The Bendigo Festival of Australian Film will debut at the Capital Theatre later this month as a four day celebration of Australian cinema.
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The Star Cinema, in collaboration with Bendigo Venues and Events is showcasing eight Australian films.
The festival was created by Star Cinema's business manager Martin Myles.
"Traditionally, the Star has had to leave the Eaglehawk Town Hall during the Dahlia and Arts festival.
"We have screened some Australian films at pop up locations in the past and this year, I came up with the idea of making it into a festival," Mr Myles said.
John Ruane, director of 1990 Australian black comedy and romance film Death in Brunswick will introduce the film when it screens on Friday, 20 March at 7pm.
It has been 30 years since the release of Death in Brunswick and Mr Ruane says that every screening of the film makes him feel nostalgic.
"The last time I saw the film was when I sat next to the late John Clarke to watch it five years ago.
"I feel a certain nostalgia for the film and a great love for the film," Mr Ruane said.
He said there were discussions with Clarke and the film's star, Sam Neill, to make Death in Brunswick 2, but Clarke passed away.
"Now that the years have gone by, films take on a different significance.
"You can see what the suburb of Brunswick looked like all those years ago.
"Sometimes when you see a film after all those years, it is a different viewing.
"I hope people will still laugh at it," Mr Ruane said.
Just 50 kilometres from Melbourne, Mount Rothwell is the largest feral predator-free ecosystem in Victoria and aims to protect remnant habitat and restore natural ecosystems.
The ecosystem has been called on to assist with the care and recovery of wildlife recently impacted by bushfires.
Mt Rothwell's general manager Annette Rypalski will introduce The Dressmaker on Sunday, 22 March at 4pm, with some proceeds from the festival's ticket sales donated to Mt Rothwell to assist with protection and conservation of wildlife.
In curating the eight film schedule, Mr Myles said there was a large body of work to choose from.
"We wanted the films to showcase the best of Australian cinema," Mr Myles said.
The Bendigo Festival of Australian Film takes place from Friday, 20 March to Monday, 23 March at the Bendigo Bank Theatre, 50 View Street, Bendigo.
$2 from every ticket sold will be donated to Mt Rothwell.
For bookings, visit the Capital Theatre box office or online at starcinema.org.au/bfaf
