 Check out our 2013 festival screener:We made it to ten years! In that time we’ve become the longest running Queer Film Festival in Regional Australia, and the only one in Victoria. By the end of this year’s festival, we will have screened 188 films. That’s 188 films that would not have otherwise screened in Bendigo, and probably wouldn’t have got a showing anywhere in regional Victoria. We’re pretty proud of that. Over the years there’s been many people who’ve worked tirelessly to bring this great festival to Bendigo year in, year out. One that’s been there for the whole ten years is Lisa Daniel. As Director of Melbourne Queer Film Festival, Lisa also curates the Bendigo Queer Film Festival. Without her support, and that from Melbourne Queer Film Festival, we would not exist. So a big thank you to Lisa, for selecting those 188 films. Sadly this will be the last Bendigo Queer Film Festival. Hopefully just for a little while. The festival takes a lot of work, and is put together by a small dedicated group of volunteers each year, and unfortunately other commitments mean that we’re unable to continue. Hopefully the festival will be back in the future, or another group somewhere else in regional Victoria will take the torch. So, if you’ve always wanted to come along, but for some reason haven’t been able to make it this could be your last chance. If you’re making the trip to Bendigo, why not take the Friday off work, and take in ANZAC day on the Thursday to make a 4 day long-weekend, and come see some of the wonderful sights our great city has to offer. But we’re planning on going out with a bang! This year we’ve also made some changes to the format of the festival, taking it back to three days with 8 film sessions. We’ve also added a couple of new events to the program, our birthday party to be held immediately after the opening night film at the Latrobe Visual Arts Centre, and the Conveners Brunch on Sunday morning. At the Conveners Brunch, you’ll get to hear all about the ups and downs of the festival from four past conveners. Hear about why it almost all fell apart before the first film even screened, and the panic of a film selling out before our programs had even hit the street. Along with the films, two of our other favourites return, Queer Country and the Opening Night Party. This year Queer Country will be at View Point Gallery, just down near the fountain, and our Opening Night Party will be at Icon. I’m certainly proud of what we’ve achieved over the last ten years. It wouldn’t have been possible without the support from everyone that comes along to see the films. Daniel Borton
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