The Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) is excited to announce their first program announcement for the 2015 festival, eight films from the Next Gen program, which are now on sale for school group bookings. The program is designed to enrich the cinema experience for younger viewers, as well as stimulate discussion and social awareness. This year, the program includes films such as Australian documentary Gayby Baby, which explores the lives of children with same-sex parents. Director Maya Newell is a guest of the festival and will take part in a free panel event to discuss what family means to young people.
Other highlights include the French documentary Being 14 (pictured above), directed by Helene Zimmer. A former actress turned writer/director, Zimmer takes a no-holds barred look at the lives of three 14-year-old girls navigating friendships, sex, partying and bullying. In a first for MIFF, Next Gen is also screening Italian film Me Romantic Romani at NGV International, where students will also be taken on a tour of the Italian art collection, looking at Italian visual culture and stories of love, family and relationships.
The current Next Gen lineup is just the tip of the iceberg, with more films set to be announced on July 10. The general public will also be able to book tickets to all sessions in the program from this date.
To check out all the films currently announced, and to book tickets, head to http://miff.com.au/nextgen/program
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