International Film Festival kicks off in Bunbury this month with extraordinary line-up of global talent

As travel remains off the cards in WA, Bunbury is set to offer the next best thing with international culture and storytelling on the big screen. Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre opens the International Film Festival today with 12 huge days showcasing 12 international films from more than 12 countries. The program will run throughout the month of January exploring seven genres over 45 screenings, giving film buffs a chance to experience everything on offer from around the world in the comfort of BREC’s cinema. Internationally praised filmmakers and actors will bring talent from the United Kingdom, Germany, India, Kosovo, China, Brazil and beyond, ensuring there is something for everyone — subtitles included. The festival launches today with a mid-morning viewing of USA director Todd Stephens’ Swan Song, a drama comedy starring Udo Kier as a retired hairdresser who escapes his nursing home and embarks on an adventure across town to deliver a former client’s dying wish — for him to style her final hairdo. Other must-see talent includes academy award winner Tilda Swinton in Colombian drama fantasy Memoria and the Oscar-nominated film Quo Vadis Aida from Bosnia, produced and directed by Jasmila Zbanic. The romantic at heart will love German romance sci-fi I’m Your Man, following the story of research scientist Alma who participates in a three week study where she must live with a human-like robot — designed solely to be her ideal companion. For the sport lovers, the Swedish drama Tigers is sure to entice as it dives into the high-stakes industry of professional global sport, delving into mental health issues in professional sport. For those looking to escape the summer heat or just to reminisce on the beauty of culture, the film festival is the perfect opportunity to do so. The BREC International Film Festival runs from January 6-30. For more information on the film festival, visit brecfilm.com. au.