The 2016 Sydney Film Festival kicked off on Wednesday night with the world premiere of Goldstone. Starring Aaron Pedersen, David Wenham and Jacki Weaver, amongst others, the sold-out opening gala too played host to a who’s-who of local talent including Hugo Weaving, Sam Neill, Bryan Brown, Michael Caton, Gillian Armstrong, Simon Baker and of course, David Stratton.
Playing throughout Sydney from June 8th to June 19th, with hundreds of films screening from dozens of countries, there’s something for just about everyone this year, and if you don’t feel like trawling through the massive program (while this is strongly encouraged) here’s a snapshot of a few things to get you out of the cold and through the long weekend.
Kiki
A fascinating insight into New York’s “Kiki” or ballroom scene for LGBT youth-of-color, the film’s dancing sequences are mesmerising in a documentary laboriously produced over four years.
Screening Friday June 10th at Dendy Newtown at 8:40PM and Saturday June 11th at Event Cinemas George Street at 3:50PM
War on Everyone
Having less regard for political correctness than it does for physics, this buddy-cop action-comedy features Tarzan star/True Blood veteran Alexander Skarsgård in a surprisingly adept comic performance.
Screening Friday June 10th at the State Theatre at 9:15PM and Sunday June 12th at Event Cinemas George Street at 2:00PM
Under the Sun
Permitted entry to North Korea to film a state-sanctioned documentary, the director left the camera on after each shoot, showcasing never before seen footage from inside Pyongyang.
Screening Saturday June 11th at Event Cinemas George Street at 11:50AM and Saturday 18th June at Dendy Opera Quays at 11:50AM
Goat
A semi-fictionalized exploration of the darker side of college and fraternity life with Nick Jonas of The Jonas Brothers, Goat doesn’t try and sway you either way, leaving you to make up your own mind.
Screening Sunday June 12th at Event Cinemas George Street at 4:00PM and Monday June 13th at Dendy Newtown at 8:15PM
Land of Mine
An incredibly moving war picture all the more remarkable for not actually taking place during a war, this Danish-German co-production about a group of POWs forced to clear thousands of landmines off a beach has already won numerous awards.
Screening Sunday June 12th at the State Theatre at 6:45PM, Monday June 13th at the State Theatre at 11:45AM and Sunday June 19th at the Hayden Orpheum Cremorne at 6:15PM
Everybody Wants Some!!
Richard Linklater’s spiritual sequel to Dazed and Confused, the director’s follow-up to acclaimed hit Boyhood is already one of the most talked about films of the Festival.
Screening Sunday June 12th at the State Theatre at 9:15PM and Saturday June 18th at Event Cinemas George Street at 7:00PM
The BFG
Plucking a string in everyone’s heart, this is your first opportunity to see Steven Spielberg’s live-action adaptation of Roald Dahl’s childhood favourite, and if you’re a fan of the author and Sophie’s great adventure this is not something you’re going to want to miss.
Screening Monday June 13th at Event Cinemas George Street at 6:00PM
For more information and to book tickets visit the festival website
Glen Falkenstein on The Big Smoke
FalkenScreen 