‘A film mecca’: Gold Coast Film Festival announces 2023 program

The Gold Coast is set to glisten with talent and A-listers ahead of Queensland’s biggest celebration of world cinema. See how you can get a taste of the red carpet.

QUEENSLAND’S biggest celebration of film is back as the Glitter Strip continues to assert itself as Australia’s movie-making capital.

The Gold Coast film festival launched its 2023 program this week and will play host to a range of screen events and cinema over 12 days from April 19 at HOTA.

An exciting new addition to this year’s schedule is the free event – SIP Fest.

Launch of the Gold Coast Film Festival program with Gold coast Film Festival Ambassador Lincoln Lewis and Festival CEO Josh Martin. Picture Glenn Hampson

Abbreviated from Shorts in Paradise Festival, SIP features a national and international screening of short films. Punters are invited to pull up a picnic blanket, grab a craft beer or wine on site, and tuck in for a night of world cinema.

Gold Coast Film Festival CEO Josh Martin said the festival’s board was thrilled to be hosting the new event as part of the city’s growing film and arts culture.

“Any city that has a thriving film industry has a wonderful film festival,” Mr Martin said.

“The growth of the industry and the growth of the festival all compliment each other – it’s all part of the ecosystem of the Gold Coast becoming this mecca of film making.

“And to have people like Lincoln Lewis as ambassador for this festival – as someone who lives here, works here and makes films here – is a great celebration of the Gold Coast film industry that is going from strength to strength.”

Mr Lewis said he was honoured to have been approached as ambassador for his second year running.

Launch of the Gold Coast Film Festival program with Gold coast Film Festival Ambassador Lincoln Lewis and Festival CEO Josh Martin. Picture Glenn Hampson

“Growing up on the Gold Coast, and once again calling the Gold Coast my home – it’s such an honour to be part of this event – I’m stoked,” the actor said.

“There’s a really big community vibe here on the Gold Coast.

“It’s growing and changing so much – the community is all rallied around the artsand that’s something that’s really unique and beautiful feeling in our city – it’s an exciting time.”

From free screenings to ticketed programming including red carpet events, women in film celebrations and Screen Industry Gala Awards, the festival caters for everyone from emerging film makers to new and old lovers of cinema.

The full festival program is available via gcfilmfestival.com