From virtual reality to celeb stalking – our pick of must-see events at the 2018 Gold Coast Film Festival
With all of the commotion happening in and around the Gold Coast right now, you’d be forgiven for missing the memo that the 16th annual Gold Coast Film Festival rolls into town from April 17 through to April 29. This year’s jam-packed program offers everything from floating cinemas to award-winning short films and for the first time, virtual reality experiences. Strap yourselves in film buffs, here is our pick of top five must-see events at the 2018 Gold Coast Film Festival.
Gold Coast Movie Locations tour, April 21–22 and 28–29, various locations
If you were one of those people that visited Elk Espresso every day for two weeks after Orlando Bloom was spotted grabbing a coffee or serial stalked Bam Bam after Margot Robbie sipped that now GC-famous Ink gin, the Gold Coast Movie Locations tour is right up your alley. The bus tour takes you to locations made famous by both international blockbusters and Australian classics, from Thor: Ragnarok to Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales and is filled with behind-the-scenes stories, interviews with Queensland filmmakers and celebrity hot-spots. Just be sure to have your cameras ready, you never know what (or who) you may come across.
Floating Cinema, April 26, Surfers Paradise
For those who were lucky enough to catch the maiden voyage at last year’s event, you will be excited to know the open-air movie cruise is back, baby! The event is making a much-welcomed return to the festival line-up with a screening of the 1999 teen comedy American Pie. Relive all of the cringe-worthy moments of Jim Levenstein and the gang as you sit pretty atop the luxurious Wyndham Cruises boat for a night of all-American high school shenanigans – just be sure to come dressed in your 90s best.
Virtual Reality, April 28 and 29, HOTA
Transform into a fantastical female warrior tasked with battling evil, step inside abandoned spaces with a world-renowned street artist or take a harrowing peek inside now closed Manus Regional Processing Centre with the Gold Coast Film Festival’s Virtual Reality exhibition. For the first time, movie lovers can be transported deep into films, stories and places designed to expand your perception of the world we live in and the possibilities for immersive storytelling in the years to come. There is a mix of experiences on offer, from inspiring, entertaining and enlightening through to all out blood and gore, if that’s your thing. Virtual Reality is recommended for ages seven plus with parental discretion advised.
SIPFest, April 22, Surfers Paradise Beach
If you have the attention span of about five to ten minutes and find yourself scrolling your social feeds during a 30-minute television show, SIPFest is for you! The event, otherwise known as Shorts in Paradise Festival is an annual showcase designed for the attentively challenged and features some of the best short films from across Australia. With sand below and stars above, SIPFest delivers an outdoor movie experience like no other. Don’t forget the snacks.
Movie and Music Trivia, April 24, QT Surfers Paradise
Do you know what colour the slippers were in the original Wizard of Oz? How about the actress that once said “I have always had a talent for irritating women since I was 14”? If you reckon you know your stuff when it comes to movies and music, put your skills to test at Gold Coast Film Festival’s annual trivia night. The event is always a sell out so rustle up a team of between two and six members and get your tickets pronto. Did we mention there were some sweet prizes up for grabs? By the way, the answers are silver and Marilyn Monroe – but of course you already knew that didn’t you, smarty pants?
Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Gold Coast Film Festival, for a complete list of happenings, check out the program here.
To find out more about what’s on in the Gold Coast, head to our Event Guide.