48 Shades announcement
The announcement of the world premiere of ‘48 Shades’ was held overlooking the city at Kangaroo Point cliffs with guests including Nick Earls, the author of the novel 48 Shades of Brown on which the film was based.

Festival Launch
Minister for Education and the Arts, Rod Welford, joined BIFF Artistic Director, Anne Demy-Geroe, in unveiling the entire festival line-up including Opening and Closing Night films and the Chauvel Award recipient. Also participating was Ana Kokkinos, Director of Australian film The Book of Revelation, which will feature in this year’s festival. Photographs by Jimmy Malecki (www.jimmymalecki.com).

The Courier-Mail BIFF Fast Film Screening
An eager crowd filled Suncorp Piazza on Sunday 23 July to watch the ten finalist entries in this year's The Courier-Mail BIFF Fast Film competition. Prizes were awarded for Overall Winner and Best Young Filmmaker (under 25) and the audience had their say via SMS voting. Photographs by Jimmy Malecki (www.jimmymalecki.com).

BIFF in the Burbs, Graceville
The last of the popular BIFF in the Burbs screenings was held on Sunday 30 July at Graceville Memorial Park. The crowd enjoyed the festival atmosphere in the outdoors for the screening of Because of Winn-Dixie. Photographs by Jimmy Malecki (www.jimmymalecki.com).

Opening Night
The Brisbane International Film Festival kicked off in rollicking style on Wednesday 2nd August, with 800 guests turning out for Opening Night. The screening, the Australian premiere of Robert Altman's A Prairie Home Companion, was followed by entertainment, drinks and dancing at the now-famous after-party. Photographs by Jimmy Malecki (www.jimmymalecki.com).

Showcase 1 - Thank You for Smoking
The first Showcase film for BIFF 2006 was Jason Reitman's Thank You for Smoking. The screening was held at the Southbank Cineplex on Thursday 3 August, with an after-party at Saville hotel. Photographs by Crystal Spencer.

Hong Kong Cinema Reception
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office held a reception at the Hilton hotel in support of BIFF's Hong Kong Cinema focus on Friday 4 August. The reception was followed by a special screening of Everlasting Regret, directed by Stanley Kwan. Photographs by Crystal Spencer.

Showcase 2 - Like Minds
Director Gregory J. Read was in town on Tuesday 8 August to present his film Like Minds, the second Showcase title for BIFF 2006. The screening and after-party were both held at the Palace Centro Cinemas in Fortitude Valley. Photographs by Jimmy Malecki (www.jimmymalecki.com).

Showcase 3 - 48 Shades
The third Showcase film for BIFF 2006 was the highly popular 48 Shades, directed by Daniel Lapaine and based on Nick Earls' novel. The cast and crew introduced the film for two sold-out cinemas at The Regent on Thursday night, before making their way to the after-party at Metro Arts. Photographs by Jimmy Malecki and Tarnie Wilkie-Smith.

Jury Awards Presentation
The FIPRESCI, Interfaith and NETPAC juries assembled at South Bank Parklands on Saturday 12 August to present their awards. They were joined by the three Cine Sparks Young People's Juries, a new and exciting addition to BIFF this year.

Festival Guests
Each year BIFF hosts a range of local and international guests, from directors, writers, producers and actors, to jury members and curators of the special programme elements. Guests provide valuable insight into filmmaking and programming processes by introducing screenings and participating in Q&A sessions and seminars during their time at BIFF. Photographs by Jimmy Malecki and Crystal Spencer.

The Chauvel Award Presentation
The Chauvel Award recipient for 2006 was actor Jack Thompson. The award was presented in a morning ceremony at the Saville hotel on Sunday 13 August. Thompson then joined critic David Stratton for an in-cinema interview and presentation of clips and highlights from his career. Photographs by Crystal Spencer and Jimmy Malecki.