The lights are low, the atmosphere is electric, and a hush falls over the room – this is SXSW Sydney, where the magic of film takes centre stage.

For their sophomore Screen Festival lineup, SXSW Sydney has delivered a vivid blend of breakthrough indie gems, cutting-edge documentaries, and cinematic masterpieces from bold new voices across the globe.

From unexpected plots to stirring performances, these are the 8 films you need to keep on your radar. Whether you're looking for the next cult classic or a thought-provoking narrative, these selections promise to leave a lasting impression long after the credits roll.

1. Y2K

On the last night of 1999, two high school juniors crash a New Year's Eve party and soon find themselves fighting for their lives in a dial-up disaster comedy. Y2K, co-written by Evan Winter and produced by A24, stars Jaeden Martell and Rachel Zegler in Kyle Mooney's satirical Sci-Fi that shifts from coming-of-age comedy to full-on campy horror.

2. Bőr

After premiering at the 2024 Melbourne International Film Festival as part of the Accelerator Shorts program, Bőr makes its way to SXSW Sydney. Directed by Dylan Nyerges, the film follows Anna, a displaced Hungarian mother struggling to adapt to life in 1950s rural Australia with her defeated husband and alienated son after the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.

3. Love in the Big City | 대도시의 사랑법

Jae-hee, a free-spirited young woman with a bold style, catches the attention of Heung-soo, whose most guarded secret she unexpectedly discovers. Despite not being each other's ideal types, they come to share special moments that only they can understand. This South Korean comedy-drama film directed by E.oni [ko] and based on the novel by Sang Young Park, follows their journey as they choose to live and love on their own terms, embarking on a path of cohabitation amidst swirling rumours.

4. Smile 2

As global pop sensation Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) prepares for a new world tour, she begins experiencing terrifying and inexplicable events. Overwhelmed by the escalating horrors and pressures of fame, Skye must confront her dark past to regain control of her life. Smile 2 delivers a flash-cut horror parable, exploring how the chaos of pop fame can push someone to the brink.

5. A Grand Mockery

Josie’s life of passive displeasure takes a dark turn as his psychic struggles deform him, leading him to wander the rainforest hinterlands of Queensland. A Grand Mockery, directed by Sam Dixon and Adam C. Briggs, is a unique film that harkens back to the underground filmmaking of the past. Shot on soft, luminous Super-8, the film starts with morbid comic realism before transforming, much like Josie, into something entirely unexpected.

6. Nepotism, Baby!

After her nepotism falls short, a fame-obsessed young woman begins to indulge in her melancholic whims. This sharp satire humorously captures the desperate lengths some will go to in pursuit of fame. Having premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival earlier this year, the film offers a dead-on portrayal of ambition and disillusionment.

7. See Me Living

See Me Living follows two twins as they compare their contrasting lives within the same world. This short film, directed by Jessica Di Costa, is part of the Ruminations Shorts Package. With two films in this year’s program, Di Costa's skilled and compelling work stands out for its depth and artistry.

8. The Old Young Crow

Liam LoPinto’s extraordinary short film blends live-action and animation to explore the profound spiritual connection between a young Iranian immigrant, Mehrdad, and a grieving mother in Tokyo. The film beautifully captures the boy’s solace in sketching pivotal moments of his life to combat loneliness. Featuring exquisite hand-drawn animations, multilingual dialogue, and poignant performances, this emotionally rich narrative captivates with its symbolic depth and visually stunning storytelling.