Special guest and international acclaimed concert pianist Mark Gasser will open the film festival with a performance and talk on his experience creating film scores for movies such as 'Eyes Wide Shut'This year's Mackay International Film festival at CQU Mackay is offering films with special guest speakers, poets, music and local and national short films, from Friday October 12 through to Sunday October 14.

Special guest, international concert pianist Mark Gasser will open the festival at a cocktail reception in the CQCM foyer on Friday October 12 and will share his experiences in working with international acclaimed film makers on composing film scores.  Mark will also perform before the Russian film The Italian is screened.

Films from Australia, UK, South Korea, France, New Zealand and the Czech Republic will be shown and film enthusiasts can look forward to seeing a selection of Short Film finalists from the largest short Film Festival in the World, Sony Tropfest, which is held in Sydney every year.

Popular Mackay theatre company, Kucom Theatre, has branched out into film this year and will show 3 of its films at the Festival on Saturday from 12.30pm, showcasing Mackay's movie making talent.

Burke and Wills is an award winning Australian film from the selection of international films to screen at the Mackay International Film Festival.Live entertainment can be enjoyed throughout the weekend at the Opening night and again on Saturday before the Burke and Wills screening.

Organisers have themed Saturday afternoon Auz-West and punters can expect some folk music, bush poetry, contemporary country and pub rock from 11.30am onwards.

Programs are available at the Entertainment Centre, Artspace, Mackay City Library and CQU Mackay.

So for a weekend of films, music and entertainment get yourself a season ticket, $20 for Library Society members, $30 for non-members, or $5 per screening for members, $9 per screening for non members.  Please phone 4940 7536 for further information.