Sydney Film Festival 2024: A Celebration of Global Cinema
As the air cools, the Sydney Film Festival (SFF) is set to return for its 73rd edition, offering a rich array of films from 80 countries. The festival, which runs for 12 days, kicks off at the State Theatre with a powerful documentary titled Silenced, directed by Selina Miles. This film explores the challenges faced by Australian human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson as she fights against the misuse of defamation laws in the wake of the #MeToo movement.
Nashen Moodley, the festival director, emphasizes the importance of cinema in helping audiences understand global issues and reflect on their own rights and freedoms. “Cinema helps us make sense of the world, take us into the lives of people so far away from us, and sometimes instruct us on how – and why – to remain vigilant about our own rights and freedoms,” he says.
With such an extensive lineup, choosing what to watch can be overwhelming. Here are 10 must-see films that are generating excitement, including a hidden gem recommended by Moodley.
FJORD – A Cannes Winner
Directed by Romanian filmmaker Cristian Mungiu, Fjord has become one of the standout selections of the festival. The film follows a devoutly religious couple, played by Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve, who move to Norway with their five children. What began as a promising entry in the SFF’s $60,000 competition for bold and innovative cinema took a dramatic turn when it won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. This marks Mungiu’s second win after his 2007 film 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days.
GAIL DAUGHTRY AND THE CELEBRITY SEX PASS – A Hilarious Comedy
From director David Wain (Role Models), this comedy follows Zoey Deutch as a high-school cheerleader turned hairdresser who discovers that her fiancé has slept with his celebrity crush. To fix things, she must sleep with the same person – Jon Hamm – leading to a Wizard of Oz-inspired adventure.
HANGING BY A WIRE – A Gripping Documentary
For fans of gripping documentaries like Free Solo and The Rescue, Hanging by a Wire is a must-watch. Directed by Mohammed Ali Naqvi, the film recounts the harrowing 2023 incident where a cable car carrying eight people, including six teenagers, became stuck high above a gorge in Pakistan. When two of the three cables snapped, the group was left dangling, creating a tense and emotional story of survival.
THE DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD – A Fresh Take on a Classic
Hugh Jackman stars in this reimagined version of the Robin Hood legend, directed by Michael Sarnoski (A Quiet Place: Day One). The film presents an aged and grizzled Robin Hood grappling with his past while facing new threats. It also features Jodie Comer, Bill Skarsgard, and Murray Bartlett, and has been picked up by A24, a well-known indie distributor.
THE INVITE – A Comedy of Manners
Olivia Wilde, known for her acting career, makes her directorial debut with The Invite. This comedy centers on a dinner party hosted by a San Francisco couple (Wilde and Seth Rogen) for their exotic neighbours (Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton). Described as a highly entertaining mix of humor and pathos, the film promises to be a standout.
MARC BY SOFIA – A Fashion Documentary
In her first documentary, Sofia Coppola (Lost in Translation, Priscilla) turns her lens on fashion designer Marc Jacobs. The film captures the 12 weeks leading up to his spring 2024 runway show, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. Fans of The September Issue and The Devil Wears Prada will appreciate this insightful glimpse into the world of fashion.
THE BEST SUMMER – A Nostalgic Music Travelogue
Tamra Davis, known for Billy Madison, discovered a box of videos shot during her husband Mike D’s 1995–1996 tour with the Beastie Boys and other acts across Australia and Asia. She transformed these clips into The Best Summer, a nostalgic and entertaining music travelogue that brings back memories of the era.
MINOTAUR – A Crime Thriller from Russia
Andrey Zvyagintsev, the exiled Russian director of The Return and Leviathan, returns with Minotaur, a crime thriller that won the Grand Prix at Cannes. Set in Latvia, the film follows a wealthy Russian businessman navigating family and professional crises as Russia invades Ukraine in 2022.
THE MATCH – A World Cup Documentary
As the FIFA World Cup approaches, the SFF has added a documentary that focuses on the iconic 1986 match between Argentina and England. Titled The Match, the film highlights Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal and his stunning match-winning performance, capturing both the joy and the poignancy of the event.
THE WORLD OF LOVE – A Hidden Gem
Moodley recommends The World of Love as a hidden gem. This Korean drama-meets-teen comedy, directed by Yoon Ga-eun, follows a spirited 17-year-old girl whose buried trauma resurfaces. Variety calls it “a brilliant Korean film by a very exciting director” and praises its emotional depth and humor.
