The 2018 Sydney Film Festival program has dropped and it features some amazing local and international documentary films. Here’s our guide to the festival’s six best documentaries:
Cold Blooded: The Clutter Family Murders
Before Making A Murderer and The Jinx there was Truman Capote and his famous, true crime book, In Cold Blood. Enter Cold Blooded: The Clutter Family Murders, a reconstruction of the killings that inspired the original book and a film that is directed by Oscar nominee, Joe Berlinger.
Whitney
Last year’s Whitney Can I Be Me was a festival highlight. This year’s instalment comes to us direct from Cannes by Oscar-winning filmmaker, Kevin Macdonald who was given unprecedented access to Houston’s family and friends. Oh, I wanna dance with somebody!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0rhC90Z4ok
Filmworker
Question: “Who likes films about films?” Answer: Everybody. Filmworker is a love letter to Stanley Kubrick’s often-neglected right hand man. Witnessing this one dude’s obsession will make you see 2001: A Space Odyssey in a whole new light.
Dying To Live
Australia, you should be ashamed of yourselves! We have one of the lowest organ donation rates in the Western World. This causes immense pain and suffering for those people who need the gift of life. Learn more at Dying To Live by Frackman director Richard Todd who will also appear at an extended Q & A at the Sydney Film Festival Hub. Book tickets and find out more about the film HERE.
Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist
This documentary was one of the first ones to be announced and it looks like an absolute cracker even though it has a reluctant star. That is, British fashion designer, Dame Vivienne Westwood. Yes, you read that right, this prototypical punk has received an honorific title from the Queen. God saves. Learn more about her life and contradictions at Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist.
Ex Libris- The New York Public Library
Frederick Wiseman loves exploring the world of institutions. This time the library (and its famous visitors like Patti Smith and Elvis Costello) are his subjects in a brainy and bookish celebration of all things reading.
The 2018 Sydney Film Festival runs from 6-17 June 2018. For more information and tickets please visit: https://www.sff.org.au/
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