Melbourne International Film Festival 2025: The local in international

“Films are memories of our lifetime; we need them to keep alive” – Martin Scorsese.

As the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) celebrates its 73^rd year, the city once again becomes a cinematic canvas – a place where stories from across the globe converge and where Melbourne’s own tales shine just as brightly.

MIFF 2025 returns with a commitment to “connect deeper with festivalgoers”, presenting both international masterpieces and a strong homegrown contingent that solidifies Victoria’s status as a global screen powerhouse.

“MIFF returns to illuminate the dark depths of Melbourne winter with a globe-trotting array of exceptional cinema, incredible experiences, and the biggest festival celebration of Australian filmmaking on the planet,” MIFF artistic director Al Cossar said.

With 27 Australian features and a wide slate of shorts, MIFF 2025 is a testament to the nation’s vibrant storytelling landscape. The program boasts “the world’s largest showcase of Australian cinema returns with a vibrant program of homegrown stories. From drama and comedy to documentary and First Nations filmmaking.”

Among the many Australian works premiering this year, several local voices stand out:

Fwends by Sophie Somerville
A full-of-feels feature debut that captures estranged friends wandering through Melbourne’s hidden-in-plain-sight corners. Equal parts nostalgic and romantic, it’s a celebration of young adulthood, friendship, and the city’s subtle charm. Sessions: August 19, 21

Westage by Adrian Ortega
This richly detailed period piece is a heartfelt ode to Melbourne’s unsung multicultural communities. Following his MIFF-selected debut Cerulean Blue (2019), Ortega’s sophomore work draws viewers in with intimate visuals and poignant storytelling. Sessions: August 17, 23

Pasa Faho by Kalu Oji
A vibrant and gently humorous portrait of suburban African-Australian life, Oji’s debut feature celebrates unity, diversity and identity within Melbourne’s underrepresented communities. Sessions: August 16, 20, 24

Signorinella: Little Miss by Shannon Swan, Angelo Pricolo and Jason McFadyen
Following up their acclaimed documentary Lygon Street – Si Parla Italiano (MIFF 2013), the trio return with a new tribute — this time focusing on the tenacity and strength of Italian migrant women. Sessions: August 16, 20, 23

Screenings will take place across key venues including ACMI, Kino, Melbourne Central and Cinema Nova from August 7 to August 24.

Whether you’re drawn to bold first features or tender homages to the city’s diverse fabric, MIFF 2025 offers something for every viewer. As always, the magic of cinema lies not only in the stories we know – but in the ones we never expected to find.

Go out, be curious – you never know what might inspire you.