The Story
The Brisbane International Film Union was founded in 2020 when the world was seeking refuge from one of the deadliest viruses in the history.It was formed by a group of passionate filmmakers and cinephiles who saw a need for a platform that would showcase the best of international cinema in the city. The founders were all Brisbane locals who had been involved in various aspects of the film industry, from production and distribution to film criticism and programming.
The union started off as a small collective, organizing occasional screenings and events at independent cinemas and art spaces around the city. However, word quickly spread about the quality of the programming and the commitment of the organizers, and the union began to attract a growing audience of film enthusiasts from all over Brisbane.
Over the years, the union expanded its programming to include not just international films, but also locally-made and Australian films, as well as retrospectives and special events honoring various filmmakers and genres. The union also began to collaborate with other film organizations and festivals around the world, further cementing its reputation as a leading platform for independent cinema in Australia.
Today, the Brisbane International Film Union is a highly respected institution in the Australian film scene, known for its bold and diverse programming, its commitment to showcasing emerging and established voices from around the world, and its deep connection to the local community. The union remains a non-profit organization, run entirely by volunteers who are passionate about cinema and committed to making the best of international cinema accessible to audiences in Brisbane and beyond.
Meet Liam Murphy, a member of the programming team for the Brisbane International Film Union. Originally from Cork, Ireland, Liam has a degree in film studies from Trinity College Dublin and has worked in the film industry for over a decade. He has been settled in Brisbane with his family since 2009.
Liam is an expert in film programming and his keen eye for new talent makes him an invaluable member of the BIFU team.
As a programming team member, Liam's role involves watching and evaluating film submissions and making recommendations for the festival program. Liam has a broad knowledge of cinema, from classic Hollywood to contemporary independent films, and is always on the lookout for new and exciting filmmakers to showcase at BIFU.
In his personal life, Liam is a keen cyclist and enjoys exploring the city on his bike. He is also a big music fan and can often be found attending gigs and festivals around the city.