Just a few weeks ago, Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) gave us a little tease about what to expect this year. And now, they’ve released the full program for its 73rd year. Look forward to some of the hottest films from Cannes, Berlin, Sundance and more across 18 days. There’s 275 films to look forward to, as well as XR experiences, talks, retrospectives and more special events around the city. MIFF will return to cinemas in Melbourne and surrounds from August 7 to 24.
The festival will also take over regional locations, including Bendigo, Ballarat, Castlemaine, Geelong, Morwell, Rosebud, Sale and Shepparton. MIFF Regional will run from August 15 to 17 and 22 to 24. There will also be a limited selection of festival highlights available to stream online, from August 15 to 31.
Melbourne International Film Festival 2025
Throughout the festival, Melbourne will roll out the red carpet for visiting stars and creatives, including Dacre Montgomery, Emily Browning, Sean Keenan, Mary Bronstein and Marlon Williams.
Writer-Director Mary Bronstein will debut her film, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, at the Opening Night Gala on Thursday August 7. This film stars Australia’s own Rose Byrne, who won the best performance at this year’s Berlinale, as well as Conan O’Brien, Danielle Macdonald, Christian Slater and A$AP Rocky.
The Premiere With Purpose Gala will return for a second consecutive year. This time, it will screen Prime Minister by Michelle Walshe and Lindsay Utz, a documentary covering Jacinda Ardern’s career as New Zealand’s PM. This doco will be celebrated with a black-carpet event hosted at ACMI on Thursday August 14.
Meanwhile, the Family Gala will return on Sunday August 17. See The Bad Guys 2 by Pierre Perifel and JP Sans, an animated film starring Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Craig Robinson, Awkwafina, Anthony Ramos, Richard Ayaode and Natasha Lyonne.
Highlights
Midsommar director Ari Aster is bringing a Special Preview to MIFF. Don’t miss Eddington, an absurdist nightmare vision starring Pedro Pascal. This film features a standoff between a small-town sheriff and mayor during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Have a laugh at Splitsville, a comedy about a divorce spiralling wildly out of control, starring Dakota Johnson and Adria Arjona.
See Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut in The Chronology of Water, which adapts writer Lidia Yuknavitch’s 2011 memoir.
In The Legend of Ochi, a debut by Isaiah Saxon, a young girl befriends a mythical creature, challenging her isolated community. This fantasy and coming-of-age film features Helena Zengel, Willem Dafoe, Emily Watson and Finn Wolfhard.
Other events
The MIFF Talks program will feature plenty of thought-provoking events for you to check out. In Theory to Practice, presented by the University of Melbourne, you’ll explore the intersection of academic insight and creative application. The popular Consuming Culture panel event will return, featuring experts who will chat about the current cultural landscape. MIFF’s In Conversations series will return, giving audiences a chance to hear from the festival’s filmmakers and talent.
There’s also some cool XR experiences to try. No two journeys will be the same in 8 Billion Selves, a VR experience by Tibor de Jong which explores what connects us across continents and cultures. Contemplate the fragility of life in the VR psychological horror, Limbophobia, by Wen-Yee Hsieh. Feel transported to Korea’s Joseon Dynasty in Cooper Yoo’s Dani: the Portrait of a Beauty, which reimagines paintings by Shin Yunbok.
Food and drink
Feeling hungry? The Festival Hub and bar will return to ACMI this year. Look forward to residencies by Skylab Radio and drinks from Campari, Penfolds, Asahi, Padre Coffee and more. Then, head across the road and stay out late at Wax Music Lounge.
In the Food and Film pairings, seven eateries around town will match up with a film, providing a feast for the senses. Participating venues this year include Bossley Bar & Restaurant, Barra, Cumulus, Supernormal, Elio’s Place, Antara and MIFF’s Festival Hub at ACMI.
To see what’s on the program, click here.