The argument could be made that Film Soc is something of a Melbourne international film festival all year round, but we also love the officially trademarked Melbourne International Film Festival*, which is almost back again! Barring another cataclysmic disaster, natch, MIFF 2022 will mark a return to in-person festivities following two years online during the pandemic (if you’re a fan of MIFF Play and watching from home, don’t worry though, as the streaming service is sticking around too), as well as the festival’s 70th anniversary (founded in 1952, this will technically be MIFF 71, despite 2020’s festival having been re-billed hesitantly as MIFF 68 1/2, and last year’s as the symmetrically sexy MIFF 69).
In cinemas from August 4th until the 21st, and online from August 11th to 28th, this year’s MIFF will feature 257 feature films, show 102 shorts, explore 12 extended/virtual reality experiences, and host more than ten talks (some of them free), amongst other special events. You can check out the full program of films and events, plus more info on them all, here (we recommend reading through alphabetically if you have the time).
While tickets go on sale to the general public (basically, anyone who isn’t a MIFF member or hasn’t bought a multi-pass) on Friday the 15th of July, a hot tip: thanks to the University of Melbourne being MIFF’s official Learning Partner, students, alumni or anyone else aware of the code can get a 15% discount on all standard tickets for both in-cinema and MIFF Play sessions, as well as access to the pre-sale. The code? MELBUNI22.
If you’re planning on seeing 7 or more films though, it’s definitely worth investing in a cheaper overall 2022 Discovery Pass or 2022 Share Pass, the latter of which gives you 12 standard tickets and can be shared between up to four people. MIFF membership isn’t necessarily bad either. And, if you’d be interested in writing a review for the Film Inquirer in exchange for a free ticket, let us know by filling out the details in this expression of interest form. Get MIFFed!
*A fun fact: the original incarnation of the Melbourne University Film Society, which operated from 1948 until 1984**, ‘collaborated with the Victorian Federation of Film Societies and the Australian Film Institute to launch’ the Melbourne International Film Festival back in the day. So, MIFF is, in fact, technically a MUFS spawn.
**Another fun fact: at least one film that the original Film Soc acted as a production company for, Hey Al, Baby (1969), is showing at MIFF this year. Expect to see some films from unimelb students appear on this site in the coming months as well.
MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY FILM INQUIRER 