BBFF’s X film – a work made against the dictates of the state, which we have had to keep anonymous, to ensure its maker is not arrested. We are showing it to demonstrate our belief in free speech, and the right of the artist to create. The film is not political: though it is a bleak observation of society, it has more general themes – lies, guilt, identity and freedom. An artful, claustrophobic drama about lies, repression, and the struggle for freedom. A man is tormented by the knowledge that he carries a gene that means he will go mad and, like his father, end up in a mental hospital. He refuses to have children with his long-suffering wife and seems incapable of making a commitment of any kind: even work as a dog-sitter is beyond him. Broke, he and his wife enlist in a state-run psychological experiment which is paid, but ominous and manipulative. To remain in the programme he has to make up stories and act as if he is crazy. But he can’t sustain it, and an emotional crisis forces him to seek complete freedom in nature.
An award-winning venue in the heart of Byron Bay. Lovingly called ‘Festival HQ’ the inaugural festival occurred here in January 2006 screening just 55 Australian Films and BBFF has grown steadily every year and grown its presence across the Community Centre.
The films screening here are eclectic, colourful, quirky, sometimes challenging, sometimes inspirational, but always intriguing, just like Byron’s own uniquely diverse community. Completed in late 2002, The Byron Community Centre is a world-class venue in the heart of Byron Bay. This multi-purpose facility hosts a great variety of activities including performing arts events, exhibitions, conferences, seminars, receptions and functions. It also accommodates the Bay FM Community Radio, Liberation Larder, Planet Corroboree (an Aboriginal art and craft shop) and Fundamentals (a natural health store).
The Centre plays a major community development function in the Byron shire. Over 20+ years it has established many community services, helping create over 60 jobs and bringing in over $10 million to the local community.