The 2023 Darwin International Film Festival (DIFF) will return to the Top End from 14-24 September 2023, and the full program will be released on 14 August 2023 at the NT premiere of a powerful new Territory documentary.
Luku Ngärra: The Law of the Land focuses on Yolngu clan leader, traditional lawman, spiritual leader and civil rights activist Rev. Dr Djiniyini Gondarra OAM, and his 40-plus year campaign for freedom and justice for Indigenous Australians. Filmed over five years in northeast Arnhem Land, the documentary is a confronting and intimate journey into the world of the Yolngu First Nations of Australia.
The special screening at Deckchair Cinema, presented by DIFF and Our Generation Media in association with Darwin Festival, will feature a Q&A session with Rev. Dr Djiniyini Gondarra OAM and Director Sinem Saban. Audiences will also get their first look at the 2023 DIFF Program, which brings an exciting mix of local, national and international cinema to the Deckchair Cinema over 11 star-filled nights in September.
Along with festival favourites like the Best of NT Shorts and SPARK films, DIFF includes a packed industry program and submissions from filmmakers for DIFF 2023 are open now. Categories include Best of Northern Australia Shorts, Best of South East Asian Shorts, Australian Feature and International Feature. The deadline for entries is 14 July 2023.
DIFF is presented by the Darwin Film Society and Screen Territory, and supported by Northern Territory Government through Northern Territory Major Events Company. To secure your spot at the premiere of Luku Ngärra: The Law of the Land (tickets on sale now) or for a screening on the DIFF program (tickets on sale Tuesday, 15 August) visit here.
Quotes from Northern Territory Major Events Company CEO Suzana Bishop:
"DIFF is a valuable entry on a busy Territory events calendar that features cultural, arts, sporting and business events for Territorians and visitors to enjoy.
"The festival is an exciting opportunity for our local screen industry to develop and showcase their work, and highlights the growing reputation of the Territory's film and screen sector.
"Territorians have some incredible stories to tell, and film helps us share them with the world while showcasing the Territory, its culture, its landscapes, and its unique destination potential."
Quotes from Deckchair Cinema General Manager James Parker:
"DIFF is thrilled to present the NT premiere of the incredibly powerful and timely film Luku Ngärra: The Law of the Land, which takes the audience on an intimate journey deep into Arnhem Land for a thought-provoking and entertaining cinematic event.
"Audiences on the night will also get their first look at the 2023 DIFF Program which is promising to be an outstanding selection of Australian and world cinema."
