been described as an immersive hypnotic thriller that is better seen on the big screen.”
– Rowena Billard, Head of Industry and Audience Partnerships
