Festival Guest – Leigh Hobbs: Short film premiere and book signing

The festival is thrilled to welcome renowned Australian artist and author Leigh Hobbs as CHIFF 2024 guest!

Leigh Hobbs is best known in Australia and the UK for his children’s books which feature his iconic characters Old Tom, Horrible Harriet, Mr Chicken, Mr Badger, Fiona the Pig and the Freaks in 4F. Leigh was also the Australian Children's Laureate in 2016 and 2017.

Join us for the screening of Leigh’s short film Mr Chicken Goes to Mars. This is Leigh’s first foray into making his own animations. He wrote the story, hand-painted all the backgrounds and animated the characters, working in close collaboration with filmmaker Katrina Mathers to produce and direct the film together.

The three-minute short film will be introduced by Leigh himself and will be followed by a short Q&A session with Leigh and Katrina. Kids, get ready to ask some questions!

The event also includes a screening of Billy the Cowboy Hamster: The Hero's Return. After the session, Leigh will be available to sign your books in the cinema foyer! You will also be able to purchase some of Leigh’s books the day of the event (Cash preferred).

Sat 22 June
Classic Cinemas, Elsternwick

11:00am Intro by Leigh Hobbs and screening of Mr Chicken Goes to Mars followed by short Q&A
11.30am Screening of Billy the Cowboy Hamster: The Hero's Return (66 min)
12.30pm Book signing in foyer