Shooting his first Australian film, internationally renowned writer, director and comedian Ben Elton delivers a big hearted, of-the-moment, multi-story comedy with a sterling ensemble cast featuring Michael Caton, Magda Szubanski, Deborah Mailman, Jacqueline McKenzie and John Waters.

The film is set over three summers at The Westival, a fictional West Australian rural folk festival redoubtable local radio personality ‘Queenie' (Szubankski) describes as 'Australia in a tent'. It stars Robert Sheehan (perhaps best known as the lovable, foul-mouthed Nathan from UK series Misfits) alongside Home and Away alumnus Rebecca Breeds, playing young musicians falling in love against a wider collection of tales dealing frankly but humorously with a microcosm of contemporary discussion points, including Indigenous, immigration and refugee issues.

An Australian citizen since 2004, the multi-award-winning Elton brings his trademark satirical wit to the film, ensuring that it's able to stir the pot around some of Australia's social and political fault lines whilst remaining generous, tender and always entertaining. With a large ensemble cast that also includes Peter Rowsthorn and the Bondi Hipsters' Christiaan van Vuuren and Nick Boshier, Three Summers is set to be the feel-good hit of winter this MIFF.

The Centrepiece Gala is a red-carpet celebration both of local filmmaking and of the festival's halfway point. Ticket price includes access to the exclusive afterparty at The Atrium, Federation Square.

Director Ben Elton and the Three Summers cast and crew will be in attendance to introduce the film.