The second annual MyState Breath of Fresh Air (BOFA) Film Festival will be launched at a red-carpet opening night gala on November 23 in Launceston.
Over five inspiring days, BOFA will feature 39 cutting edge and thought-provoking films focusing on two themes—New Horizons and Food For Thought.
MyState is excited and honoured to support BOFA, Tasmania’s first major annual film festival, which is already set to become an essential part of Australia’s national film festival circuit.
The festival program this year is crammed with acclaimed feature films, documentaries, short films and the best offerings from this year’s MyState Student Film Festival entrants. The Stories of Cinema exhibition at QVMAG, Art of Cinema Masterclasses and stimulating iQ2 debates will add spice to the BOFA experience. And the Festival Hub—open every day from 5pm until late—will be the perfect place to talk films over drinks and nibbles.
A packed social program compliments the excellent film offerings, with an emphasis on fine Tasmanian food and wine, and great entertainment.
Celebrations scheduled for each day of the Festival include the red carpet Gala Launch on opening night, BOFA @ BOAGS, nightly after-parties, the MyState BOFA Devil Awards dinner and the Closing Night drinks party.
The Balcony, hosted by MyState, will highlight the best of Tasmania’s food and wine, and feature exclusive performances from some of Australia’s finest musical artists. The Balcony will welcome Festival patrons on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 November from 10.30am until late. This stylish, intimate venue is the place to retreat with friends and reflect on your BOFA experience.
A major highlight will be a performance by brilliant young Tasmanian-born jazz singer Elly Hoyt. Described as ‘the real thing’ by Australian jazz great James Morrison, Elly’s smooth and soulful voice has won widespread acclaim, and taken her to jazz festivals across Australia. This year, her debut, self-titled album won the Australian Jazz Bell Award for the Best Australian Jazz Vocal Album ahead of fellow nominees Hayden Jones and Australian jazz legend Vince Jones.
Now based in Melbourne, Elly grew up in Lapoinya, north-west Tasmania. Her return to home soil for BOFA will be a stunning feature of the Festival’s musical program and a treat for Tasmanian audiences.
Elly Hoyt and special guests Al Dobson, Kelly Ottaway, Nick Haywood and Ted Vining will appear at The Balcony on Saturday 27 November at 9.30pm.