Golden Koala Chinese Film Festival (GKCFF) 2023 Returns with an Exciting Lineup of Chinese Cinema

Melbourne, Australia – The Golden Koala Chinese Film Festival (GKCFF) is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated return for the year 2023, marking a triumphant comeback after a three-year hiatus from screening disruptions. With great excitement, the festival will officially kick off at RMIT Cinema in Melbourne on October 29th, running across four states through November 8th, 2023. The Festival is free for all to attend, and films will be supported with directors in attendance participating in Q&A.

GKCFF 2023 promises to be an exceptional cinematic experience, presenting a curated selection of outstanding Chinese films, both award-winning classics and new releases from Hong Kong. What sets this year apart is that all the films invited to the festival will be making their Australian premieres, offering audiences a unique opportunity to discover fresh perspectives from Chinese filmmakers.

Adding exceptional value to the program, the festival’s organizing committee has extended special invitations to the directors of these captivating films. Audiences in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth will have the privilege of engaging in post-screening discussions with the directors themselves. Adding to the prestige of the event, Australian judges from The Australian Directors Guild (ADG) will moderate the screening talks in each of the four cities. This marks a significant milestone for the GKCFF, featuring the most extensive series of post-screening talks at the highest level since the festival’s inception.

The esteemed line-up of films, distinguished guests, and directors for GKCFF 2023 includes:

•The Coffin Painter (Fei Da 2021): Winner of multiple awards, including Best Director, Best Film, Best Actress, Best Actor, and Special Commendations at the 13th GKCFF. Director Da Fei will share his remarkable journey with the Australian audience.
•Goodbye the Groundhog (Cheng Cheng 2021): Recipient of the Special Commendations at the 13th GKCFF. Director Yang Chengcheng, whose debut work garnered recognition at the China Golden Rooster Awards, will join the post-screening discussion along with producer Ms. Chen Yu.
•Being Mortal (Ze Liu, 2020): Winner of the Best Actress and nominated for Best Director and Best Film at the 11th GKCFF. Director Liu Ze will delve into the theme of Alzheimer’s disease in his first film during the post-screening talk.

In collaboration with the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Sydney, GKCFF 2023 is proud to feature the latest Hong Kong films and their directors, including “Back Home” (Nate Ki), “Over My Dead Body” (Ho Cheuk-Tin), and “Vital Sign” (Vincci Cheuk).

A host of notable Australian figures, including politicians, filmmakers, and academics, will grace the screenings in their respective cities. Some of the distinguished attendees include Miss Trista Lim (Director, Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Sydney), Councillor Robert Kok (Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney), Sophie Harper (Australian actress and Executive Director of Australian Director’s Guild), and Director Nadia Tass (Jury President of the GKCFF), among others.

During the GKCFF screenings, award-winning directors are also invited to the Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) Ceremony, taking place in Gold Coast on November 3rd. This provides a unique platform for Chinese filmmakers to engage with their international counterparts and showcase their exceptional works on a global stage.
As always, GKCFF screenings are free to the public, and bookings can be made on our website. The Golden Koala Chinese Film Festival, organized by the Chinese Film Incorporated (CFFI), stands as one of the most prominent overseas Chinese film events. It is committed to promoting and fostering a deeper understanding of Chinese cinema and culture, facilitating communication and collaboration among enthusiasts eager to explore the diverse world of China and its cinema.

Don’t miss this exciting cinematic journey at GKCFF 2023, where the magic of Chinese cinema awaits!

For more information and updates, please visit www.cff.org.au

Bookings: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/chinese-film-festival-inc-69775039063