Must-watch film festival favourites coming to your screen
Beamafilm
|
19/05/2023
From the ritzy red carpets of Cannes to the artistic haven of Sundance and the vibrant streets of Berlin, film festivals serve as a captivating platform for filmmakers to showcase their creativity, ignite conversations, and share compelling stories with the world. In the lead-up to Sydney Film Festival 2023, we invite you to embark on a cinematic journey with our selections of previous film festival favourites. Sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in some remarkable films that have left an indelible mark on audiences and critics alike.
A powerful and thought-provoking Australian film, "The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith" explores themes of identity, race, and oppression. Directed by Fred Schepisi, this haunting drama tells the story of an Aboriginal man who experiences injustice and discrimination, leading him to confront the world around him. With its raw emotions, stunning cinematography, and compelling performances, this film is a must-watch for those seeking a captivating cinematic experience.
Experience the gripping world of Korean cinema with "The Yellow Sea." Directed by Na Hong-jin, this intense crime thriller takes you on a suspenseful journey as a taxi driver-turned-hitman is drawn into a web of violence, corruption, and betrayal. With its atmospheric setting, relentless pacing, and complex characters, "The Yellow Sea" showcases the mastery of Korean filmmaking and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the final frame.
A profoundly moving and socially relevant film, "I, Daniel Blake" directed by Ken Loach, captures the struggles and resilience of individuals caught in the web of bureaucracy and social inequality. Set in the United Kingdom, this powerful drama sheds light on the dehumanizing effects of the welfare system and the fight for dignity in the face of adversity. The film's authenticity, heartfelt performances, and thought-provoking narrative make it a must-see for anyone passionate about cinema with a social conscience.
Transport yourself to the Australian Outback with Nicolas Roeg's mesmerizing film, "Walkabout." This visually stunning masterpiece follows the journey of two siblings stranded in the wilderness and their encounter with an Aboriginal boy on his rite of passage. Blending breathtaking cinematography, poetic storytelling, and profound cultural exploration, "Walkabout" immerses viewers in a world where nature and human connection intertwine, leaving an everlasting impact on the soul.
Directed by Brian Knappenberger, "The Internet's Own Boy" is a captivating documentary that sheds light on the life and tragic death of computer programming prodigy and internet activist, Aaron Swartz. Through interviews, archival footage, and personal anecdotes, the film chronicles Swartz's relentless pursuit of information access, his contributions to internet freedom, and the legal battles that ultimately led to his untimely demise. This thought-provoking documentary explores themes of technology, activism, and the ethical questions of our digital age.
Film festivals serve as invaluable platforms for filmmakers to tell stories that challenge, inspire, and entertain. The curated selections of festival favourites presented here offer a glimpse into the diverse range of cinematic experiences featured in the festival circuit. From powerful dramas and thrilling crime tales to thought-provoking documentaries and poetic journeys, these films invite you to explore different cultures, perspectives, and emotions. So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and embark on a vicarious adventure through some noteworthy festival films that have left their indelible mark on the world of cinema.
If you couldn't get to Cannes this week, you can still attend the 70th Sydney Film Festival in person as it takes place 7–18 June 2023. This year's festival will present an opportunity to see over 200 of the latest movies on the big screen as Sydney comes to life with premieres, red carpets, filmmaker talks and parties. Highlights include Warwick Thornton’s Cannes-selected new film starring Cate Blanchett, Deborah Mailman, Wayne Blair and newcomer Aswan Reid in what the critics are calling 'a beguiling story of spirituality and survival set in 1940s Australia' or you can see Jane Campion in conversation with David Stratton as she reflects on her lauded and singular career. Check out the program guide online and get your tickets to see this year's great lineup before they sell out!
Watch for FREE with a participating library card or on a 30-day trial. Also, you can rent a film for 48 hours.
The shocking Australian classic of racism and revenge.
Director:
A taxi driver goes on the run after an attempt to carry out a hit on a professor goes terribly awry.
Director:
A disabled carpenter and a single mother fight for recognition.
Director:
"Show Me The Magic" takes us on an enthralling journey into the life and work of legendary Australian cinematographer Don McAlpine.
Director:
Timeless comedian, groundbreaking filmmaker.
Director:
Ernie Dingo delivers an outstanding portrayal of Robert Tudawali, the first Aboriginal film star, whose lead role in Jedda is iconic in Australian cinema.
Director:
An intimate portrait of comic genius Spike Milligan.
Director:
Cast:
When their father commits suicide, the two city-bred children must contend with the harsh Australian wilderness alone. They are saved by a chance encounter with an Aboriginal boy.
Director:
The life of a programming prodigy and internet activist.
Director:
When Ryota learns that his biological son was switched with another boy after birth, he faces the difficult decision to choose his true son or the boy he and his wife have raised as their own.
Director:
An Oscar-winning classic about injustice and the horror of war.
Director:
A once idealistic minister must choose between ethics and ambition when the machinations of government threaten to destroy him.
Director:
The birth of Greenpeace.
Director:
A documentary on the series of televised debates in 1968 between liberal Gore Vidal and conservative William F. Buckley.
Toby, a cynical advertising director, finds himself trapped in the outrageous delusions of an old Spanish shoe-maker who believes himself to be Don Quixote.
Director:
It was the biggest T-Rex ever found. And an even bigger legal battle.
Director:
A moving and intimate portrayal of one father’s fight to save his son, Ithaka exposes the brutal realities of the campaign to free Julian Assange.
Director:
Scott Walker is one of the most influential and noteworthy figures in rock history. A fascinating portrait of an enigmatic artist.
Director:
A daughter's search for her lost family stretches from Australia to Trinidad and WWII Germany. Rich with archival images, Su Goldfish's autobiographical documentary echoes through all those touched by forced migration.
Director:
Cast:
The epic life of the ultimate daredevil.
Director:
Two years after a humiliating sexting scandal, Anthony Weiner ran for mayor of New York, betting that his ideas would trump his indiscretions. He was wrong.
Cast: