Sydney Indie Film Festival - Official Selections 2019
The Sydney Indie Film Festival features some of the best of independent cinema from around the world, including a mix of award winning films and outstanding emerging talent in the film industry. The Festival program screens all genres of films: action, adventure, comedy, family movies, chick flicks, science fiction, thrillers, true stories, animations, documentaries, there is something for everybody! Join us for exclusive red carpet events, watch the movies, meet the filmmakers and participate in the Q&A sessions to find out how they made all the magic happen! The fifth edition Sydney Indie Film Festival (SIFF) will take place from the 21st till the 31st of October 2019. Screening locations: Event Cinemas George St - Festival Space and Lane Cove Libraries. The Sydney Indie Film Festival mission is to unite, inspire & entertain, bringing opportunities for artists & great cultural events for the community.
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- DirectorMichael Shaun ConawayStarsMiki AgrawalIbrahim AlHusseiniMichael BeckwithWe live in a world of outrageous pain. We are challenged by extinction level problems. Everywhere we look we see unbearable suffering. In the face of pain we close our hearts. We also live in a world of outrageous beauty. Everyday, we see acts of kindness, generosity, courage and creation. The only response to outrageous beauty is outrageous love. We are living in an extraordinary time when a small group can make a difference in the lives of a billion people. We stand at the tipping point of a new future. All around us, people are rising up, taking matters into their own hands, committing acts of outrageous love, and daring to reshape the world. We are creating the future we want, a world that works for everyone. We are evolving the source code of evolution. Now the question is: What will you do?
- DirectorArthur BalderStarsSusan SarandonTigran TsitoghdzyanFlorence FaivreOscar-winning screen icon Susan Sarandon and Armenian painter Tigran Tsitoghdzyan discuss time and identity, and how the apparently in conflict values of beauty and aging are perceived in our modern society dominated by social media, as he limns her portrait during a timeless sitting session. With this film the director sets in motion his film theory on poetics of cinematic art, by re-creating a set of sense memories of an artist in a non-linear, challenging, yet intriguing story-telling scheme.
- DirectorMark KennyStarsGed PurvisMark KennyGraham SaxonObnoxious love-rat, Chris has the foundations of his lie meticulously planned for his wife, Gemma to not suspect a thing. All he has to do now is grab a quick shower, wash the car and set off on his drive out of town to the romantic getaway location to meet his floozy. What could possibly go wrong for this arrogant city-boy as he negotiates his way through the very unfamiliar countryside and rural villages?
- DirectorMitko PanovStarsBruno GanzNatasha PetrovicPádraic DelaneyAn action drama about an enthusiastic junior officer from the Hague War Tribunal in pursuit of justice.
- DirectorStefen HarrisStarsMark HadlowJed BrophyOlivia HadlowHorace Jones is flat broke and working a dead boring night-shift. When half a million dollars of stolen drug money drops miraculously into his hands he makes a snap decision that will change everything.
- DirectorJeremy DylanStarsTommy EmmanuelFrom the Australian outback to Music City USA, a child guitar prodigy dedicates his life to become the world's greatest acoustic guitarist, even as revelations of dark family secrets send him into a battle with addiction that threatens to destroy his career, his family and his life.
- DirectorNick GraalmanA young couple decided to find out how (or even if) they could drastically reduce their carbon footprint for one year.
- DirectorRupam SarmahStarsTamela D'AmicoSiedah GarrettJonathan StoddardAn American neurologist (Tamela D'Amico) uproots her life to study music therapy in India and ends up helping people with disabilities by bringing them together through music.
- DirectorJesse HaajaStarsKristofer GummerusRami RusinenRenne KorppilaA Finnish superhero, a masked vigilante Rendel seeks for revenge and fights against VALA, the huge criminal organization.
- DirectorEw HelmickStarsHunter JamesTakoda ShaneEw HelmickA 2400 km journey of hope down Australia's longest river.
- DirectorJeremy LavalStarsGuillaume DuhesmeBérangère Mc NeeseChristophe PerezA man deafened by an accident begins to hear the thoughts of other people and uses the ability to investigate the disappearance of a missing girl.
- DirectorMarilyn EdmondStarsKevin GuthrieSiobhan ReillyStephen McColeIn a small town in Scotland, a young man must overcome his depression and the voice that haunts him daily. From a cliff top, a man in a hoody leaps to his death.
- DirectorJonathan ZuckStarsDave CoyneNick DePintoNadia MohebbanHarvey has led a cautious and conscientious life until he gets fired and finds out he has one month to live. Throwing caution to the wind, he meets Luke at a bar and confesses he's never broken any rules. Luke responds "Do you want to?," and so the quest begins. Along the way, they accidentally kidnap a woman who joins them on their adventure, but she might prove to be more trouble than they are looking for. "Meant to be Broken" is a crazy journey of law breaking and discovery that culminates in Miami where competing forces catch up to the unlikely trio.
- DirectorJustinas KrisiunasStarsAndrius AlesiunasMantas BendziusDeividas Breive"I don't want to stay alive; I want to live..."
