“Together” | Kissmet Movie
The complete programme was announced at the 72nd Sydney Film Festival, which will be held from June 5th to June 16th. The 2025 festival will include a wide range of showcases of world premiers, winners and Australian and international films. Among the most anticipated titles are the Australian premiere. A queer romance of the Swift horse, led by Tom Hiddleston, the life of Chuck, the satire that won SXSW, and Daisy Edgar Jones and Jacob Elordi.
The festival will screen 201 films from 70 countries, including 17 world premiers, six international premiers and 137 Australian premiers. The event will be held from June 5th to 16th, and will include the iconic Sydney Opera House for the first time as a screening venue.
Opening Night and Competition Highlights
The Sundance hit starring Allison Bree and Dave Franco will host a festival and compete in the official competition to return to their 17th year. This year’s ju umpire is led by Australian filmmaker Justin Cruzel and includes international figures such as Rachel House and Merita Toscan du Plantia.
The competition has 17 films, many directly from Cannes, Sundance and Berlin. Highlights include Kelly Reichart’s Art Robber drama “The Mastermind,” set in the 1970s, Jafar Panahhi, which was merely an accident. Also competing is DJ Ahmet, the Sundance Audience Award-winning Coming-of-Age Story, and Cherien Dabis’ decades-long Palestinian family drama.
“Chuck’s Life” | Study
Big names and local talent
This year’s programme combines international fame with Australian premiere. Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon, featuring Ethan Hawk and Margaret Quarry, will be shown at State Theatre with titles like Vee Mulligan and Vee Prive, starring Jodie Foster.
Tom Hiddleston stars in Chuck’s Life, based on Stephen King Novela and directed by Mike Flanagan. It’s also available in Swift Horse, a queer love story set in the 1950s.
On the local front, Amy Wang’s slopes – satire about racial identity and belongings – arrive fresh from SXSW’s victory, and the death of Undertaker Christian Buyer will premiere the world. Animated Australian Features The Lesbian Space Princess will do a splash after winning the Teddy Award in Berlin.
Festival Director on this year’s vision
Festival director Nashen Moodley describes this year’s lineup as “a bold and vast landscape of today’s film,” highlighting a mix of urgent themes and imaginative storytelling.
“From the incredible Australian debut to the bold new releases of global Auther, this year’s programme celebrates creative risk, personal vision and artistic resilience,” says Moodley. “We invite audiences to explore this thrilling lineup, connect with filmmakers around the world and share the transformational joys of film.”
He added that by including the Sydney Opera House in its new screening venue, it offers “an unusual opportunity to experience some of the world’s best films at one of our most famous cultural landmarks.”
The Sydney Film Festival will be held from June 5th to 16th, 2025. Details and ticket information are available at sff.org.au.
