Series

MIFF 2026

This year’s Melbourne International Film Festival has kicked off. Here we take a closer look at what’s on the schedule.

It’s incredible to see wild animals encroach on “human” spaces, but Nuisance Bear proves it’s not all fun and games.

• Nell Geraets

• Exclusive

At the height of her fame, the Vertigo star turned her back on Hollywood. Almost five decades later, she has granted a rare interview to explain why.

• Michael Idato

Alex Gibney is no stranger to challenging material. But his film about the stabbing of Salman Rushdie takes some topping.

• Karl Quinn

Mārama and Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant are very different films, but they both signal a growing appetite for risk within the Kiwi horror space.

• Nell Geraets

A fisherwoman asks for a husband, and a basketmaker provides one – only he’s woven entirely of reeds. Welcome to the bizarre and brilliant world of Wicker.

• Karl Quinn

Tony Jones’ documentary Sentient traces the journey of Dr Lisa Jones-Engel, as well as that of the macaque primates.

• Kerrie O'Brien

The makers of a documentary about the way the law prevents women speaking out about sexual abuse have been sent a warning letter by lawyers for Linda Reynolds.

• Karl Quinn

The new film Mad Rush, premiering at Melbourne International Film Festival, is urgent and powerful – and couldn’t be more relevant to many young people.

• Karl Quinn

Tamra Davis’ new music doco The Best Summer offers an intimate trip inside a festival with a line-up that reads like the ultimate alt-’90s fever dream.

• Robert Moran