Discovering new possibilities in the face of dramatic disruptions in the global film industry, MIFF is excited to announce a new online showcase for 2020 to deliver a fresh program of new-release films from around the world.

Following the cancellation of MIFF 2020, the MIFF team has been working on MIFF 68½, a reimagined celebration of cinema online, featuring a suite of films and special events. With the adoption of streaming technology, our iconic film festival will return this winter to deliver new worlds of cinematic escape to audiences across Australia for the first time.

“MIFF 68½ is the result of our desire to sustain MIFF’s outstanding film programming, stay connected with our audience, and foster new audience connections during this truly unparalleled time.” – MIFF Artistic Director Al Cossar

Streamable across our original 2020 dates (6–23 August), MIFF 68½ will be available via ticketed access on a state-of-the-art digital platform designed by Shift72. The curated program will feature approximately 40 features, including films planned for the festival’s intended 2020 edition alongside discovery highlights by emerging filmmakers. The program will also include a presentation of shorts across Australian, International, Animation and Documentary packages, the Shorts Awards, MIFF Talks, Critics Campus, as well as virtual adaptations of our social events. The full program will be announced on 14 July 2020.

Enabling this foray is the most significant philanthropic gift from a private donor in the festival’s 68-year history: a generous donation from Melbourne-based film producer, businesswoman and philanthropist Susie Montague, which sets the scene for a broader fundraising campaign that is now underway. Other confirmed supporters include director, actor and longtime MIFF attendee Rachel Griffiths, who will serve as MIFF 2020 Ambassador. These donations, for which we are so appreciative, are vital to ensuring that the festival is able to innovate and connect with audiences in these unprecedented times. 

We also thank you, our loyal audience, for your ongoing dedication and outpouring of support as we navigate our current film landscape. We are so grateful to everyone who has sent positive messages, renewed memberships and made donations. We look forward to bringing you on this journey as we embark on this new chapter in MIFF’s history.

If you would like to support MIFF, and are in a position to do so, we encourage you to purchase a membership or make a tax-deductible donation. Any contribution, small or large, will make a positive difference to MIFF and be gratefully received.