The 2019 Screenwave International Film Festival was announced today, with the summer event set to return to Coffs Harbour and Bellingen from January 10th to the 25th. For the film lovers around the Coffs Coast, first release festival passes, along with tickets for the festival’s popular Preview Gala on December 8th where the 2019 full program of films will be revealed, are now on sale.
Last year’s Preview Gala screening night was a sell-out, filling the Jetty Memorial Theatre to capacity, and letting festivalgoers get their hands on the first copies of the film festival’s printed program along with an award-winning film screening on the night.
This year the SWIFF team have announced they will be joined on the night by the team from Backtrack in Armidale for a screening of ‘Backtrack Boys’, the new Australian documentary about at-risk youth finding redemption through learning about show dog jumping.
Winner of the Audience Award at both Sydney and Melbourne Film Festivals, ‘Backtrack Boys’ has sold out film festival screenings across the country and captured the heart of Australians.
The Backtrack youth service was set up by Bernie Shakeshaft, running from a shed on the outskirts of Armidale. It’s a place where kids can feel safe, continue their education, but most importantly it’s where they learn to support each other and pursue their dreams. Filmed over a year, this inspiring story reveals the challenges these young people face as they try to find their place in the world – all with the help of Bernie and his trusted dogs.