Four Australian feature films will screen at the upcoming 2023 Sundance Film Festival.
The U.S. film festival runs from Jan. 19 to 29 next year.
It has previously acted as a U.S. launchpad for local films, including “You Won’t Be Alone” (2022), “Relic” (2020), “52 Tuesdays” (2014) and “Animal Kingdom” (2010).
Next year’s selections include “Shayda” (pictured above) from writer/director Noora Niasari, which will open the World Cinema Dramatic Competition. The drama feature tells the story of a young Iranian mother who finds refuge in a women’s shelter. Her search for freedom, however, brings her face to face with the violence from which she has fled.
“Run Rabbit Run” from director Daina Reid will also have its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. The thriller tracks a doctor who is frightened by her young daughter’s inexplicable memories of a past identity.
In addition, “Talk to Me”, by Danny and Michael Philippou, will make its international premiere. The Racka Racka production first premiered at the Adelaide Film Festival earlier this year, and tells the story of a lonely teenager who gets hooked on conjuring spirits using a ceramic hand.
Robert Connolly’s “Blueback”, meanwhile, will have its U.S. premiere at the festival. “Blueback” is based on the best-selling novel by Tim Winton. It had its world premiere earlier this year at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Graeme Mason, Screen Australia CEO, said the four films formed an incredible slate of premieres.
“To have two feature debuts is a real coup, with rising talent Noora Niasari’s “Shayda” in competition, and Racka Racka, who have built an exceptional fanbase online now reaching global audiences, with their feature “Talk to Me”,” he said.
“It’s also wonderful to see a range of stories representing Australia, from the stunning natural beauty celebrated in “Blueback” and the modern migrant experience showcased in “Shayda”, to the gripping supernatural tales in “Talk to Me” and “Run Rabbit Run”, which will no doubt have audiences on the edge of their seats.”
