Well, not exactly… but we got your attention, didn’t we?
It’s almost time for the 71st annual Sydney Film Festival and this year’s line-up is as diverse and exciting as ever. The latest high-profile name added to the string of esteemed guests at this year’s festivities is Oscar-nominated Austin Butler. The highly acclaimed Elvis actor will be in town to present his latest film, The Bikeriders, co-starring Jodie Comer and Tom Hardy. But, if chasing Hollywood stars for a selfie is not your thing, there are plenty of other delights on offer at this year’s festival.
The coveted Sydney Film Prize competition includes 12 films from all over the world. There’s Still Tomorrow is a powerful Italian melodrama set in a post-WWII Rome. Having outperformed both Barbie and Oppenheimer at the Italian Box Office, it’s set to be a crowd-pleaser and a strong contender. If you like a good doco, Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line follows the history and political activism of Aussie rock legends. Meanwhile, political comedy Kneecap stars Michael Fassbender along with three real-life Belfast rappers portraying themselves.
This is just a fraction of what’s on offer in the official competition, and the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the rest of the festival. From the First Nations Award to Sounds on Screen to Europe! Voices of Women in Film, there are countless programs covering over 200+ films. And, if that wasn’t enough there are also countless events, talks, and celebrations to enjoy at the Festival Hub in Lower Town Hall.
Love film but working with a tight budget? This year’s festival includes free lunchtime screenings of an array of short films – with free popcorn to boot! SFF TV at Martin Place will host a giant outdoor screen and will also be a hub for special activations. And, if you want cheap last-minute tickets, head down between 11 am and 2 pm each day for $10 tickets to select film screenings on that day.
From dining discounts to podcasts, there are so many ways to get involved in this year’s Sydney Film Festival. For film lovers and families wanting to see several movies, a Flexipass is a great option. And, for serious film buffs, the Sydney Film Festival Subscription is worth checking out!
See you there, folks. I’ll be the one creeping in the background of every Austin Butler photo…
Sydney Film Festival:
Dates: 5-16 June 2024
Tickets and Flexipasses
