The 72nd Sydney Film Festival will close with the Australian premiere of “Splitsville,” the new comedy from director Michael Angelo Covino (“The Climb”) and actor Dakota Johnson.
Set to premiere at the State Theatre on Sunday, June 15, “Splitsville” was an audience favourite at the recent Cannes Film Festival.
Covino’s film is described as a “sharp and stylish comedy exploring the complexities of love, commitment and modern relationships.”
It follows Carey (Kyle Marvin), a good-natured husband thrown into turmoil when his wife Ashley (“Hit Man” breakout Adria Arjona) asks for a divorce.
Seeking solace from his closest friends, Julie (Dakota Johnson) and Paul (Michael Covino), he’s shocked to discover that their secret to happiness is an open marriage. When he crosses a line, however, all of their relationships are thrown into chaos.
Sydney Film Festival director Nashen Moodley expressed their excitement at securing the Australian premiere of “Splitsville.”
“Michael Angelo Covino delivers a witty and well-crafted comedy with outstanding performances from a brilliant ensemble cast,” Moodley said. “We always want audiences to leave the cinema feeling like they’ve had a great time, so this is am joyous and fitting way to conclude this year’s festival.”
The “Splitsville” premiere will mark the official Closing Night Gala and Award Ceremony for this year’s festival, where the winner of the $60,000 Sydney Film Prize will be revealed alongside a collection of other major awards.
“Together,” the new horror film from real-life couple and Hollywood heavyweights Dave Franco and Alison Brie, was previously confirmed to open this year’s Sydney Film Festival.
“Together” is slated to premiere at Sydney’s State Theatre on Wednesday, June 4, however Franco and Brie were recently hit with a copyright infringement suit over their independent film.
Other films confirmed for this year’s festival include two music-focused documentaries: “One to One: John & Yoko” and “Marlon Williams: Ngā Ao e Rua – Two Worlds.”
“One to One: John & Yoko” is Oscar-winner Kevin Macdonald’s new film built around John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s historic 1972 Madison Square Garden benefit concert.
“Marlon Williams: Ngā Ao e Rua – Two Worlds” offers a portrait of the beloved Aotearoa musician as he reconnects with his roots and records his first album in te reo Māori.
The 72nd Sydney Film Festival runs from June 4 to 15. Flexipasses and subscriptions are on sale now at sff.org.au.