Seven decades of outstanding films

The highly anticipated Sydney Film Festival (SFF) celebrates 70 years of presenting Australian audiences with cutting edge and entertaining cinema from all around the world. 

This year, the specially curated program consists of 239 titles from 67 different countries most of which are Australian premieres and several world premieres.

Festival Director Nashen Moodley recently sat down to speak with City Hub about the SFF, which is the longest running and most prominent film festival in the world. With smaller countries such as Yemen now producing movies, the role of cinema in spreading cultural awareness is paramount.

“Cinema is very important in revealing stories about places and it’s a very accessible artform. It’s one that can have such a vast influence over people who see these films,” enthused Moodley. “It’s wonderful that movies are produced in countries like Yemen as these films have such impact and they can be seen all over the world. That’s the beauty of a film festival.”

Moodley explained that many filmmakers who have had their feature films and shorts screened at the SFF over the years have carved successful careers in the industry as this film festival heightens their profile.

“It doesn’t just bring these filmmakers to a public audience, but also to an industry audience. We have many film professionals in Sydney and in Australia who watch these films and look for new talent so that’s what I think is important for up and coming filmmakers – it’s an important steppingstone in their careers.”

Several programs in this festival should be of interest to festival attendees. There are 13 titles that have been produced by First Nation filmmakers, a Family Program consisting of two movies so children can also enjoy the festival buzz and a selection of horror flicks in the Freak Me Out program for lovers of the genre.

Moodley explained that the Screenability Program is a vital inclusion in the film festival as it’s a platform for filmmakers with disability to show their important works.

“We’re one of few major international film festivals that have such a program and it’s worked really well. There’s an enthusiasm for this program and audiences have enjoyed these films over the years so it’s very important for us to continue doing this.”

Australian films are prominent in this year’s festival with Warwick Thornton’s much lauded, The New Boy, selected as the opening night feature. The film premiered at the prestigious Canne Film Festival last month and received an enthusiastic response. 

Set in the Australian outback in the 1940s, The New Boy  is an exhilarating story of an orphaned 9-year old Aboriginal boy (played by outstanding child actor, Aswan Reid) who is sent to a monastery. There, he is taken under the wimple of a cranky, less than pious nun played by nun other than Cate Blanchett. Bound to be a winner. 

Screwball comedy The Big Dog, relationship drama Love Road, psychological thriller Run Rabbit Run and queer coming of age tale Sunflower should also prove to be popular choices.

Australian documentaries including The Dark Emu Story, Keeping Hope, The Last Daughter, Rachel’s Farm and The Cape should also captivate curious audiences. 

Moodley strongly recommends heading along to any screening that may appeal, as most of the movies at this film festival may never re-appear on the silver screen again.

“Some films may go on for cinematic distribution but most will never be seen again any time soon in Sydney. It’s changed a lot over the past 10 years. It’s becoming more and more difficult to see a broad range of international cinema in our regular cinemas.”

But the SFF is not just about movies. The Hub is, in a sense the centre of the festival where people can go to have a drink before or after watching a movie and meet up with friends.

“It’s a useful meeting place for audiences to talk about cinema. For local and international filmmakers it’s really a vital spot for them. What is wonderful is that filmmakers from around the world say to me, “Wow! The Mayor has given you the Town Hall to have your film festival? That would never happen in my city!”

The Hub will also be hosting film-based trivia nights with prizes up for grabs and talks with filmmakers including Jane Campion and Rachel Ward. There will be an after party on the gala opening night and themed parties for movies including ‘80s cult classic Hairspray, horror flick Late Night With The Devil, and a free night of dancing after the Australian premiere of hilarious Kiwi flick Red, White & Brass.

Recently announced is that the Hollywood action packed blockbuster, Indiana Jones & The Dial Of Destiny, will be the premiere movie closing the festival. The final instalment to the highly successful franchise should ensure that tickets sell fast!

When asked whether the movies screening at this festival should only appeal to lovers of arthouse cinema Moodley was quick to respond. “No definitely not because our program is so incredibly varied. We want everyone to come along – but not every film is for everyone. Through the range of films we present we want this to be a festival for everybody.  We want everyone to feel they have a space at this festival and for children to come along when they’re young and for 70 years after!”

And what hopes does he have for the SFF in 10 years time? 

“If in 10 years time we’re getting more people to the festival and we’re still showcasing the best films from all over the world and we’re also still providing a platform for new exciting Australian filmmakers then I’d say we’d be in a very good space.”

MOODLEY’S HOT PICKS

MONSTER (Japan) – When a young child starts to behave strangely, he claims he’s a monster. “Could his teacher be responsible for the boy’s distress?” his mother asks. An intense and mysterious drama.

THE DARK EMU STORY (Australia) – An inspiring documentary re-telling the story of Bruce Pascoe’s book Dark Emu. Australia was asked to revise its history and a heated discussion evoked. Should Pascoe’s work be refuted by academics?

THE NEW BOY (Australia) – A 1940’s drama directed by Warwick Thornton centreing on a young Aboriginal orphan whose angst subsides once his relationship with a nun blooms. But what unusual powers does he possess? Cate Blanchett delivers another remarkable performance.

June 7 – 18

State Theatre, 49 Market St, Sydney and select others.

www.sff.org.au