As the cool winter nights set in, Sydney heats up with some sizzling cinema at the Sydney Film Festival, on now until June 14.
By Keeva Stratton
A vibrant mix of big screen dramas, thought-provoking documentaries, the daring, the disturbing and the downright heartwarming, are all here in both short and feature length, for cinephiles to enjoy. Here is a small selection of some of the Australian or female-centric films we think are worth venturing out into the cold for.
Nicole Kidman makes her long awaited return to Australian independent cinema, in Strangerland. Joined by Hugo Weaving and Joseph Fiennes, the film tells a harrowing outback tale of parents desperately searching for their missing teenage children. According to the director Kim Farrant: “Strangerland examines how people react in times of crisis, and how our deep fear of the unknown and our abhorrence of feeling pain can push us over the edge emotionally, psychologically and physically… especially sexually.”
Another Australian film to look out for is actor Brendan Cowell’s debut feature as director, Ruben Guthrie. Pitched as a love story of Sydney, and adapted from Cowell’s critically acclaimed Belvoir St Theatre production, Ruben Guthrie is brimming with Australian talent, including Jack Thompson, Patrick Brammall, Alex Dimitriades and Abbey Lee. Featured as the opening night film, we urge you to be quick if you want to catch it on Monday.
Another film that is selling fast, and will no doubt be adored by lovers of fashion, is the documentary Iris. Following the eccentric life of one of New York’s fashion fixtures, the late Albert Maysles paints a wonderful and colourful portrait of Iris Apfel. With as many bold and charming anecdotes as there are accessories, viewers will be treated to a rare glimpse of a lady who has selected fabrics for nine American presidents and is a legendary fashion collector in her own right.
Heading the Sounds on Screen program is the much-anticipated documentary on ill-fated jazz singer Amy Winehouse, Amy. From the team behind Senna, this documentary builds a portrait of Winehouse from home video, rare footage and the collected memories of those closest to her. From a confident young woman to her fragile end, it promises to be as powerful as it is disturbing.
For those seeking something a little more daring, you can get a taste of 60s and 70s European erotica with The Duke of Burgundy. Described as an erotic melodrama and a heartwarming romance, the film chronicles a lesbian S&M relationship, and should be the perfect way to add a little spice to an otherwise cool winter evening.
This year, Sydney Film Festival is playing at even more venues across Sydney, including State Theatre, Dendy Newtown and Hayden Orpheum in Cremorne, so there’s no excuse not to get along to a screening or two.
You can find out more about the Official Competition films here, or learn about all the culinary and unique events that accompany the festival here.
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