Sydney Film Festival 2024 program: All the acts not to miss

WORDS Karen Leong PHOTOGRAPHY Courtesy of the Sydney Film Festival PUBLISHED Wed, 8 May 2024 - 1:30 pm

For those who love to languish in a dark room with a big screen, your time has come. The official program of the 71st Sydney Film Festival was launched today. Festival Director Nashen Moodley has unveiled an extensive line-up including prevalent highlights such as Yorgos Lanthimos’ latest Kinds of Kindness, starring Emma Stone, fresh from the Cannes Competition, the World Premiere of Aussie boxing drama Kid Snow, the first Indian film to appear in the Cannes Competition in 30 years, Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light, Lee Tamahori’s intense drama The Convert with Guy Pearce, The Bikeriders starring Jodie Comer, Austin Butler and Tom Hardy, and recent top award-winners: Berlinale Golden Bear Dahomey, and Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner Sujo.

“The 71st Sydney Film Festival unfurls a canvas of bold narratives and remarkable visions, mirroring the evolving dynamics of our world,” said Sydney Film Festival Director Nashen Moodley. “This year, we are proud to present films that challenge, entertain, and provoke dialogue, from the sweeping landscapes of Australian dramas to the complex human stories from global cinema.”

The 2024 selection is a curated mix that promises an all-encompassing cinematic experience. For your pick-and-mix ease, we've shortlisted all the information you need to plan your visit to the festival.

When will the Sydney Film Festival happen?

Sydney Film Festival will run from 5-16 June 2024.

How many films will show?

In 2024, the Festival will present up to 197 films from 69 countries including 28 World Premieres and 133 Australian Premieres, assembling hundreds of new international and local stories. The program features 92 narrative feature films, including internationally acclaimed festival prize-winners and 54 documentaries tackling crucial contemporary issues, from established and upcoming documentarians. Wait! There's more to come. Keep your eyes peeled for more announcements. We'll let you know when there are more additions to the program.

What free events are available?

Aside from a star-studded line-up of cinema, the general public can look forward to the festival's complimentary talks on important topics and issues of the year, addressed in Festival films. We at RUSSH are particularly keen on the following selection below.

Gender Matters: Looking Back and Looking Forward
Screen Australia’s Gender Matters Taskforce was founded in 2016. Join Taskforce members Rosie Lourde, Nerida Moore and Lena Nahlous, for a deep dive into the state of Gender Parity in the industry, moderated by Grainne Brunsdon, Chief Operating Officer, Screen Australia, followed by a networking event. (Fri 7 Jun, 5:30 PM | The Hub)

AI: Brave New Work or Creative Graveyard?
Explore the impact of AI on creativity in the film industry with leading Australian writers and academics from the Australian Writers’ Guild. (Sat 8 Jun, 2:00 PM | The Hub)

First Nations Films – A Global Perspective
Join First Nations producer, director and TIFF programmer Jason Ryle, The Mountain director Rachel House, and The Moogai producer, Mitchell Stanley, in conversation with the festival’s First Nations Program Advisor Aaliyah Bradbury as they take a global perspective on First Nations storytelling. (Sun 9 Jun, 11:45 AM | The Hub)

Korean Cinema Celebration: Nolija!
Co-hosted with the Korean Cultural Centre Australia
With K-Pop music, photo booth, hands-on activities, and more, enjoy the night filled with Korean Culture. Celebrate Korean culture and cinema, whether you’re a long time Korean film fan, or planning on enjoying Alienoid, It’s Okay, or House of the Seasons at SFF this year. (Fri 14 Jun, 7:30 PM | Free)