The Monster Children Guide To Sydney Film Festival
The Sydney Film Festival kicks off today until June 11th.
In its 71st year, the festival will showcase over 200 films within the State Theatre, as well as cinemas in the CBD, Newtown, Cremorne and Randwick. Showcasing a swath of international and established filmmakers, The Sydney Film Festival offers a stage to those whose viewpoints might otherwise go unseen. There’s never been a better time for us to listen to one another, and the power of film is a beautiful medium to do just that. Here’s our pick of what is on show.
A Different Man
This A24 dramedy, directed by Aaron Schimberg, tells the story of a man who undergoes radical surgery to become handsome – with schadenfreude-inducing results. A film exploring the notion that perhaps the grass ain’t always greener on the other side.
Ernest Cole: Lost And Found
Winner of L’Œil d’or (Best Documentary) at Cannes, directed by Raoul Peck Ernest Cole: Lost And Found tells the story of the late photographer’s life capturing the racial inequality of his homelands in South Africa and then in America where he was forced to move. A heartbreaking look at the life, loss, isolation, and the homelessness Cole experienced as well as the mystery surrounding his lost negatives found in a Swedish bank vault years after his death.
Skategoat
Leandre Sanders, aka Skategoat, was born into a world of gangs and crime in Hawthorne, California. While his older brothers followed his parents into LA’s violent street life, Leandre spent his days at Venice Beach Skatepark with a dream of becoming a pro skater. His life story captured the attention of Van Alpert, ultimately inspiring this documentary.
The Outrun
Directed by Nora Fingscheidt and based on the novel by Amy Liptrot’s and her own struggles with drugs and alcohol. After living on the edge and spiralling into addiction, Rona (Saoirse Ronan) moves back to her childhood home and takes a job as a bird observer hoping nature will help her recover.
Kinds Of Kindness
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, Kinds Of Kindness explores three transgressive and bizarre scenarios, with surreal twists and turns along the way. A man who appears to lead a very happy life but really is in an iron grip trying to reclaim control. A wife returns to his policeman husband after lost at sea. But is she who she says she is? A pair searching for a very particular person involved with a sexual sect. With a stellar cast this is definitely one we are keen to watch.
We Were Dangerous
Produced by Taika Waititi and directed by Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu, so you know this one is going to be good. After attempting to escape from an institution for delinquent girls in 1954 New Zealand, Two Māori teens, Nellie (Erana James, The Wilds) and Daisy (Manaia Hall) are relocated to a remote island facility. Here they team up with well-to-do Lou and try to plot another escape. A beautiful look at the power of female friendship underpinned by that well-known Kiwi humour.