Counting all the features, documentaries and shorts, the Sydney Film Festival is screening more than 250 films at 11 venues around the city, inner west, lower north shore and western suburbs.
It promises lively experiences on screen and off that should suit a lot more than just serious film buffs. There are films for families with children as well as daters, mature cinema-goers, documentary fans or anyone looking for something different from the usual multiplex movies, plus social activities such as the festival's hub at Sydney Town Hall.
With the festival opening on June 3, here's our guide to its 20 hottest attractions.
FOR FANS OF EDGY FILMS
Tangerine (above): Described as wickedly funny and intimate, Sean Baker's film takes place in the lively world of transgender prostitutes on the streets of Los Angeles. Shot on iPhones, it was the talk of the South by Southwest festival. State Theatre, June 12, 6.30pm; June 13, 11.40am.
The Tribe: This confronting, sexually explicit, widely acclaimed Ukrainian film, about a crime and prostitution ring at a boarding school for the deaf, is performed only in sign language without subtitles. Event Cinemas George Street, June 4, 8.35pm; June 14, 7.45pm; June 9, Dendy Newtown, 8.30pm.
FOR LOVERS OF EXOTIC WORLDS
My Love, Don't Cross That River: This acclaimed South Korean documentary is about an exceptional couple. Married for 76 years, they spend their days leading a simple life in a mountain village, sleeping hand in hand and dealing with the challenges of age. State Theatre, June 4, 10am; Dendy Opera Quays, June 6, 2pm.
Arabian Nights: Almost 6½ hours of colourful stories from contemporary Portugal appeal? This film by Miguel Gomes (Tabu), screening in three parts, tells fictionalised versions of real stories about economic struggle in Europe. State Theatre, June 13, 1.45pm; June 14, 11.45am and 2.15pm.
FOR FANS OF REAL-LIFE STORIES
Amy: Director Asif Kapadia, who made brilliant documentary Senna, examines the life and tragic death of singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse. While her family has described it as misleading, The Hollywood Reporter describes it as tender, celebratory and emotionally raw. Dendy Newtown, June 5, 6.15pm; Event Cinemas George Street, June 6, 9.30pm.
FOR EXPERIENCE SEEKERS
Attack of the Double Feature: Two freaky science-fiction films from the 1950s, Invasion of the Body Snatchers and Them! (above), screen as a double feature. First, alien invaders take over the bodies of earthlings; then giant ants, created by atomic testing, go on the rampage. Skyline Drive In at Blacktown, June 10, 6.45pm; June 12, 9pm.
Gourmet cinema: For a film and a special dinner at an acclaimed restaurant, the festival is pairing documentaries on Michelin-starred chef Sergio Herman, food bloggers and biodynamic farming with gourmet experiences at The Bridge Room, Azuma and The Governors Table. Films are at Dendy Opera Quays, June 9, 6.30pm; June 10, 6.20pm; and June 11, 6pm.
FOR A DATE
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl: This American indie film with humour and heart won the Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic and Audience Award: US Dramatic at the Sundance Film Festival. Directed by little-known Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, it centres on a high school student with a talent for making video parodies of famous movies with a friend who decides to make one for a girl with cancer. State Theatre, June 13, 7.25pm; June 14, 9.30am.
People, Places, Things: Who doesn't love Jemaine Clement from Flight of the Conchords? In this New York romantic comedy, he plays a graphic novelist and single father of twin daughters who is getting back into dating. State Theatre, June 13, 9.45pm; Event Cinemas George Street, June 14, 5.30pm.
FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN
Song of the Sea: Although The Lego Movie missed out, Irish director Tomm Moore's film was nominated for best animated feature film at the Oscars this year. It delves into charming Irish folklore and is suitable for ages six and above. State Theatre, June 8, 9.45am; Event Cinemas George Street, June 14, 10.30am.
Kids' animation program: Short animated films from around the world for children aged three to eight. Casula Powerhouse, June 6, 2pm; Event Cinemas George Street, June 8, 2.30pm.
FOR OLDER VIEWERS
Mr Holmes (above): Ian McKellen plays Sherlock Holmes aged 93. With is memory fading, he is determined to crack the unsolved case that forced him into retirement. State Theatre, June 6, 4.50pm; June 8, 11.45am; Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace, Cremorne, June 13, 8.15pm.
