Brisbane is rolling out the red carpet (and the riverfront, rooftops and piazza) for four spectacular days of world-class cinema as the Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF) makes its highly anticipated return next week from Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 November 2025.
This year’s reimagined program of 60+ films, including 29 Australian premieres, opens a window on a world of experiences and perspectives inviting audiences on a journey through the hearts and minds of the world’s best filmmakers and Australia’s most exciting screen storytellers.
BIFF presents a thoughtfully curated collection of First Nations cinema, led by programmer Maria Lewis, spotlighting powerful storytelling from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and Indigenous filmmakers from across the world.
An impressive lineup of special guests will be in attendance, including Hollywood director Peyton Reed (Ant-Man, Bring It On), Academy Award winner George Miller (Mad Max, Happy Feet) and Italian filmmaker Giulio Bertelli for his directorial debut and the Australian premiere of Agon.
Here’s a peek at some of the headline events running across the four evenings:
Australian premiere of Agon with Director Giulio Bertelli
What: Black tie gala featuring the award-winning film, Agon, followed by a discussion with five-time Olympian Natalie Cook.
When: Thursday 27 November from 5pm
Where: Felon’s Barrel Hall, Howard Smith Wharves
Cost: $190
Tickets are available here.
Bring It On! with Director Peyton Reed
What: 25-year anniversary screening of Bring It On featuring open-air cinema, cocktails and live cheerleaders bringing the heat.
When: Friday 28 November, 6pm
Where: Star Leisure Deck
Cost: From $35
Tickets are available here.
Australian premiere of A Life Illuminated + Glow Rave
What: Documentary profiling marine biologist Dr. Edie Widder followed by all-ages glow rave with The Dead Puppet Society.
When: Saturday 29 November, 6pm
Where: Star Leisure Deck
Cost: From $22
Tickets are available here.
It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley
What: Screening of award-winning documentary, followed by a live, track by track performance of Grace brought to life by a stellar lineup of Brisbane’s finest.
When: Sunday 30 November, 6pm
Where: Southbank Piazza
Cost: From $95
Tickets are available here.
Beyond its headline events, BIFF’s 2025 program features 60+ films, including 29 Australian premieres. They are all curated to evoke one of six core emotions: Be Delighted, Be Moved, Be Afraid, Be Ignited, Be Challenged and Be Surprised.
With its bold programming, spectacular event experiences and the return of George Miller, one of Australia’s most celebrated filmmakers as Patron, BIFF 2025 signals a confident new direction that cements Brisbane’s status as a city of stories and a hub of cinematic imagination.
The Festival runs at venues across Brisbane including Palace Centro, Palace Barracks, New Farm Cinemas, Elizabeth Street Picture House, The Star Brisbane, Streets Beach and South Bank Piazza.
Six-film Festival Passes are $119, with special event prices varying.
Brisbane International Film Festival 2025 runs 27 – 30 November. Explore the full program and book your experience at the website link below.
Tickets: https://tix.biff.com.au/events
Website: https://biff.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/bnefilmfest/
Images supplied.
