These days it seems like everyone is longing for an infusion of hope, inspiration, laughter and fun. Heart of Gold International Film Festival is here to give you just that! Come and join us in the picturesque town of Gympie in March 2009 when we offer a gourmet platter of enriching soul food.

So what can I expect in March?

Another fabulous, fun and feel good event! This year we have a few additions:

Family Film Festival - Firstly we have a two day Family Film sidebar that will take place at a nearby venue on the 28th and 29th March. All short films will be PG or G and chosen for their ability to delight kids and amuse parents.

Second Screening Room - The second change is that we will use the Fossicker's room at the Civic Centre as a second screening room. Documentaries and the special ‘Filmmaker Presents’ sessions will be held here as well as some of the seminars. This means everything will be more central. Seating in this room is on plastic chairs and not theatre seating and tickets to these sessions are priced to reflect the difference in the venues.

‘Filmmakers Present’ - At noon each day in the Fossickers Room you will be able to attend our intimate ‘Filmmakers Present’ sessions. Attending shorts filmmakers will re screen their films with a personal introduction and give time to the audience for questions. This will be an opportunity to get better acquainted with the films and meet some of our national and international visiting filmmakers.

At 11.30 each day in the Fossickers Room you will be able to attend our intimate ‘Filmmakers Present’ sessions. Attending shorts filmmakers will re screen their films with a personal introduction and give time to the audience for questions. This will be an opportunity to get better acquainted with the films and meet some of our national and international visiting filmmakers. This is the only session that you are welcome to take food into, so grab lunch and come and join the filmmakers.

Larger Café Area - Our Cafe area will be much larger this year and will be situated in the Prospector’s Hall.

International Photographic Awards - In 2008 Heart of Gold launched their inaugural International Photographic Awards and the finalist’s images will be on display and for sale at the festival. Proceeds will be going to charity.

All in all there will be more films, more fun and more options.

How do I find out which films are screening, where and when?

Film program available online late January 2009. In mid February our printed program will be available.

Where do I get a copy of the HOGIFF Souvenir Program?

This is available for just $5 from the office from 12th FEBRUARY and at all venues during the festival. Some selected shops and café’s will also stock the program in the lead up to the festival. Check here later to find out which ones.

Tell me about the shorts sessions.

With the exception of the special sessions (see below) all shorts sessions are packaged in a similar way, with none really better than another. Most sessions have an emphasis on comedy and could include documentary, foreign films and animation along with the drama.

YOUNG AT HEART - 9am Thursday

A session especially programmed with seniors in mind but could appeal to all ages. This session has a special price of only $8 for all attendees.

COFFEE & COMEDY - 11.30 am Thursday

This session will include coffee and cake in the price (yet to be announced)

A Slice Of Australia - 9:00 Friday

This session will include coffee and vanilla slice in the price.

DRINKS & DRAMA - 11.30 am Friday

This session will include drink and snack in the price (yet to be announced)

7:30pm Saturday

Shorts made by kids. Every film has been made by a child. Bring the family and inspire your kids. You may be very surprised by what a child can do.

Have these films been shown before?

Some films have premiered at various woldwide film festivals and some will be seen for the first time at our festival.

Most films are only shown once with the exception of a few shorts that play in the Filmmakers Present sessions at the Civic Centre. Most film sessions take place at the Heritage Theatre of the Gympie Civic Centre.

Where do I buy tickets?

Tickets will be available online early 2009, please check back regularly to find out when. Tickets will be available from our office at 214 Mary St from 14th February, 2009.

How do I get there?

Check out "About The Area", which includes a map and directions.

Does the Festival Have Credit and EFTPOS Facilities?

At the actual event, there are only CREDIT FACILITIES at the Civic Centre. All other venues will be cash only. There is NO EFTPOS during the event.

EFTPOS and CREDIT are both available through the Mary St Office up until 3.30pm on Wed 25th March.