67th Festival 2020

Nashen Moodley

Festival Director

Welcome to the 67th Sydney Film Festival: Virtual Edition and Awards!

Back in early March, we had 50% of the program in place and were heading towards finalising the 2020 program to present to our audience. As COVID-19 spread at an alarming rate across the world, and film festival after film festival cancelled, it became increasingly clear that SFF, after an unbroken run of 66 years, would not take place in 2020. Even at the heartbreaking moment when we were forced to cancel, SFF was determined to look at ways in which we could continue to connect with our audience and, crucially, provide support to the filmmakers and film industry that so desperately need it.

We are truly delighted to bring you SFF’s Virtual Edition and Awards, which celebrates Australian documentary and short filmmakers, alongside our Europe! Voices of Women in Film and Screenability programs. More than ever, we are so grateful to the filmmakers, awards sponsors, partners and to you, for making this unusual edition of Sydney Film Festival possible.

We long to be back in cinemas with you as soon as is safe and possible, but until that time, we invite you to enjoy our Virtual Edition and discover these provocative films and exciting filmmakers.

Deanne Weir

Festival Chair

Welcome to SFF 2020. We are proud to present Sydney Film Festival: Virtual Edition and Awards, delivered entirely online to a national audience for the first time in its 67 years. Albeit not shared together in the dark under the State Theatre chandelier; the Festival will continue to be a lens on the world and times, a trusted guide, a forum for ideas, conversations, community, and change.

Central to the Festival’s purpose is our support for Australian filmmakers. Not only feature filmmakers but those emerging through the short film format and the wonderful truth tellers – our documentary makers. Thanks to SFF’s long standing Award partners, Documentary Australia Foundation, Dendy Cinemas and Yoram Gross, Australian short and documentary filmmakers will be recognised for their outstanding work. All filmmakers will also receive a significant proportion of ticket sales, providing critical income at a time when few sources exist.

We are delighted that this year’s virtual edition also includes the European Women in Film and Screenability programs, cornerstone SFF initiatives that promote diverse and inclusive perspectives at a time when polarisation only makes diversity more vital.

Expanding our virtual reach with another first, SFF has partnered with SBS On Demand to present Sydney Film Festival Selects. Curated by Festival Director Nashen Moodley, this superb collection features 40 films from the Festival’s archives. And as many of you know, SFF joins 20 film festivals from around the world to present We Are One: A Global Film Festival. SFF is proud to stand alongside our festival colleagues to celebrate our international community of storytellers and audiences.

SFF is a not-for-profit organisation, so we are extremely grateful for the continuing commitment of our government, corporate and philanthropic partners who have supported Sydney Film Festival into vibrant times and continue with us in uncertain times. Thanks to NSW government partner Screen NSW, the Commonwealth government through Screen Australia, and the City of Sydney Council. Many thanks also to the whole SFF team, led by CEO Leigh Small and Nashen, who continue to deliver excellence in curation and operation under trying conditions.

This passion is matched only by that of you – our audience, filmmakers, and volunteers. Thanks to you, Sydney Film Festival stands strong in 2020, ready to return us all to cinemas in 2021. In changing and challenging times, the Festival itself – coming together to see, share, discuss – will be more vital than ever. I wish you all a great festival and thank you for your support.