BIFF Programmer Kiki Fung has been working tirelessly to bring Brisbane the world’s best and brightest films. With the main event’s program about to be unveiled, TOM Magazine had a chat to her about GenNext (formerly Cinesparks) – an accompanying festival packed to the brim with cinematic goodness tailored to a younger audience. We had a chat about some of the gems on the program, and why it’s important to encourage young adults to keep enjoying the cinematic experience.
TOM: GenNext is a recent addition to the BIFF program targeting a younger audience – when you were choosing films to program in, what kind of films did you think would resonate with this age group?
Kiki: First of all we look at the cinematic quality of the films, because after all we want this program – apart from selecting really good films for young people – we want them to be able to appreciate the cinematic experience sitting in the cinema along with other people. Being able to know it means to be watching a film, because now a lot of people are watching home videos, TVs. When it comes to the content we looked at films that deal with young people as their main character. They should be about issues that are more universal that the young people will come across, no matter what country or culture they’re from. So there are some universal themes in these films. Even when they’re universal there’s something culturally specific in each film so I think that’s the fine balance and what young people can connect to.
TOM: So was part of the idea to combat piracy or illegal downloading that’s popular amongst young people?
Kiki: It’s not the main thing – I think every film festival has a mission. Not necessarily combatting piracy but a celebration of filmmaking and film appreciation and I think that’s the main target. Piracy is an important thing but it’s not the main thing. The main thing for this festival is to bring about good films and good experiences to share – because this programs for free.
TOM: So the whole program is free?
Kiki: Yes! Except for the workshops that we have to commission – so we have to charge a fee there. It’s really cheap, $15 for the workshops. So except for the workshops, all the screenings are for free. Also when we choose the films we’re also conscious that the program is going to be in the Gallery of Modern Art, so we also tried to get films that are artistic, and films that not only appeal to young people but also cinefiles or those interested in art or film art.
TOM: So you’re saying that although GenNext is targeted towards the younger audience, anyone is welcome?
Kiki: Yes, everyone is welcome to GenNext, it is targeted to the younger audience as most of the main characters are young and encountering different growing up issues. But a lot are also highlights from major international film festivals.
TOM: I’ve noticed that a lot of the films released for the young adult age group often contain a lot of violence or crude humour and they’re quite mainstream – was that something you were quite conscious of when choosing GenNext’s program?
Kiki: Yes, this is a very good question, because we have enough films for entertainment and for consumption in commercial cinemas. What’s different in this program from those films is that this is not necessarily about entertainment – more about generating debate or just inspiring them to explore their life’s experience and be exposed to some new cultures or dimensions.
TOM: Do you have any personal favourites or standouts from the GenNext program?
Kiki: (laughs) Yes, every film is my personal favourite. I do have a few highlights, there’s something I wanted to particularly mention. Starting from last year, this program was called Cinesparks and it has been called that for 8 or 9 years, so GenNext is our new branding. It has always been under the BIFF umbrella but we wanted to have a stronger branding for the festival. Starting from last year I introduced classic films, so a cinema classic into the program. Most of the films are new releases from other countries but I’m also dedicated to introducing cinema classics to the young audience. This year we have the restored version of a French classic called The King and the Mockingbird. It’s a very lovely film that was restored by Studio Gibley who work on the Miyazaki films. So The King and the Mockingbird is adapted from an Andersen fairytale called The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep. It has this magic element, it’s a bit of a surreal story but also very imaginative.
TOM: In the GenNext program there’s a broad mix of Documentary, fiction and some animated works – was this to appeal to a broad age group?
Kiki: Yes, we want to broaden the audience and the program comprises different genres, so there’s a film that suits people of different interests and age groups. We have some animation that is suitable for younger kids say 7+ or 10+, we also have Sally Potter’s new film Ginger and Rosa. That film was set during the cold war, and it’s all about sexual liberation. So the themes are darker and a bit more sophisticated so that’s a film that is for a more grown up audience. We have this Turkish documentary called Know My Name, and that’s about a girl in search of her identity through her achievement is sports. So this is something very specific about sportsmanship and growing up in a Middle-Eastern country, so that will appeal to those interested in sports. Then we have a lovely Chinese film based on the directors experience in his own home town in a lovely village just by the yellow river, which is called Don’t Expect Praises. So yes, we have a wide selection of different genres.
TOM: You named Ginger and Rosa having themes like sexual liberation and Know Your Name with sportsmanship – in your mind when you were selecting the films were you after stories that had strong morals or good messages?
Kiki: Not necessarily good morals – I believe in liberal, and I don’t think we should only show films that are positive or moralistic. But I do believe in discussing, exploring and thinking about these issues. Thinking about issues that are important to us and to mankind. That’s why I am actually keen to pick up films that explore important themes
TOM: Is there anything else you’d like to mention about the program or what people can expect from GenNext?
Kiki: Once again this is a program of variety. We’ve got serious films, we’ve got documentaries, we’ve also got some action/adventure about a young detective – so there’s basically everything and I hope people really enjoy it now because we still have limited seats available. As it’s school holidays I don’t imagine we’ll receive a lot of bookings so it’s open to everybody! If anyone wants to come they can just book a ticket!
For more information on GenNext visit http://biff.com.au/gennext-biff/2013
