Sydney, Australia – The SXSW Sydney 2023 Screen Festival Program, in collaboration with the NSW Government, Destination NSW, TEG, and SXSW®, promises an exciting showcase of the finest screen innovation from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. This inaugural event, sponsored by Telstra, brings the renowned SXSW festival to Sydney, marking its first foray outside Austin, Texas. Scheduled for October, the Screen Festival program aims to underline Sydney's position as a global creative hub and features over 75 feature films and TV screenings.
The program includes a diverse array of content, with an emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region. Among the recent screening announcements are noteworthy titles like "Saltburn," "Stop Making Sense," "Ryuichi Sakamoto|Opus," and "ONEFOUR: Against All Odds." These additions join a lineup that already comprises 40 short films, 20 music videos, and 13 XR (Extended Reality) projects, with more to be revealed.
The Screen Festival offers a platform for creators specializing in various screen-based formats, from traditional film and television to immersive XR experiences and hybrid genres. The festival's conference will feature prominent voices from the global screen community, including Charlie Brooker, the creator of "Black Mirror," as well as filmmakers like Leah Purcell, Jub Clerc, and Bruna Papandrea.
Ghita Loebenstein, Head of Screen, expresses the festival's mission to introduce new voices, innovative forms, and fresh approaches to screen entertainment. The program reflects a global perspective, with a unique focus on the Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, it integrates themes from other SXSW pillars, such as Music, Games, and Tech, celebrating the intersections between different creative forms and communities.
Telstra's Principal of Media, Sponsorship & Awards, Genelle Sharples, emphasizes the festival's celebration of creativity and storytelling from Australia, the Asia-Pacific region, and around the world. Telstra is excited to support the festival's diverse and talented storytellers.
The Screen Festival boasts an impressive lineup of gala events, including the Australian Premiere of "Saltburn," a thrilling aristocratic thriller directed by Emerald Fennell; the World Premiere of "ONEFOUR: Against All Odds," a music documentary about the Western Sydney drill rap band; the Australian Premiere of "Ryuichi Sakamoto|Opus," featuring the final recorded concert of the Japanese composer; and a Special Presentation of the 4K re-release of Talking Heads' 1984 concert film, "Stop Making Sense."
The festival's films will be screened in Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound at the Darling Harbour Theatre. John Graham, the Minister for Jobs and Tourism, the Arts, and the Night-time Economy, highlights SXSW Sydney's unique roving festival format, which encourages attendees to explore and engage with the creative community in various locations throughout Sydney.
The 2023 Screen Festival Program builds upon an already impressive lineup of over 1,000 events spanning Tech and Innovation, Games, Music, Screen, and Culture. Sydney is set to become the global epicenter for the creative industries during this exciting week from October 15-22.
The festival also shines a spotlight on First Nations storytelling with a selection of features and shorts curated by Pauline Clague, founder and Artistic Director of Winda Film Festival. These films highlight diverse narratives from First Nations and Indigenous storytellers worldwide.
In addition to features and shorts, the festival includes a robust lineup of Visions, which features emerging cinema across narrative, documentary, and hybrid forms. Some highlights include South Korea's official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 2024 Academy Awards, "Concrete Utopia," and the black comedy horror film "Sleep."
The Midnighters section caters to night owls and genre enthusiasts with films like "Divinity," "Satranic Panic," and "The People's Joker."
The Music section celebrates the influence of music and fandom on screen with documentaries and films about artists like Cyndi Lauper, TLC, and Milli Vanilli.
The festival also presents a compelling XR Showcase, highlighting immersive projects using virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) technologies. These projects offer new ways of experiencing and interacting with storytelling. Notable entries include "444.2," "Antipsychotic," and "Lake Mungo."
Special Presentations include a 4K remastered retrospective screening of "Lake Mungo" and a 4K restoration of "Stop Making Sense."
The festival's TV Premieres feature a range of episodic content, including horror anthologies, romantic comedies, and more.
Music Videos showcase breakout stars of the Asia-Pacific music video scene, with diverse and imaginative visuals.
In the competition section, the festival recognizes feature films, short films, and XR projects that push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Films like "All Ears," "Voices in Deep," "Gagaland," and "Plastic" are among those competing.
Outdoor screenings at Tumbalong Park will offer free public access to classic films like "What We Do In The Shadows" and "Dazed & Confused."
The opening night will feature a DJ set by Melbourne producer Harvey Sutherland.
Venues for the festival include the Darling Harbour Theatre at ICC Sydney and Palace Cinemas Central.
SXSW Sydney 2023 promises to be a dynamic celebration of creativity, innovation, and artistic expression, bringing together a wide range of talent from the Asia-Pacific and beyond. With an extensive program spanning various forms of screen-based entertainment, the festival will offer a unique and inspiring experience for attendees. Badges and wristbands provide access to the various festivals within SXSW Sydney, offering a rich array of performances, screenings, and showcases.
Overall, SXSW Sydney 2023 Screen Festival Program is set to be a transformative event for the screen industry, showcasing the region's talent and offering a platform for creative exploration and innovation.
