Centenaries for The Walt Disney Company & Warner Bros to be celebrated as the Australasian market exceeds global benchmarks in rebounding from the pandemic
The Australian International Movie Convention (AIMC) has been confirmed for Tuesday 31st October to Thursday 2nd November 2023, returning to The Star Gold Coast – the preferred venue for delegates and members of the National Association of Cinema Operators (NACO). The 76th AIMC is expected to welcome global stars and talent as the convention celebrates centenaries for two of the world’s leading studios, Warner Bros International and The Walt Disney Company.
Terry Jackman AO, Chairman of the Australian International Movie Convention said: “We are delighted to have confirmation from the five major international studios (Paramount, Sony Pictures, The Walt Disney Company, Universal Pictures & Warner Bros International) that they will again present their upcoming slates to delegates from across Australasia at AIMC 2023. Leading local Australian distributor Roadshow Films and the Australian Independent Distributors Association have also confirmed their eagerness to present to the industry on the Gold Coast”. Noted Paul Wiegard CEO Madman Entertainment & AIDA President: “the AIMC facilitates the growth of the independent distribution industry, promoting Australian cinema and film trade across a broad spectrum of independent film sourced from all corners of the world.”
Cameron Mitchell, Executive Director of NACO, added: “Since the first public screening in 1896, the Australian cinema industry has always been resilient, with Australian exhibitors setting the standard globally for innovations in comfort and experience. After the global devastation of COVID, 2022 has seen numerous box office successes including Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis” ($33.5m in Australian box office), now the 4th highest-grossing Australian film in history, along with “Top Gun: Maverick” ($93m), and “Thor: Love and Thunder” ($44.3m) featuring our own Chris Hemsworth, all of which delighted millions of Australians around the country, and more recently “Avatar: The Way Of Water” which is delivering exceptional results globally. Consolidated Australian and New Zealand box office ended the year 55% higher than in 2021, exceeding $A1.08 billion, so we have a lot to celebrate at the Australian International Movie Convention.”
Josh Brigham, Chair of the Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia said: “The Australian International Movie Convention has always brought together the industry, and allowed us to celebrate past successes, inform the industry on the exciting content that will be releasing in the subsequent year, as well as collaborate with our global peers and colleagues. We look forward to welcoming delegates back to the Gold Coast for another exceptional event in 2023 and showcasing an incredible line-up of movies.”
Cameron Mitchell added: “We’ve had some incredibly positive conversations with Graeme Mason and the Screen Australia team about celebrating the extraordinary contribution of Australian talent to the global industry. We are excited to welcome some of Australia’s exceptional actors, screenwriters, directors, casting agents, technical crews and producers to the Gold Coast to honour their achievements and discuss ways of ensuring that Australian and New Zealand talent continues to contribute to global box office and be recognised internationally.”
Mitchell said: “Australia is firmly entrenched in the international filmmaking community, with a reputation for producing exceptional talent both on screen and in the production spheres. Our industry has much to celebrate, and we look forward to doing so in style on the Gold Coast at the Australian International Movie Convention in October 2023”.
Registration will open for the Australian International Movie Convention in Q1, 2023. Delegates are encouraged to secure their attendance early to ensure they don’t miss out.
About The Australian International Movie Convention
The Australian International Movie Convention (AIMC), celebrating 76 years in 2023, remains the premier event to showcase the Australian film industry and provide opportunities for industry stakeholders to reflect upon and shape the issues that affect the business of motion pictures, and to network with local and international colleagues. The Australian International Movie Convention is held annually and hosted by NACO, the National Association of Cinema Operators – Australasia.movieconvention.com.au
About NACO
NACO is the peak body representing cinema operators across Australia and New Zealand, established to act in the interests of all cinema operators. NACO represents cinema operators across Australia, including Event, Village Roadshow, Hoyts, and Reading, as well as many independent and regional cinemas. NACO represents over 2,000 screens in nearly 500 locations. Cinemas are a cultural institution – moviegoing is the number one cultural activity in the region as cinemas are an essential community hub, particularly in regional areas – naco.asn.au