Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) is bidding farewell to Artistic Director Michelle Carey, who after 10 years with MIFF has announced that their 67th edition (2–19 August 2018) will be her last.
“After 10 years with MIFF, and eight years as Artistic Director, the festival has become my home away from home and the organisation and staff like family,” said Carey in a statement. “I will miss it – and them – incredibly but am so proud of the contribution I have made to Victorian film culture and industry through this much-loved, must-attend film festival.”
Carey took over the role of Artistic Director of MIFF in 2011. Speaking to Carey last year, we asked about what has changed in the world of Australian festivals in that time and where does it go from here. “I think we’ve got to just keep being better, keep shooting for the stars,” she responded. Everyone talks about the the competition from things like Netflix or being at home, but I think it just gets more popular every year…[I] really defend the big screen experience with the great sound, and the great audio, and watching it with an audience. That’s always going to be the core of what a festival like MIFF is all about.”
In 2017, Carey was awarded the Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters in a special presentation held during the opening weekend of MIFF 2017.
If you fancy yourself as the next voice of cinema in Victoria, applications are now open for the role of MIFF Artistic Director. Check out miff.com.au for a full position description and details of how to apply.
Having spoken with Carey a few times over the years, and been fans of her direction with the programming, The Reel Bits wishes her all the best with whatever she chooses to do next.