Last Cab to Darwin: Michael Caton plays a taxi-driver heading from Broken Hill to Darwin to take advantage of the Northern Territory's euthanasia laws and Jacki Weaver is a doctor in this touching world premiere by director Jeremy Sims. State Theatre, June 6, 7pm; June 7, 11.30am; Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace, Cremorne, June 14, 8.30pm.
FOR CELEBRITY WATCHERS
Ruben Guthrie on opening night: The world premiere of Brendan Cowell's Australian film, about a high-flying advertising executive who gives up booze for a year, is the highest-profile red-carpet event at the festival this year. As well as Cowell, stars Patrick Brammall, Alex Dimitriades and who knows who else will be there. After the film, there's a party at the Cargo Bar. State Theatre, June 3, 7.30pm.
FOR FANS OF AUSTRALIAN FILMS
Holding the Man: Director Neil Armfield brings an enduring gay love story – initially a memoir by Tim Conigrave then a play by Tommy Murphy – to the screen with Ryan Corr and Craig Stott starring. State Theatre as part of the Closing Night Gala, June 14, 7.30pm.
FOR FANS OF A CHEAP NIGHT OUT
Festival Hub (above): Video art, music, talks on all sorts of film subjects and filmmaker Q&A sessions are all free here, and $10 tickets to selected screenings are available at the Hub box office. There are also free screenings in Martin Place and free talks at the Apple Store, Sydney Town Hall, most nights and weekend afternoons during the festival. The Festival Hub is in Sydney Town Hall, free entry.
FOR CLASSICS LOVERS
The Seventh Seal: Part of the Essential Bergman program curated by David Stratton, this 1956 classic by Swedish master Ingmar Bergman centres on a chess game between a knight and Death. Art Gallery of NSW, June 6, 2.30pm.
FOR TALKS ENTHUSIASTS
Alex Gibney: In Conversation: After exposing United States military torture in the Oscar-winning Taxi to the Dark Side, the brilliant American documentary maker has made films about WikiLeaks, Lance Armstrong, abuse in the Catholic Church and now Scientology. Sydney Town Hall, June 7, 11am. Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief, State Theatre, June 6, 2pm; Event Cinemas George Street, June 10, 8.35pm.
Margaret and David – The Films We Love: The Neglected and the Unexpected: If you're missing Margaret Pomeranz and David Stratton on the ABC, they're on stage for what promises to be a lively talk about their favourite films. Sydney Town Hall, June 7, 3.30pm.
FOR PARTYGOERS
Studio 54 party: Following a screening of the director's cut of the 1998 disco-era film 54, the Festival Hub is hosting a free party that will recreate the spirit of the famous New York nightclub from the late 1970s. Festival Hub, Sydney Town Hall, June 13, 9pm.
Director's cut: Gillian Armstrong's festival picks
Director Gillian Armstrong has a big moment at the Sydney Film Festival with the world premiere of her documentary Women He's Undressed (above), about Australian costume designer Orry-Kelly.
She tells Fairfax her other picks for the festival:
- "There are some amazing Australian films this year so I'm trying to see them all. I'm desperate to see The Daughter, produced by Jan Chapman and directed by Simon Stone. I loved the play it's based on, The Wild Duck, at Belvoir Street." State Theatre, June 4, 8.30pm; June 5, 1.50pm.
- "I'm also desperate to see Neil Armfield's Holding The Man, the closing night film. I'll go and see that anything Neil Armfield does because, especially on stage, he's an absolute master." State Theatre, June 14, 7.30pm.
- "Jan Chapman in conversation with David Stratton, the Ian McPherson Memorial Lecture, should be really interesting." Festival Hub, Sydney Town Hall, June 8, 4pm.
- "I'm going to see the Scientology film Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief because Alex Gibney is such a wonderful documentary filmmaker." State Theatre (below), June 6, 2pm; Event Cinemas George St, June 10, 8.35pm.
Festival tips
- Some popular films will sell out, so book quickly. If you've missed out but are desperate, try the festival website, sff.org.au, or box office just before a session for late-released tickets.
- With individual tickets $19.50, it's better value to buy a Flexipass that has 10 tickets for $150. Even better, share a book of 20 tickets with a friend for $270.
- Use the free Sydney Film Festival app to watch trailers, buy and download tickets – they can be scanned off your phone at the door – and vote for your favourite films.
- Check the printed program for $10 parking deals.
Sydney Film Festival runs from June 3 to 14. For the festival program, tickets and more, see sff.org.au.
