8th May 2024 - Media Release
The 71st Sydney Film Festival program was officially launched today by Festival Director Nashen Moodley, featuring an exceptional line-up including Yorgos Lanthimos’ latest Kinds of Kindness, starring Emma Stone, fresh from the Cannes Competition, the World Premiere of Aussie boxing drama Kid Snow, the first Indian film to appear in the Cannes Competition in 30 years, Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light, Lee Tamahori’s intense drama The Convert with Guy Pearce, The Bikeriders starring Jodie Comer, Austin Butler and Tom Hardy, and recent top award-winners: Berlinale Golden Bear Dahomey, and Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner Sujo.
“The 71st Sydney Film Festival unfurls a canvas of bold narratives and remarkable visions, mirroring the evolving dynamics of our world,” said Sydney Film Festival Director Nashen Moodley.
“This year, we are proud to present films that challenge, entertain, and provoke dialogue, from the sweeping landscapes of Australian dramas to the complex human stories from global cinema.”
“The 2024 selection reinforces our commitment to fostering a diverse cinematic experience, spotlighting works that engage with pressing social issues, personal stories, and transformative historical moments,” he said. “These films invite the audience to journey through myriad cultures and experiences, reflecting the rich complexity of the human condition.”
“We invite everyone to join us in exploring this year’s exceptional films, participate in vibrant discussions at The Hub, and share in the joy of cinema that unites us all,” said Moodley.
Sydney Film Festival Family Movies 2024
FAMILY FILMS
Introduce the magic of the movies to your little ones at this year's Sydney Film Festival with an enchanting line-up of five feature family films, including premieres of new Aussie animations.
Australian animation 200% Wolf, from Sydney’s very own Flying Bark Productions, makes its World Premiere, following Freddy Lupin's adventurous quest to prove his worth to his werewolf pack. The stellar voice cast includes Ilai Swindells (Bay of Fires, SFF 2023) Samara Weaving (Chevalier, SFF 2023), and comedians Jennifer Saunders and Akmal Saleh.
Another home-grown animation set for a premiere at the Festival is The Sloth Lane. A family of sloths realise they need to pick up the pace as they open a food truck in the fast-paced city. Featuring Saturday Night Live’s Leslie Jones and locals Dan Brumm (Uncle Stripe in Bluey) and Remy Hii (Spider-Man: Far From Home).
In the Australian Premiere of Despicable Me 4, non-stop action and laughter returns as Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) battles new villain Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell), with a screenplay co-written by Mike White (The White Lotus).
Winner of the Crystal Bear at Berlin, It’s Okay! is a riveting and heart-warming Korean film set in the competitive world of a dance academy - which becomes a refuge when a newly homeless student secretly moves in.
My Freaky Family is a magical Australian-Irish animation based on the popular children’s books The Floods. The story follows 12-year-old Betty who discovers her mystical powers just as a dark force kidnaps her family, with a voice cast including Evanna Lynch (Harry Potter), Richard Roxburgh and Miranda Otto.