- DirectorClare McCannStarsClare McCannRyan BownShalane ConnorsDity has just found out she is pregnant but to a past abusive lover. Will is only 15 years old but is learning to break into homes. Ray struggles to overcome his violent past to become a father. Each must fight to just survive somehow.
- DirectorJoe Murphy-RoeStarsSimon EckertMartin HamannWill Hearle
- DirectorSangeetha GowdaStarsKyffin BrownGeoff CordnerJohanna Goldshmid"Lost Focus" follows Samuel, an aspiring adolescent filmmaker, as he is faced with the trauma of potentially losing his Grandfather whom he is very close to. As his Grandfather's condition worsens, Sam too struggles further with intense depression, as he faces a strained relationship with his strict father and bullying along the way.
- DirectorWilson HuangStarsThor CarlssonCris CochraneNathaniel KellyA former Underworld Enforcer must decide between a path of redemption or an act of vengeance when his partner is brutally murdered by a crime syndicate.
- DirectorEmily O'BrienStarsRyan ClelandBettie Belle KayTristan McKinnonBased around a primary school talent show - ALISTAIR, an introverted 10 year old is thrown into the world of magic when he comes across a leather bound magician's book by MAGIC ETOLIES' - one of the most famous magicians to have practiced. Alistair meets MARGARET, an outspoken witty 10 year old with the confidence of an 85 year old man - who helps him on his endeavour.
- DirectorJames Florian QuinnStarsDajana RajicIeva AgnosticKrist MortA witch fulfills a blood ritual in the woods to revive her daughter. Presented in 70mm and IMAX, Daughter of Dismay is a meditative mood piece depicting the simple moment of an occult ritual in an immersive format, aiming to utilize the 70mm/IMAX format to convey a quiet atmosphere of dread.
- DirectorVanessa BaileyStarsDaniel Quincy AnnohVanessa BaileyMatthew JureTwo strangers find themselves forced into a tense and painful conversation at an isolated bus stop.
- DirectorMirko GrilliniStarsKaushik DasPaul BishopAmanda GrilliniAn Indigenous Australian man finds a connection with his past in a chance encounter with a foreigner who has nothing to lose.
- DirectorAdrian PowersStarsJames SaundersTiarnie CouplandJames ShepherdIn a ravaged and lawless future-Australia, an isolated hermit is forced to offer sanctuary to a young girl, as she tries to escape a pair of murderous scavengers.
- DirectorArtem MakarevichStarsVilen BabichevYuriy KasmyninStanislav KisilevskiyThe young guy is going to the most important meeting in his life. To arrive at this meeting, he must get to the future, rise to the sky, break through all his fears, try to defeat them, and most importantly - find the inner strength to change.
- DirectorThibault UptonStarsCate BlanchettStuart Iredale was born with Fragile X during the 1950s; a time when the disability was little know. At 60 years old Stuart was correctly diagnosed.
- DirectorNathan ColquhounStarsJacqui BuchananJoe DavidsonA 1700's British sailor washes up on a deserted island. He finds a beautiful woman on the island but doesn't know if she is real or in his head.
- DirectorSimon BarracchiniStarsPietro BongiovanniA single day has its many challenges from getting out of bed to making breakfast, but what happens when your own mind lays down its own set of challenges for you to face?
- DirectorPaul JamesStarsHeather BoltonTim CarlsenDavid MackieTrap is set in New Zealand during the 1950's and based on the story of a young girl dealing with displacement. After a trial adoption Christine finds herself struggling to adapt to her new home. The couple that adopted her also face difficulties, which are well beyond a child's ability to comprehend. All three are trapped. Christine finds solace in her own mind and the creepy crawly world under the rocks. The insect ecosphere reflects her fracturing reality and helps Christine find a way to set everyone free.
- DirectorMark Daniel CadeStarsIngrid WaltersMark Daniel CadeSandy PluteJim Franken is a single guy who doesn't want to be single. In his search for his soul mate he goes on several dates and encounters some very unexpected outcomes.
- DirectorRuby ChallengerStarsRuby ChallengerMegan DruryNobuaki ShimamotoIn a WWII internment camp in Indonesia, Jeanne and a group of Dutch women and children face a daily struggle against abuse, disease, and starvation. Meanwhile, the Camp Commandant's beloved white fluffy cat is fed fresh juicy meat....
- DirectorCarlos GrañaStarsAlice KoCeleste McMillianVincent van HinteA loner who suffocates his relationships finds the courage to break the cycle.
- DirectorOwen SmithStarsGabriel StoltzTamara McLaughlinGary Sweet
- DirectorMatthew C. VellaStarsAdrianne ArmidaShane MillwardZoe PanaretosLove is blind. Sweet, innocent, Barry is on a double date to introduce his mates to his new girlfriend, Alex. But there's one problem - she's a mentally unstable, drug-dealing, violent, con-artist scumbag - and he's blind to all of it. Now it's up to his friends Sarah and Anthony to save him on the craziest double date ever.
