The Films We’re Extremely Keen To Get Amongst At Sydney Film Festival

It’s time for the annual Sydney Film Festival again, and if you feel like that just happened – join the “where is this year even going” club. We welcome you.

There’s always tons to see and honestly, everything is worth a viewing. But to make life easier for you, we’ve rounded up the films we’re really, really excited for. Beyond normal levels of keen, if you will.

[CENSORED]

Melbs based archivist and filmmaker Sari Braithwaite hit up Canberra’s archive of clips cut from international films that screened in Oz from the 50’s through to the 70’s, and spliced ’em all up for this film. It takes a look at our attitudes towards censorship over the years.

DON’T WORRY, HE WON’T GET FAR ON FOOT

A film with a HUGE cast – think Rooney Mara, Jack Black, Joaquin Phoenix and Jonah Hill – that tells the story of cult Portland cartoonist John Callahan, known for his controversial works. It’s garnered rave reviews for it’s heart and fantastic performances.

ANIMATION AFTER DARK

A collection of “dangerous” animation for lovers of cartoons that are supremely fucked up (aka all of us).

I USED TO BE NORMAL: A BOYBAND FANGIRL STORY

Want to feel completely seen? This doco by Melbourne filmmakers Jessica Leski and Rita Walsh follows three generations of superfans, and all the joy and heartbreak that comes with loving a boyband so much you feel like you’re heart will explode.

RAFIKI

The first ever Kenyan film to be selected for Cannes, and banned in Kenya – Rafiki carries some serious hype with it. It tells the story of two young women who fall in love in the middle of an intensely conservative community. This is a do not miss, folks.

24 FRAMES

This is the final film by the late Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami, a fine art photographer and filmmaker. It’s a real cinematographer lover’s film from the looks of it – merging Kiarostami’s two artistic mediums into one apparently beautiful experience.

BLACKKKLANSMAN

Directed by Spike Lee and starring Girls alum Adam Driver and John David Washington, this wild ride of a film follows the real life story of Ron Stallworth, who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in the 70’s via fellow cop Flip Zimmerman attending meetings for him.

COLD BLOODED: THE CLUTTER FAMILY MURDERS

If you ever read In Cold Blood by Truman Capote, you’re well aware of the Clutter family murders – it’s the murder case that’s at the centre of the book, and it’s a doozy. Directed by Joe Berlinger, who did the iconic 1990’s film Paradise Lost about the West Memphis Three, the documentary film is a reconstruction of the case and looks damn good.

WHITNEY

Uhhh… it’s a documentary on the life of Whitney Houston. Do you need me to tell you why this is a good one to see? Really? Go home and watch The Bodyguard RIGHT NOW if you aren’t across it, and then I’ll see you in the cinema.

MCQUEEN

Alexander McQueen is one of the best “started from the bottom, now we here” stories in fashion. The late designer was leading the pack at Givenchy by 27 – wild. His designs were always edgy, always pushing the envelope and completely iconic. This doco includes intimate footage from friends, family and behind the scenes.

THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON FROST

This comedy-drama starring Chloe Grace Moretz won the Sundance Grand Jury prize. Set in a ‘gay conversion’ camp, the film centres on Cameron (Moretz), who is caught hooking up with the prom queen and carted off to the religious camp, where she meets some excellent folks and it all sounds like a really sweet and powerful coming of age story.

Sydney Film Festival is running from 6-17 June across multiple Sydney venues. Hit up their site here for all the info.

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