Six critically-acclaimed films from Australia are set to hit select cinemas in Cebu as the Australian Embassy presents its 7th Australian Film Festival in the Philippines from 9-14 November. The festival will be opened by visiting Australian director Elissa Down.

The Australian film industry is known for its innovation and quality, and for producing unique films with an Australian flavour that have global appeal. One of the oldest in the world, it holds the distinction of producing the world’s first full length feature film, The Story of the Kelly Gang, in 1906. Today, actors such as Nicole Kidman, Mel Gibson, Russel Crowe, Hugh Jackman, Eric Bana, Geoffrey Rush, Guy Pearce, Naomi Watts and Cate Blanchett have amassed a significant body of award-winning work. Australia’s world-class facilities, state-of-the art digital and visual effects production services, acclaimed cast and crew and spectacular locations also makes it a sought-after location for foreign films including Superman Returns, Matrix Trilogy, Charlotte’s Web, Ghost Rider and The Ruins.
The festival, which will show at Greenbelt 3 Cinema 3 from 5-8 November and Ayala Center Cebu Cinema 4 from 9-14 November, is presented by the Australian Embassy, Screen Australia, and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in cooperation with the Ayala Malls Cinemas, Greenbelt and Ayala Center Cebu. Partners include The Peninsula Manila, the Arts Council of Cebu, the University of the Philippines Film Institute, 2nd Avenue, and ClickTheCity.com. For information on the film screenings and master classes, visit www.philippines.embassy.gov.au

Ayala Center Cebu Cinema 4 – Cebu City
*Admission is free

Unfinished Sky (R 13)
Director: Peter Duncan
Cast: William McInnes, Monic Hendrickx
Genre: Drama
Category: 2007, 91 mins

Synopsis:
When Tahmeena stumbles onto John’s isolated farm, he has no choice but to take her in. An illegal refugee, she’s been badly beaten and speaks no English. While John’s not inclined to welcome visitors, he’s even less inclined to involve the police. As they communicate through signs, pictures and a gradual understanding of each other’s language, they begin to recover faith in themselves and their trust in humanity.

Selected Awards:
Toronto International Film Festival, Pusan International Film Festival, Brisbane International Film Festival- Voted #1 film (2007), Best Film – Method Film Festival (2008)

The Black Balloon (PG 13)
Director: Elissa Down
Genre: Drama
Category: 2008, 97 mins

Synopsis:
Thomas and his family move to a new home. He has to start at a new school, all he wants is to fit in. When his pregnant mother has to take things easy, his father puts him in charge of his autistic brother. With the help of his new girlfriend Jackie, Thomas faces his biggest challenge yet. A story about fitting in, discovering love, and accepting your family that is funny, confronting, and ultimately heart-warming.

Selected Awards:
Australian Film Institute 2008 AFI Award – Best Film, Best Direction, Best Editing, Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress (Toni Collette), Best Supporting Actor (Luke Ford)
Berlin International Film Festival Crystal Bear – Best Feature Film
Film Critic’s Choice of Australia – Best Film, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress

The Bank (PG 13)
Producer: John Maynard
Director: Robert Connolly
Writer: Robert Connolly
Cast: David Wenham, Anthony LaPaglia, Sibylla Budd

Synopsis:
The Bank is a political thriller set in the world of high finance, a modern day story of alchemy.

Duration: 99:35 min
Genre: Thriller

Selected Awards:
2002: Göteborg Film Festival, Palm Springs International
2001: San Sebastian International Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, London Int. Film Festival, and
Vancouver International.

Danny Deckchair (PG 13)
Director: Jeff Balsmeyer
Producers: Andrew Mason
Writer: Jeff Balsmeyer
Cast: Rhys Ifans, Miranda Otto, Justine Clarke, Rhys Muldoon

Synopsis:
An ordinary bloke rockets out of his loveless relationship into a new world in which he gets the chance to stand out
from the crowd and fall in love.

Duration: 100 min Genre: Drama/Comedy
Screen Ratio: Wide screen 1:1.85

Selected Awards:
2003 Film Critics Circle of Australian nominated for Best Supporting Actor – Female Justine Clarke
2004 Paris Film Festival nominated Grand Prix – Jeff Balsmeyer

Garage Days (R 18)
Director: Alex Proyas
Producers: Topher Dow & Alex Proyas
Writer: Alex Proyas
Cast: Kick Gurry, Pia Miranda, Maya Stange, Russell Dykstra, Brett Stiller, Marton Csokas.

Synopsis:
GARAGE DAYS is a film about one kids dream to be a rock star. Freddy learns there is more to being a rock star than just drugs and tunes. He learns about friendship, babies and love.

Duration: 105 min Genre: Youth Comedy/Drama.

Selected Awards:
2003: Sundance Film Festival (USA)

The Hard Word (R 18)
Director: Scott Roberts
Producer: Al Clark
Writer: Scott Roberts
Cast: Guy Pearce, Rachel Griffiths, Robert Taylor, Joel Edgerton, Damien Richardson.

Synopsis:
Three brothers have found a uniquely profitable way to spend their jail time. Crime does pay, and no one gets hurt – until they discover the catch. When sex and greed come between bad cops and good criminals, the consequences are fatal –for some.

Duration: 103 min Genre: Crime/Comedy

Selected Awards/Festivals:
2002: Filmfest Hamburg, London Australia film Festival 4 x Australian Screen sound Awards.