THE Australian Dream - Stan Grant's acclaimed documentary about former AFL star Adam Goodes - is just one of the highlights of this year's Melbourne International Film Festival.
The festival will take place from August 1-18 and the Opening Night Gala on August 1 at The Plenary 2 will see the film's world premiere.
The full length feature tells the controversial story of when a 13 year-old girl racially vilified Goodes during an AFL match.
It explores the subsequent national discussions which took place about race, identity and belonging and documents what is regarded as an important moment in Australian sporting history.
Other highlights of the program will include Little Monsters - Abe Forsythe's comedic horror film about a ukulele playing, zombie slaying kindergarten teacher.
The film stars Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o and also features Josh Gad, Kat Stewart and Nadia Townsend.
Another program highlight will be H is for Happiness, which features the unforgettable 12-year-old red headed heroine Candice Phee.
The film is based on Barry Jonsberg's award winning book My Life is an Alphabet and tells the story of a young girl who is determined to save her family unit as she deals with adolescence and grief.
It stars Miriam Margoyles, Deborah Mailman, Emma Booth and Joel Jackson.
Arts festival
The city is also preparing to host the 2019 Melbourne International Arts Festival from October 2-20
The festival will present a cultural smorgasbord - celebrating pop culture figures, political prose, fine food, musical heroes and much more.
It will feature 12 Australian premieres and three Australian exclusives.
Highlights of the program will include Rite of Spring - an epic dance performance by China's Yang Liping Contemporary Dance company, The Nico Project - celebrating famous pop culture figure Nico and a dinner show with illusionist and mentallst Scott Silven.
