Spoilt for choice: our must-see flicks for this years Sydney Film Festival.
What we really love about the SFF is its ability to include everything from fantasy and crime, the Bronte sisters and Aussie dramas; there’s something for everyone. Be sure to check out the free events, as well as loads of documentaries, short films and archived titles that have just been restored. You don’t have to be a film buff to appreciate this two week event, so we’ve got you started with our international shortlist.
Jane Eyre
Starring Mia Wasikowska, the simple tale of a governess softening the heart of her employer is no picnic. Slightly heart wrenching, things get dramatic when Jane discovers that he’s hiding a terrible secret. With a penchant for starring in adaptions of old novels, we predict that Mia is well on the way to being Keira Knightley-ed.
Project Nim
This documentary tells the story of a chimpanzee taken from its mother at birth and raised like a human child in a wealthy New York family in the 1970s. A social experiment that spanned 26 years, Nim takes a good look at the superficiality of 21st Century life. Taking over at the Sundance Film Festival this is a fascinating must-see for all Sydney mammals.
The Future
Slightly absurd and beautifully shot, Miranda July’s new film asks some of life’s biggest small questions. Sophie (July) and Jason (Hamis Linklater) decide to disconnect their internet and face the realities of unlimited choice in this unsettling film about fear and modern life. Expect to be puzzled and pleased by the curious role of the cat.
Hobo With a Shotgun
It’s everything the title suggests and more; Rutger Hauer returns in this graphic, extremely violent black comedy. He plays an unnamed homeless man who joins forces with a kind-hearted hooker to seek revenge and generally wreak havoc. We’re not sure what’s more disturbing, the fact that this started out as a spoof trailer for Grindhouse, or that we kind of want to see it? Byo: strong stomach.
Sleeping Beauty
Emily Browning stars in this unsettling adaptation that sees her character lured into a world of prostitution and drugs. Making her directorial debut, Julia Leigh has shown the nay-sayers that she’s got what it takes to conquer the big screen, showcasing the film at Cannes. It might not be the fairy tale we remember from our childhood but that’s precisely why we want to see it.
Exporting Raymond
Phil Rosenthal always loved television, but he never dreamt he would create, write and executive produce over 2000 episodes of Everybody Loves Raymond. When the show finally wound down he was asked to create a Russian version of the show. This documentary details his cross-cultural experiences, including Russian humour and the need for ‘kidnapping insurance.’ Funny even if you weren’t a fan of the show.
What: Sydney Film Festival
When: 8-19th June
Tickets and details: available at the SFF website.