In Partnership with SXSW
Forget jetting off to Cannes or Sundance – this year, the most exciting films are right here in Sydney. After an incredible 2023 program, SXSW Sydney is proving to be the Southern Hemisphere’s answer to these iconic film festivals.
This year’s program, showing at the International Convention & Exhibition Centre (ICC) Darling Harbour Theatre, is set to be even bigger and better.
What sets SXSW Sydney apart as an arts, culture and innovation festival is its diverse lineup of films, offering something for everyone. With rush tickets now up for grabs for just $25, there’s never been a better time to check out some of cinema’s best films.
Here are the top 5 headliners to add to your watchlist.
1. “Y2K” (Opening Night Film)
Starting things off with a bang, “Y2K” is set to impress at SXSW Sydney after it rocked audiences across international festivals. Directed by “SNL” alum Kyle Mooney, the disaster comedy follows two teens as they crash a New Year’s Eve party on the cusp of the new millennium. With a star-studded cast including Rachel Zegler, The Kid LAROI and Alicia Silverstone, expect to laugh, cringe and maybe even shed a tear as the clock ticks down to midnight.
When: Monday 14 October, 6.30pm
Where: ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour Theatre
2. “Nightbitch”
One of the most anticipated films of the year, “Nightbitch” brings an otherworldly twist to modern motherhood. Starring the always brilliant Amy Adams, the film is a dark comedy that blurs the line between reality and fairy tale as a suburban mum starts to believe she’s turning into a dog. Yes, you read that right. Based on the cult book of the same name, “Nightbitch” will leave you stunned long after the credits roll.
When: Friday 18 October, 7.30pm
Where: ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour Theatre
3. “Pavements”
From the mind of director Alex Ross Perry, “Pavements” is a genre-blending mix of scripted, documentary, musical and metatextual drama that explores the story of American indie rock band, Pavement. With beautiful cinematography and a stellar cast, including Joe Keery, Stephen Malkmus, Nat Wolff, Tim Heidecker and Jason Schawrtzman, this film is a sensory feast.
When: Thursday 17 October, 7.30pm
Where: ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour Theatre
4. “Smile 2”
Fans of psychological horror, brace yourselves for “Smile 2.” The highly anticipated sequel to the 2022 box office hit stars Naomi Scott (“Aladdin”) as global pop sensation Skye Riley, whose world tour takes a sinister turn. With Parker Finn returning to direct, “Smile 2” promises to up the ante on the original. For an extra thrill, Finn himself will be attending SXSW Sydney to present the film, offering fans a chance to hear firsthand about the making of this terrifying sequel.
When: Wednesday 16 October, 7.30pm
Where: ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour Theatre
5. “The Front Room”
Directed by Max and Sam Eggers and produced by A24, this chilling film stars singer-songwriter Brandy Norwood as a newly pregnant woman whose world unravels when her sinister mother-in-law, played by Kathryn Hunter, moves in. As tensions rise and secrets come to light, “The Front Room” delivers a nerve-wracking descent into domestic horror.
When: Tuesday 15 October, 7.30pm
Where: ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour Theatre
The best part? Every session is open to anyone with a Screen Badge or SXSW Wristband, giving you unlimited access to screenings across the festival. But if you’re just looking to catch one or two films, rush tickets are available for $25 each.
See the entire line-up for the SXSW Sydney 2024 Screen Festival here or secure your badge today at SXSW Sydney.