Perth seaside festival to jump out of the gate

The glamorous seaside festival has announced its comprehensive program for 2020, with films from across America, Italy and Spain, as well as a handful of homegrown heavyweights.

“I am really proud of the fabulous program we have planned for 2020," said festival founder and director Miranda Edmonds.

"We have three Aussie films, four films directed by women, two inspiring documentaries, several family friendly nights and the latest Tarantino cult hit for our main party night,” said Miranda.

Ride Like a Girl is nominated for three awards at the upcoming 2019 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards, including Best Film, Best Lead Actress and Best Original Music Score.

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“We open with an Australian film about the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup," she said.

"Directed by acclaimed Golden Globe winning actress Rachel Griffiths, Ride Like a Girl is the incredible true story of Michelle Payne.

"It stars not only Teresa Palmer and Sam Neill but also two Perth actresses - Sophia Forrest as Michelle’s sister and Summer North as the young Michelle. This is a great family film that will make you laugh and cry,” she said.

The stellar line-up will also include Academy Award-winning actors Matt Damon and Christian Bale in their latest blockbuster Ford v Ferrari - the remarkable true story of the visionary American car designer Carroll Shelby and the fearless British-born driver Ken Miles.

The first weekend concludes with must-watch documentary The Australian Dream, which unveils the remarkable and eye-opening story of AFL legend Adam Goodes.

Perthians will have the chance to witness titles which enthralled audiences at two of the world's most prestigious film festivals - Sundance and Cannes - with the dynamic re-imagining of Shakespeare's Hamlet in Orphelia and Quentin Tarantino's instant classic Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood.

“When an early version of (Once Upon a Time in...Hollywood) debuted at the Cannes Film Festival, it received a 6-minute standing ovation and rave reviews from the critics, catapulting the film into the awards season conversation,” Miranda said.

With an all-star cast including Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio, plus Australians Margot Robbie and Damon Herriman, Once Upon a Time in...Hollywood is a tribute to the final moments of Hollywood’s golden age.

The festival's stunning display of cinematic brilliance will be further enhanced with entertainment for the kids and a host of Australian talent.

"We’re excited to announce that Triple J Unearthed artist Josh Lee Hamilton will be flying in to perform on Opening Night," Miranda said.

Josh Lee Hamilton is an indie folk, singer-songwriter from Byron Bay, who has been likened to that of Ryan Adams, accompanied by an alternative coastal folk sound.

In addition, the festival will host an evening of appreciation for the opera, before a screening of Ron Howard's Pavarotti.

"We look forward to hosting a night of opera under the stars with local singers providing pre-show entertainment before we screen Pavarotti; an in-depth, no holds barred look at the life, career and lasting legacy of the musical icon.”

Witty comedy/drama Palm Beach is slated for the screen on Valentine's Day, with director Rachel Ward leading an all-star Aussie cast in an exuberant and life-affirming celebration of friendship.

The final weekend will be rounded out with the family night screening of Disney's Frozen 2 and acclaimed Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar's latest masterpiece Pain and Glory.

Starring Penelope Cruz and Antonio Banderas, Pain and Glory won Best Actor and Best Soundtrack at the Cannes Film Festival and has been nominated as Spain’s entry for Best International Film at the upcoming 92nd Academy Awards.

From 5pm each night, guests can enjoy live music, food and drinks on Cottesloe Civic Centre’s beautiful main lawn, while watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean.

Part proceeds will once again be donated to the Cottesloe Coastcare Association, as well as North Cottesloe Primary School.

To view the full program or purchase tickets, visit www.cottfilmfest.com.‍