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Melbourne International Film Festival Family Program
The Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) is back with its highly anticipated 2024 program, featuring over 250 films, shorts, and XR experiences. From 8-25 August 2024, MIFF will showcase an exceptional lineup of international features, exciting World Premiere local films and a diverse array of shorts. Additionally, a selection of family-friendly films will be featured, and the MIFF Family Gala is set to return, bigger and better than ever!
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The Melbourne International Film Festival Family Program will showcase three uplifting stories for both the young and the young-at-heart, including:
Runt
Runt is a heartwarming and comedic adaptation of Craig Silvey’s bestselling novel about an 11-year-old girl and her loyal dog on a mission to save their family farm. Living in the rural town of Upson Downs, Annie Shearer faces a crisis when drought and a local landowner threaten their livelihood. Determined to rescue the farm, she enters her dog Runt in the Agility Course Grand Championships at the Krumpets Dog Show in London, leveraging his herding skills. The film stars Jai Courtney, Celeste Barber, Deborah Mailman, and newcomer Lily LaTorre, who shines as Annie.
Date: 11 Aug 2024
Time: 4.30 pm
Location: The Astor Theatre
Date: 25 Aug 2024
Time: 10.15 am
Location: Forum
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Magic Beach
Ten of Australia’s most talented animators bring Alison Lester’s beloved children’s book to life, blending live-action and animation into a magical experience destined to become a family favourite. As children hear the enchanting words of Lester’s classic, they are transported into spellbinding worlds of dream and whimsy. This animated adaptation, featuring traditional 2D, claymation, stop-motion, and more, captivates a new generation while delighting those familiar with the story. With undersea adventures, tales of salty smugglers, sandcastle wars, seaweed monsters, psychedelic coral forests, and a dog’s dream of shoals of ‘sausage fish,’ every viewer will find their fantastical adventure within.
Date: 24 Aug 2024
Time: 10 am
Location: Theatre Royal Castlemaine
Date: 24 Aug 2024
Time: 10.45 am
Location: Hoyts Melbourne Central Cinema 3
Date: 24 Aug 2024
Time: 12.30 pm
Location: Village Cinemas Geelong
Date: 24 Aug 2024
Time: 12.30 pm
Location: Village Cinemas Shepparton
Date: 24 Aug 2024
Time: 1 pm
Location: Star Cinema Bendigo
Date: 24 Aug 2024
Time: 2 pm
Location: Paramount Cinemas Echuca
Date: 25 Aug 2024
Time: 12 pm
Location: Village Cinemas Morwell
Date: 25 Aug 2024
Time: 1 pm
Location: The Astor Theatre
Date: 25 Aug 2024
Time: 1 pm
Location: Peninsula Cinemas Rosebud
Date: 25 Aug 2024
Time: 1 pm
Location: The Pivotonian Cinema Geelong
Bookworm
Elijah Wood stars as a well-meaning but wayward dad in this magical father-daughter adventure set in the New Zealand wilderness. After her mother is hospitalised, 11-year-old bibliophile Mildred is placed in the care of her estranged father, a washed-up illusionist. To lift her spirits and indulge her vivid imagination, he takes her on a camping trip in the New Zealand forest, where they embark on a quest to find the mythical Canterbury Panther. Their journey becomes a race against unexpected forces determined to thwart them, all while they hope the quest will mend their fractured family.
Date: 17 Aug 2024
Time: 3.45 pm
Location: ACMI 1
Date: 18 Aug 2024
Time: 11.30 am
Location: Village Cinemas Geelong
Date: 18 Aug 2024
Time: 4.15 pm
Location: Kino 2
Date: 23 Aug 2024
Time: 6.30 pm
Location: Village Cinemas Morwell
Date: 23 Aug 2024
Time: 6.30 pm
Location: Village Cinemas Shepparton
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Family Gala – Magic Beach
The highly anticipated MIFF Family Gala is back and better than ever in 2024! This exciting event promises fun for kids and adults, showcasing the world premiere of Magic Beach. The all-ages party features fun activities and tasty treats.
Date: 18 Aug 2024
Time:
12 pm: Red carpet arrivals and pre-film festivities
1 pm: Screening of Magic Beach
3 pm: Event concludes
Location: The Astor Theatre
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We try our best to provide accurate information on kid-friendly events around Victoria but do recommend parents check details directly to confirm dates, times, prices as some details may be subject to change.
