Two new Australian films are set to make their world premiere at the upcoming Sydney Film Festival in June. Among the confirmed titles are 'In Vitro,' a sci-fi mystery thriller directed by Will Howarth and Tom McKeith, starring Ashley Zukerman. The film is set on a remote cattle farm in the near future. Another Australian film, 'In The Pool,' directed by Ian Darling, offers a cinematic portrayal of a year in the life of the iconic Bondi Icebergs and the people who frequent it.
New Zealand actor Rachel House will also debut her feature directorial work at the festival with 'The Mountain,' a story about three children finding solace and friendship through adventure in the stunning landscapes of New Zealand. The film is executive produced by Taika Waititi and is eligible for the festival's First Nations Award, which boasts the largest cash prize for First Nations filmmaking globally.
The festival, running from June 5-16, will unveil its full lineup on May 8. Some of the early announcements include 'The Rye Horn,' winner of the Golden Shell for best film at San Sebastián; Agnieszka Holland's refugee thriller 'Green Border,' which sparked controversy in Poland; and 'Pepe,' a film about a hippo that escaped Pablo Escobar's private zoo, which won the Silver Bear at the Berlinale.
Other notable selections include 'Explanation for Everything,' a Hungarian satire that won the Orizzonti Award for Best Film at the Venice International Film Festival; 'Sex,' a film about two chimneysweeps navigating unexpected desires; and 'The Contestant,' a documentary about a TV contestant unaware of being broadcast for months.
Documentaries like 'COPA '71,' 'The Battle for Laikipia,' 'Suspended Time,' and 'The Monk and The Gun' are also part of the festival lineup. Additionally, the festival will feature a film and live music event, 'Hear My Eyes: Hellraiser,' where Clive Barker's horror classic will be re-scored live by Hieroglyphic Being and Robin Fox, accompanied by a synched laser-art show at City Recital Hall.
