A still from Paul Cox’s Force of Destiny, announced today as the MIFF opening night feature.
MIFF announces opening night film
Australian director Paul Cox’s latest ​feature, Force of Destiny, has been announced as the opening night film of the 2015 Melbourne International Film Festival.
‘All of us at MIFF are very excited to be opening this year’s festival with Force of Destiny. One of Paul Cox’s most revealing films, it provides a glimpse into the personal life of one of Australia’s most respected and prolific filmmakers,’ said Artistic Director Michelle Carey.
A love story with a sumptuous aesthetic, Force of Destiny stars David Wenham (working with Cox for the first time since Molokai: The Story of Father Damien, MIFF 00) as Robert, a sculptor who meets the love of his life just as he’s reeling from a cancer diagnosis. New hope comes when he’s placed on the transplant waiting list.
Now living with cancer again, Cox remains an auteur of international acclaim, with 47 features, shorts and documentaries to his name. He said of the film: ‘Force of Destiny is born from years of personal research, a lifelong love of India and my ​40-odd years as a filmmaker based in Melbourne. I am truly humbled that the Melbourne International Film Festival is honouring the film and these experiences on Opening Night.’
Opening Night, taking place Thursday 30 July at Hamer Hall, marks the first event in MIFF’s 18-day program. ​See miff.com.au for more details.
