You may be forgiven for not realising one of Sydney’s most beloved festivals is running right now.
The 67th Sydney Film Festival has been condensed, tinkered with, and ported to the digital-only world to align with the ongoing global pandemic. And we’re in it’s second week right now, given the program of just 33 films (compared to the usual 300+) has an end-date of 21st June.
Stripping away the absolute magic of a glitzy State Theatre premiere, or laughing/screaming in unison with a capacity crowd at Event Cinemas may be painful for the time being. But Sydney Film Festival is still a passionately curated collection of provocative, important and inspiring pieces for you to get across. At least that much remains, so it’s time to log on and catch at least one film per day.
To help, we’ve sourced Festival Director Nashen Moodley’s top picks of the modest program, which mines the finest of true stories from some of the country’s most revered documentary filmmakers, keeps it snappy with shorts from rising stars, and borrows a few gems from Europe’s most cutting-edge female directors.
Here are the suggestions, in Nashen’s words. All are available to rent online, with most set at $14.
The Skin of Others
“A compelling exploration of the life and legacy of Aboriginal WWI soldier and Indigenous rights activist Douglas Grant, featuring a powerful performance from acclaimed Indigenous actor Balang Tom E. Lewis in what was the final film before his passing.”
My Little Sister
“This intricate family drama, starring acclaimed German actors Nina Hoss and Lars Eidinger, examines the powerful bond between a pair of twins as they navigate Berlin’s elite theatrical circles and the trauma of illness together.”
Rosemary’s Way
“An inspiring story from Western Sydney following a group of migrant women and their extraordinary
champion, Multicultural Liaison Officer Rosemary Kariuki, as she helps them make Australia their
home.”
A Perfectly Normal Family
“A touching drama, inspired by director Mayou Reymann’s own life, exploring the complex
relationship between a young girl and her transgender parent.”
The Weather Diaries
“A poignant documentary from Sydney-based director Kathy Drayton, ruminating on what the future
holds for her pop-artist daughter Imogen Jones (aka Lupa J), amidst the threats of climate change
and mass extinction.”
Zana
“This tense psychological drama explores the clash between modernity and mysticism through the
lens of a Kosovar Albanian woman’s struggle to conceive a child and overcome the devastating
impact of war.”
Mukbang
Directed by Little Women star Eliza Scanlen, this fascinating short explores how a high school
outsider’s obsession with online culture transforms into a sexual awakening when she discovers the
viral South Korean trend ‘mukbang’.
Diving In
Directed by former Paralympian Adam Bowes, Diving In is a heartwarming comedy about conquering
self-doubt and finding love from the perspective of a double-amputee.
For more information about the 67th Sydney Film Festival: Virtual Edition and Awards click here.
