June 2022
How gibberish (and nudity) became a lesson on risk taking
The out-there film, starring Flight of the Conchords star Jemaine Clement and Australian actor Damon Herriman, required a lot from its cast.
November 2021
Sydney Film Festival back with warmth, darkness and a little anarchy
After a long absence, the celebration of cinema opened on a high with the Australian offering ‘Here Out West’ and offered a first look at blockbuster ‘Dune’.
August 2021
Classic letters: Report of Nation magazine’s exit a misconception
The editor of the Nation magazine questions a report that it has ceased to exist — and a Sydney film festival fan argues in favour of keeping it open to all.
January 2020
Australia's worst movies: a screen test
So long as we see our first priority as being ‘supportive’ to our film industry, Australia will continue to make movies that nobody wants to watch.
June 2019
Have filmmakers forgotten why we go to the movies?
The Sydney Film Festival is a paradise for film snobs but lacks popular appeal.
Give us a break from superheroes
The Sydney Film Festival is a bracing reminder of how impoverished mainstream film culture has become, with global box offices dominated by action flicks, sentimental junk and children’s movies.