There are many aspects to BOFA 2016, and something for every film lover.

Yes, film festivals can be for the whole family. This year a BOFA first - From Script to Screen – a chance for children to make a film, working with the experts, during the Festival. Another BOFA innovation this year is a children’s Pop Up Playgroup, hosted by Playgroup Australia. And then there’s the movies - some of the world’s best films are made to be enjoyed by children as well as adult- here’s a sneak preview of two films from Family BOFA.

A beautifully-told, animated story about a 15 year-old Russian girl who embarks on an adventure to the North Pole in order to find her grandfather’s ship and save her family’s honour. Set in 1892, the plot is centred on Sasha, a young Russian aristocrat who is very close to her explorer grandfather, Oloukine. He fails to return from his latest expedition to the North Pole. Against her parents’ wishes, Sacha flees her home and launches an adventure-filled quest toward the Great North in search of Oloukine and his ship. Long Way North will delight children of all ages and is in English (no subtitles). The Guardian called it “a mesmerising Arctic-set ripping yarn, moving and deftly realised”.

Eight year old Anthony is somewhat uneasy about spending the weekend with his down-on-his-luck carpenter dad Walt, while his mom and her new husband have a weekend away. A series of characteristically unfortunate events culminates in the theft of Walt’s toolbox, which he needs for an upcoming job. As Walt and Anthony set about finding the guy who stole the tools, they begin to discover a true connection. Clive Owen is unforgettable as a man struggling with addiction while he strives to reconnect with his son. A powerful directorial debut from writer/director Bob Nelson (Nebraska). The New York Observer said: “two mesmerizing performances by Clive Owen and his astounding child co-star, Jaeden Lieberher”

BOFA could not survive and prosper without the support of many local businesses and organisations. FAMILY BOFA is supported by Anglicare Tasmania. Anglicare is a family-focused non-profit organisation providing a wide range of community services to the people of Tasmania. Their Communities for Children team is currently providing the ‘collective impact’ backbone support for a community-led movement Every Child Succeed, based on the belief that a positive future is the birthright of every child, not just the fortunate or lucky few. The 2016 Communities for Children Conference is on at the Door of Hope Centre, Launceston on 26-27 October.

Full details at https://www.anglicare-tas.org.au/page/communities-children-conference%C2%A02016

Anglicare’s support of BOFA helps us to show that film festivals can be for the whole family!

YOUR CHILD COULD BE A FUTURE FILM MAKER! 16 PLACES AVAILABLE

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12,  9.00am – 5.00pm

A unique opportunity for young people to collaborate with professional film makers to create a short film. Participants will work in teams to write, produce and star in an original short film.

In the morning session, children will learn about story structure, how to format a script and write an original screenplay.

In the afternoon, participants will experience various crew and performance roles, creating characters from the costumes of REMADE 2017, and will shoot the film, taking turns on each of the crew roles including camera, sound, directing and standby for props and costume.

The films will be edited overnight and screened on the Sunday at BOFA, then uploaded onto YouTube so participants can share their film with a wider audience. Children will work under the supervision of Award-winning director and screenwriter Lucien Simon and Launceston TasTAFE screen studies teacher Andy Del Vecchio.

REGISTRATION FEE: $50
NUMBERS ARE STRICTLY LIMITED TO 16. Ages 12 - 18

NEW for BOFA 2016 – BOFA will partner with the recently established Launceston Big Picture School  to provide a toddler-friendly facility, open (and free) to children from 2 to 6 years old in the care of a parent or guardian. The Pop Up Playgroup will provide a safe place for children to interact, learn and play together under the supervision of two experienced Playgroup Tasmania staff. The Launceston Big Picture School is an innovative and highly personalised environment where students work in close partnership with their greater community.  BOFA’s focus on innovation aligns closely with the Launceston Big Picture School, led by James Price, and we acknowledge the generosity of the school in providing the use of the facility. 

PLEASE NOTE: This is not a child care centre – children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

OPEN SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM 9AM TO 5PM
BIG PICTURE SCHOOL (NEXT TO BLUE CAFE)