Lucy Fisher

For the last few years Gold Coast local Lucy Fisher has been the driving force behind one of our most exciting cultural events.

As of this week the Gold Coast Film Festival is back with even more incredible events and films to get involved in.

We sat down for a chat with Lucy to find out exactly what goes into creating the festival and touring local film hot spots.

How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I’m born and bred on the Gold Coast! I moved to London for eight years in my 20’s and then returned about six years ago.

What do you love about living here?
It’s easy to live here. Compared to major cities with crazy house prices and enormous commutes, I think the Gold Coast is amazing. There’s also a really exciting cultural scene and it’s close enough to Brisbane for anything else you need.

What can we expect from the 2018 Gold Coast Film Festival?
13 days filled with over 100 films, panels, parties and events in 11 locations.  It’s a pretty busy few days and there is really something for all tastes!

Is there an event that locals definitely shouldn’t miss?
The Gold Coast Movie Locations Tour is very unique – it’s a chance to get insider knowledge on all the film hot spots and locations across the Gold Coast! It’s one of the only tours of its kind in Australia. SIPFest is also pretty special – getting to see short films on the sands of Surfers Paradise!

Any standout films you’re particularly excited about?
Jill Billcock: Dancing the Invisible is a fantastic documentary for anyone interested in Australian cinema. I’m really excited about Tully, the new movie written by JUNO writer Diablo Cody – it stars Charlize Theron and plays Saturday 21^st at HOTA.

What does it take to put an event like this together?
A lot of coffee! And a huge amount of support from partners and sponsors. It’s a year-round job.

How did you come to be involved?
My husband is a filmmaker and had his feature film screened at the Gold Coast Film Festival way back in 2008, and he has been involved as a moderator and panellist for a few years. Then in 2015 I joined the team and then became festival director. 

How have you seen the Coast’s arts and culture scene grow in your time here?
The growth has been incredible over the past few years. I think that’s down to investment from council and state government in the arts, culture and screen industries, but also the opportunities created with the Commonwealth Games. I think the Gold Coast still has a slightly negative reputation in Sydney and Melbourne cultural circles, but I think that’s starting to change and I hope we can continue to evolve the perception of the Gold Coast.

What’s the best piece of life advice you’ve ever received?
When I worked in PR/Marketing, someone once said “it’s PR not ER” – and I still think of that all the time when things are going a bit crazy.  Essentially it means, it’s not ER / Emergency Room, no one is dying!

Tell us your favourites on the Coast:
Beach: Southport / Main Beach
Cafe: ParcBah, Southport
Restaurant:  Tribeca on Chevron, Bazaar at QT
How does your weekend usually look?  A family activity like roller skating, swimming and park-hangs.  Maybe a movie and a few glasses of wine!