The 2024 festival will present 197 films from 69 countries, including 28 world premieres and 133 Australian premieres. There are 92 narrative feature films, and 54 documentaries.
“The 71st Sydney Film Festival unfurls a canvas of bold narratives and remarkable visions, mirroring the evolving dynamics of our world,” Sydney Film Festival Director Nashen Moodley says. “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 says. “These films invite the audience to journey through myriad cultures and experiences, reflecting the rich complexity of the human condition.”
There is a selection of LGBTQIA-themed films as part of Sydney Film Festival this year.
'Crossing'
‘All Shall Be Well’ from Ray Yeung follows Angie as she navigates the sudden loss of her partner Pat. Angie faces turmoil as Pat’s family claims control over their shared life, and the film explores societal challenges facing LGBTQIA+ couples and the importance of chosen family.
Levan Akin’s ’Crossing’ received the Jury Award at its premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival. Retired teacher Lia teams up with her neighbours Archi to try and find her long-lost niece Tekla. Searching for someone who wishes to remain hidden proves more challenging than anticipated, until they encounter a lawyer fighting for trans rights.
Directed by Jane Schoenbrun, ‘I Saw The TV Glow’ premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, receiving stellar reviews. It features musicians Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit) and GRAMMY winner Phoebe Bridgers, blending horror elements with a deep narrative.
'Unicorns'
‘Sex’ from Dag Johan Haugerud is the first entry in a new trilogy, following two men in heterosexual marriages whose unexpected encounters prompt them to question their views.
‘Street Positions’ is the feature debut for trans actor and director Theda Hammel, which features the director herself as well as actors John Early, Qaher Harhash, and Elizabeth Dement. It casts a satirical gaze at millennial existential crisis, delving into themes including the Middle East, LGBTQIA+ rights, and family and cultural dynamics.
‘Toll’ is directed by 2018 Queer Palm Cannes Film Festival Winner Carolina Markowicz. It explores the complex relationship between Suellen, a toll booth worker, and her gay son Antonio. Suellen is drawn into a criminal gang as she tries to raise money to send her son to a conversion therapy programme.
From BAFTA winner Sally El Hosaini and James Krishna Floyd comes ‘Unicorns’, exploring an unexpected romance between a straight single dad and a British Indian drag queen in London.
‘Woman Of…’ is directed by award-winning filmmaker Malgorzata Szumowska and Michael Englert. It’s about a Polish trans woman’s journey of self-discovery and living her truth in a Catholic-majority Polish society. It offers a compassionate look at trans life in Poland, highlighting the country’s challenging LGBTQIA+ rights record.
Sydney Film Festival is on from 5-16 June.
