Itching for the silver screen? We’ve got you covered. The inaugural SXSW Sydney Screen Festival presented by Telstra is making landfall next month, with 33 new short films joining the ever-growing line-up of films.
Forming part of the festival’s Shorts Program these short films aim to ignite the city through visual storytelling and provide a platform for voices in the APAC region. Out of the 33 films, you’ll be able to hear from Asian, Australian, First Nations and LGBTQI+ voices as part of the following four themes:
A mix of genres from hybrid documentary to creative animation, experimental work to psychedelic visual artistry. Through various subjects and filmmaking styles, this Shorts program re-evaluates the purpose and meaning of technology and how it shapes our future, for better or worse.
Filmmaking is taken to another level of creativity with this collection’s twists and turns. Free from boundaries and traditional storytelling expectations, it features films that are absurdly chaotic and hilariously bent.
This program of story-first films covers intimate teenage relationships, a hybrid documentary about space objects and powerful queer animation.
Imagined from the other side of Midnight, this program moves between gruesome crime scenes, creepy thrillers, explosive secretions and a mysterious doll romance. This selection will keep your eyes wide open.
An additional Bush Shorts program will follow later this month, curated by the talented Pauline Clague, the founder of the Winda Film Festival.
The Shorts Program links up to SXSW Sydney Screen Festival and all it has to offer, from red carpet premieres, including The Royal Hotel and previously announced Hot Potato: The Story of the Wiggles, expect features, shorts, series, music videos and an XR showcase at the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival.
How do you get access we hear you asking? Purchase a SXSW Sydney Platinum or Screen, Games, Music and Tech badges, or Screen Festival wristband to unlock a door to the cutting-edge entertainment and art the APAC region has to offer. Buy now and save $40 with the Early Bird price of $240 for SXSW Sydney 2023 Screen Festival wristbands accessible here until September 13th.
The 33 shorts premiering at SXSW Sydney’s Screen Festival include:
These 33 films join the already announced slate of independent films, as well as the Upfront Festival hosted by Channel 7 & Amazon Prime. You can check out the screen lineup so far here.
Today, we are proud to announce that Telstra will join us as the Official Major Sponsor of SXSW Sydney 2023 Screen Festival.
With a legacy grounded in fostering technological advancements and pushing boundaries, Telstra have shown an unwavering commitment to connecting Aussies with each other and the world. By bridging the gap between imagination and execution, Telstra emerges as the perfect partner for propelling the creative screen arts to new heights.
Of their partnership, Telstra’s Principal of Media, Sponsorship & Awards, Genelle Sharples says: “We are very excited to have come on board as the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival Sponsor for the inaugural SXSW Sydney. SXSW is known around the world as the pinnacle festival that celebrates creativity, so we are proud to give everyone the opportunity to experience the talented storytelling from over 100 directors. We look forward to celebrating and showcasing this creativity in film and screen content from Australia and the Asia Pacific.”
Secure your access today to be part of the action and connect with a global creative community. SXSW Sydney 2023 Screen Festival grants you access to all of these screenings and more over 7 days and nights in October.
A wristband is your key to the ultimate Screen experience with the SXSW Sydney 2023 Screen Festival. It’ll get you access to all of the screen events around Sydney, including red carpet premieres at the ICC’s Darling Harbour Theatre and cinemas across the inner city and an XR showcase with your wristband.
There’s a difference between a badge and a wristband. In addition to the Screen Festival access mentioned above, Platinum and Screen badges will also give you access to conference keynotes and panels, industry showcases, workshops, parties, launches, networking events and mentoring sessions.
It also grants you access to the ‘Minimart’: SXSW Sydney-flavoured Screen market for investors, buyers, producers, creatives and industry. Think of it as a casual way to cut deals.
Wristbands, on the other hand, grant access to all the Screen Festival events. You can check out this blog for the full run down or check out all the options available here.
Whether you choose a Wristband or Badge, you’re in for some cutting-edge entertainment brought to you from all corners of the globe