Byron ready for film festival

J'aimee Skippon Volke.

Mireille Merlet-Shaw

THE Byron Bay International Film Festival is back for 2012, bringing people and film together for a captivating, stimulating and entertaining dose of screen culture.

Screening over 10 days, from March 2-11 at Byron Bay, the festival attracts international filmmakers, directors, producers, performers, cultural tourists, prominent members of Australia's film industry, and a wealth of appreciative audience members.

The festival will feature more than 40 public screenings at Byron Bay, with introductions and question and answer sessions by attending filmmakers.

There will be a gala red carpet opening night and a closing party showcase night, free workshops and panels, primary and secondary school screenings, a balcony bar for the audience to mix with filmmakers and an expanded program screening films at Lismore.

In 2011, 206 films were screened from 35 countries, including 72 were Australian films. A total 135 of the films screened were Australian or World Premieres.

Organisers say the 2012 event is shaping up to be even bigger.

With more than 900 film entry submissions received Festival Director, J'aimee Skippon Volke has had her work cut out for her.

Whether your interest is surf/street culture, self-development, conservation and the environment, animation, music video or world cinema, the 2012 Byron Bay International Film Festival will screen a dynamic program of local, national and international film, to suit all tastes.

Further programming and ticketing information will be available over the coming weeks at www.bbff.com.au.