We're excited to share the debut of the AACTA Festival, a four-day celebration of Australia's vibrant screen industry. Presented by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA), it promises to be an immersive experience for all, from industry professionals to film enthusiasts, school-leavers, families, and aspiring creatives. The Festival, including the AACTA Awards presented by Foxtel Group, will be hosted right here at HOTA from 8-11 Feb 2024. 

With more than 70 events on the program and more to be added, the AACTA Festival will present an array of panels, meet-and-greets, screenings and activities that are predominantly free to attend. The festival's an exciting opportunity to go behind the scenes of your favourite films, immerse yourself in the industry's latest trends, meet your favourite stars, network with screen practitioners, and learn more about the exciting world of Australian film, TV, gaming, music, and more. 

The AACTA Industry Awards Ceremony will kick things off on Thu 8 Feb, followed by a day of industry events, masterclasses, and creator discussions on Friday. Sat 10 Feb the AACTA Awards Ceremony will welcome all the stars on the red carpet. Finishing on Sun 11 Feb with an array of screenings, live music, kids events, acting workshops, meet-and-greets, and more. Sunday will also feature the Screen Careers Expo presented by Essential Screen Skills, running all day and offering pathways for anyone wanting to break into the industry. It promises to be a great day out for the entire family.

Cinematic highlights include a behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Matrix; an animation deconstruction of international blockbuster Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, a deep dive into the stunt work from Mad Max: Fury Road and a showcase of the upcoming BINGE Original series High Country, with Leah Purcell. Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), and producer Paul Currie will give audiences an exclusive look at their upcoming Australian film Better Man starring singer Robbie Williams. Iconic Australian musician Russell Morris (The Real Thing) will take part in an exclusive in-conversation with composer David Hirschfelder, and audiences can hear from Mortal Kombat director Simon McQuoid on the progress of the film franchise currently being shot in Queensland.

Many of Queensland’s top writers will attend and be showcased throughout the festival, including Trent Dalton, author of Boy Swallows Universe, and Holly Ringland author of Lost Flowers of Alice Hart. In addition to this, audiences can hear from writers Nick Earls, Lystra Rose, Mathew Condon, Richard Jameson, Tristan Michael Savage, Ben Hobson to name just a few.

The festival will also host a series of Meet the Creators events - panel discussions with internationally renowned talent including directors Danny and Michael Philippou (Talk to Me), Warwick Thornton (The New Boy), and the team behind the hit TV show The Newsreader. Meet the Nominee panels offer a chance to hear from some of Australia’s biggest stars, producers, and directors, nominated for a prestigious AACTA Award. The festival also features a wide range of topical industry panels covering various aspects of the screen industry, from the future of AI and streaming to First Nations truth-telling and storytelling panels. Also included are a range of online gaming ‘Let’s Play’ events, and an immersive art experience led by acclaimed painter, actor, and musician Stan Yarramunua.

There'll be fun for the whole family, with a series of kids events, including a Play School LIVE event, kid’s acting workshops, face painting, live music, and a very special appearance from Queensland’s beloved Bluey.

For those looking to join the industry, the AACTA Screen Careers Expo presented by Essential Screen Skills will be operating all day on Sunday and provide a comprehensive and insightful immersion into the diverse facets of the screen industry.

_{The AACTA Awards are proudly presented by Foxtel Group and supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland and Screen Queensland, and Experience Gold Coast. The event also features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.}