Sydney Film Festival director gives Randwick Ritz top picks

THE Sydney Film Festival is back with a packed schedule at Randwick Ritz. There is everything from animated features to comedies, short films and thrillers. The festival kicks off on June 6 and runs to June 17.

From left, Randwick Ritz cinema general manager Lachlan McLeod, Sydney Film Festival director Nashen Moodley and Randwick Ritz events manager Ashleigh Nicholls at the Ritz Cinema in Randwick. Picture: John Appleyard

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THE Sydney Film Festival is back with a packed schedule at Randwick Ritz.

There is everything from animated features to comedies, short films and thrillers. The festival kicks off on June 6 and runs to June 17.

One of the hottest tickets at The Ritz is the new Rachel McAdams and Rachel Weisz film, Disobedience (June 10) which tells the story of a love affair in an orthodox Jewish community.

Rachel McAdams, pictured at the 88th Annual Academy Awards, stars alongside Rachel Weisz in Disobedience. Picture: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Tickets are also selling fast for thriller American Animals (June 15) which is the true story of four college students who attempt an audacious art heists. The Bart Layton film is one of festival director Nashen Moodley’s top picks.

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“The festival is very excited to return to Randwick’s iconic art deco Ritz Cinema,” he said.

As well as American Animals he singled out a special event with Saw director Leigh Whannell who will present a special sneak peak of his latest project, Upgrade.

Other highlights include Foxtrot (June 16) which has already won a host of awards including the Venice Grand Jury Prize for its tragic and funny examination of Israeli military culture.

Sydney Film Festival Director Nashen Moodley and Randwick Ritz cinema General Manager Lachlan McLeod in the projection house at the Ritz Cinema in Randwick. Picture: John Appleyard

The Oscar-nominated Breadwinner (June 13) is the animated tale of an 11-year-old Afghan girl, while the film Jirga (June 11) tells the story of an Aussie soldier who travels to Afghanistan to seek forgiveness.

For the full Sydney Film Festival schedule, go to sff.org.au

Director’s top 5

American Animals: Four men attempt an audacious art-heist.

Upgrade: Latest from Aussie Saw director

Transit: Wartime refugee love story

Support The Girls: Feminist comedy set in a sports bar

Nico, 1988: Film exploring final years of The Velvet Underground singer