Following a successful year in its new November timeslot, Brisbane International Film Festival will be in November next year, from 3 to 13 November 2011, BIFF Festival Director and Head of Screen Culture at Screen Queensland Richard Moore announced today.

“Last year’s decision to change dates to November was bold,” said Mr Moore. “It’s a challenge for any event when it shifts dates. Will the audience follow?”

But after an 18 month hiatus, the Bring Back the BIFF message was strong. The Brisbane community’s response was enormously supportive and the festival is well positioned to build audiences in 2011.

“Under Brisbane’s springtime sunshine, this festival now stands alone in Australia’s film festival calendar, out of the shadows of its interstate counterparts. It allows Brisbane audiences to experience a program that could not be replicated anywhere else in Australia.”

This year’s date shift presented new programming opportunities for Mr Moore in his first year as BIFF Festival Director. Flagship international festivals in Venice, Locarno and Toronto festivals came online, there is the lead up to the blockbuster Christmas releases, and a time of year that is traditionally considered in the film world to be awards season, both in Australia and overseas.

As a result, the 2010 program was able to showcase 23 Australian premieres and three world premieres and encouraged audiences to explore different ideas and film formats that challenge as well as entertain.

“It is a time of year when we can truly cherry-pick. 2010 was such a positive experience, and I am bowled over by the enthusiasm of Brisbane filmgoers. I can’t wait to get stuck into the 2011 programme.”

Details of the 2011 programme will be announced next year. For more information on the Brisbane International Film Festival visit: www.biff.com.au