‘Books at MIFF’ titles announced
The titles selected for this year’s ‘Books at MIFF’ session at the Melbourne International Film Festival have been announced.
Seven titles were chosen from 89 submissions from 25 publishers and literary agents. The books, which all have available film rights, will be publicly pitched to producers at the 37ºSouth Books at MIFF session on 25 July for their consideration as potential films.
The titles were chosen by a reading panel of film industry professionals, including producers Tanya Phegan, Marian Macgowan and Helen Leake; former Film Victoria script development manager Charlie Carman; and script advisor, editor and MIFF chair Claire Dobbin.
The titles, with notes from the reading panel, are:
Fiction
The Baby Farmer (Kellinde Wrightson, Brandl & Schlesinger, yet to be published): ‘The heart-wrenching story of the protagonist’s fall from grace has the potential to be a gripping film … Women behaving badly is always compelling for a television audience.’
Coal Creek (Alex Miller, A&U, yet to be published – read a review here): ‘The exploration of friendship and betrayal in a small community will appeal to an older audience but well cast, would also engage a younger audience because of its themes of belonging and friendship.’
The Trusted (John M Green, Pantera Press): ‘A book with the sophistication of John le Carre! What’s not to like! Sleeper spies provide an intriguing way into the story (a la The Americans).’
Nonfiction
In Praise of Ageing (Patricia Edgar, Text): ‘Validation for a greying nation—appeals to a core ABC demographic of 55+ as a doco series, or a core cinema audience of 55+ females as a more lateral adaptation.’
Pleasure and Pain (Chrissy Amphlett & Larry Writer, Hachette, submitted by Curtis Brown): ‘An engaging story for women 15-35 who want to see stories of women who do something and positively change their world … Incredible lead role, sexy and glamorous but with a heart-breaking struggle at the heart of the story.’
Unsuitable for Publication: Editing Queen Victoria (Yvonne Ward, Black Inc.): ‘Potential comedy drama based on the two literary gentlemen (buddy movie) and their deliberations on what to include or not to include on the iconic queen … Compelling, voyeuristic look at a world that fascinates the public at large as illustrated by the success of The Kings Speech, The Queen and The Young Victoria.’
YA
Hostage (Karen Tayleur, Black Dog Books): ‘An unreliable narrator in an interesting way for an audience (a la Notes on a Scandal) … The film, which takes place over 24 hours, has the potential to unsettle the audience and question their assumptions, as any good thrilled should … It would appeal primarily to young audiences 25-35 and could be made on a modest budget. Well executed, the film would work well internationally.’
The Melbourne International Film Festival runs from 25 July to 11 August. For more information, visit the website here.
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