From key dates to film schedules and locations, here’s everything you need to know about the Melbourne International Film Festival 2025!

Welcome to the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) 2025! Now in its 73rd year, this August Melbourne is hosting over 275 films from around the world, coming straight to the city’s vibrant theatre scene.

So, mark your calendar and grab your popcorn for 18 days of cinematic bliss. Here is our guide to everything you need to know about MIFF 2025!

 

When is the Melbourne International Film Festival?

This year, MIFF 2025 will run from Thursday, 7 August to Sunday 24 August 2025. Over the course of these 18 days, moviegoers can enjoy a massive selection of local and international films, many making their Australian premiere across iconic locations such as ACMI, The Capitol, and Palace Cinemas.

 

What will be on at the MIFF in 2025?

Over the past 73 years, the Melbourne International Film Festival has been brought together an exciting lineup of diverse of films, and 2025 is no exception. With over 275 films from around the world, there’s something for everyone, including feature films, shorts, XR experiences, and live events.

Here are some of the significant movies you won’t want to miss:

  • One More Shot: Relive in the 90s over (and over again) with this Australian treat! Set in New Year’s Eve 1999, we follow Minnie as relives the same tequila-fuelled house party every time she takes a drink. With Y2K panic in the air and ’90s hits on the radio, Minnie tries to fix her mistakes and win back her ex, Joe—only to discover that some nights are better left in the past.
  • Nouvelle Vague: The latest outing from director Richard Linklater, Nouvelle Vague pays loving homage to the birth of the French New Wave. Set in Paris in the summer of 1959, the film follows Jean-Luc Godard as he prepares to shoot his groundbreaking debut Breathless, navigating the chaos of guerrilla filmmaking with no permits, little money, and no script. Shot in black and white, this is a must-watch at MIFF 2025.
  • The End: Watch Tilda Swinton and Michael Shannon sing and dance their way through the apocalypse in The End. Set 25 years after an environmental catastrophe, the film follows a former petroleum CEO and his entourage living in opulent isolation when as a mysterious girl from the surface appears, challenging their privileged detachment. Climate change has never been so darkly hilarious in this brilliant satire.
  • If I Had Legs I’d Kick You: A surreal comedy of a heartbreaking situation, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You is a standout at MIFF 2025. Follow Linda, a therapist whose personal life is unravelling. When her apartment ceiling collapses, Linda’s descent into chaos accelerates, punctuated by surreal encounters and biting humour. It’s a whirlwind of anxiety, absurdity, and brutal honesty that has to be seen on the big screen.
  • The Secret Agent: Set during the military dictatorships in 1977, this Brazilian political thriller is a must watch at the Melbourne Film Festival 2025. Blending body horror, wicked humour and even eroticism, grab a ticket for this vibrant and expansive portrayal Brazil’s history.
  • Blue Moon: Take a skip and step through the world of musical theatre. Brought to screen by director Richard Linklater, with outstanding performances Ethan Hawke, Margaret Qualley and Andrew Scott, this is a hilarious romp that is best seen on the big screen!
  • Sorry, Babe: This breakout Sundance hit is a witty and fearlessly vulnerable dramedy about an English professor trying to overcome the unspeakable. With great performances by Naomi Ackie and Lucas Hedges, this is a definite highlight!
  • Parasite Live in Concert: Experience a cinematic masterpiece in all its glory at Parasite Live in Concert. This special screening of Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning film is accompanied by a live performance of its haunting score, conducted and performed by original composer Jung Jae-il alongside Orchestra Victoria. This exclusive event offers a rare opportunity to witness the fusion of film and live orchestration, with Jung Jae-il himself on piano.

Beyond the screen, MIFF’s Festival Hub at ACMI offers a space to connect, converse, and celebrate. Expect filmmaker Q&As, trivia nights, food pairings, and panel discussions. Special events include the Premiere With Purpose black-carpet gala and a Family Gala designed to delight audiences of all ages

You can find the full list of films and events at the link here.

 

Where can I buy tickets?

Tickets went on sale July 15 on the MIFF website, letting you browse across over 275 films spread across almost three weeks. However, this year MIFF is also offering a Multipass of up to 12 films, that’ll get you access to standard festival admissions for you and your friends to enjoy the film festival. MIFF members also get discounts, so make sure to renew your membership and book ahead.

Running simultaneously as MIFF, here is everything you need to know about Melbourne’s Winter Night Market. And for the cinephiles out there, grab a seat at The 8 Quirkiest and Most Unique Cinemas in Melbourne.

Feature image: Traditional film screening. Photography by Ververidis Vasilis via Shutterstock.