- DirectorMark OxtobyStarsCraig Anthony-KellyCharles DaishJoe AllenSchoolteacher Amy Parker's world is turned upside down, when she finds herself embroiled in a high-profile child trafficking ring, after an old university friend asks her on a date.
- DirectorCorey MayneStarsKelsi MayneAdrian JaworskiBex CarneyA classic, haunting ghost story based off of Stephen King's original tale.
- DirectorMax MasonStarsHamish RiddleDes CarneyBenjamin HartleyTwo soldiers on opposite sides of World War One must do all they can to survive and get back to the family they left behind. In doing so, both men must confront their own reservations about the reality of war.
- DirectorAlif SankeyStarsMargaréta SzabóSheridan SherrattDavid HeslopA woman struggles to move onward with her life, she is constantly being reminded of her past. The woman finally breaks down, surrendering to the pain she has carried over the years; releasing it all in the hopes of finding peace.
- DirectorNatalie MacMahonStarsMarian BöingGernot EdelmannInken GroßeThe Funeral Dancer tells the story of JAZZ, who works as a funeral entertainer which has become one of the best paid jobs in a world, where funerals are a status symbol and at the same time an obligation to entertain relatives, friends and work colleagues alike. Expectations are high, morals are low. While JAZZ tries to entertain the mourners, she is forced to face severe problems of her own.
- DirectorJoel Stephen FlemingStarsCandice HillCameron HurryPhil must face his biggest fear after being left alone in a grocery store during his night shift.
- DirectorAndrew Lee PottsStarsJoseph MillsonAndrew Lee PottsTwo brothers go deep into the woods to investigate strange singing in the middle of the night. Even more disturbing, the voice is a child. The truth they find will change their lives forever.
- DirectorMina ManiskaStarsSandra BassAdam HedditchCaroline McQuadeRichard wanted to have it all, but some things just aren't possible.
- DirectorJake TorchinStarsJackson SchafferCarol SuttonJosh BywaterAfter Arlo gets caught stealing second base to lose the game for his little league team, he struggles to earn the respect of his father. Seeking advice from his friend Millie, a series of fortuitous, or perhaps random events cause Arlo to rethink his values and confront his darkest demons.
- DirectorCameron RichardsStarsAnna FrielRussell ToveyDavid ElliotA young woman sits alone on a beach. As she watches for birds, she is joined by a variety of characters from her life, and so play out a series of seeming random encounters. Best friends, family and loved ones all pass through this meaningful, cinematic and profound short about the moment's that make up a person's life.
- DirectorJosiah AllenIndianna BellStarsCaithlin O'LoghlenBrendan RockA young helpline operator takes her first call.
- DirectorRicky TownsendStarsOcean JonesHarrison SearanckeRicky TownsendA dramatization of the 2010 Christchurch Earthquake; the forerunner to the 2011 Quake which shattered the Garden City and its people. Told through the eyes of teenager Faith.
- DirectorKostia LiakhovStarsBenita CollingsTony GirdlerHow much barking does it take to drive someone mad? For George, it's two days, seven hours and three minutes. If George ever wants to nap in peace, he must pick a bone with his awfully optimistic neighbour and her peppy pooch.
- DirectorDaniel KrigeStarsAnneliese AppsLarry EmdurDeborah KennedyWhen Jill and Rosie want to make their grandmother happy, they decide to give her the best gift they can find - her favourite Game Show Host.
- DirectorSteve McCartenStarsSean GilderJeanine Nerissa SothcottJake DaviesA burned out Detective exacts revenge for the murder of his eighteen year old daughter.
- DirectorAngela PezzanoStarsElisa CristalloOriana PanozzoJohn LogiaccoAfter years of living independently, a blocked toilet forces Marie to move (temporary?!?) back to her Nonna's house. Will Marie be able to reconnect with the family she's kept at arm's length or will she simply go mad at Nonna's with the 5 am wake up calls and the nightly four-hour dinners?"
- DirectorDouglas McNeilStarsMatthew SchenaSam Winspear-SchillingsSusie LuongA boy is cursed by the wicked witch who torments his local primary school, and his younger brother must risk everything to save him.
- DirectorRobert FantozziStarsMichaela PascoeMichael LoderConor WoodsThe story of 2 young dudes engaging in a conversation about their difference of opinion on how they navigate relationships and dating. It does not go well.
- DirectorThomas José FieldRob is a world-renowned chicken-breeder from Tasmania. He has travelled all over the world to exhibit his chickens - as well as his own body.
- DirectorDerek AbelStarsZahlee MooreLuke ReevesZoe and her father have lived in space all their lives. The space station they call home is about to explode. Their only chance of survival is an old escape pod but there's only room for one.
- DirectorChris ParaskevasStarsTom CoyneJohna Mae MunozChris ParaskevasActor loves Actress. Actress has boyfriend. Filmmaker is jealous.
- DirectorRicky Lewis Jr.StarsJosh BurnsJosh DanzigerElvyA famous silent movie character is stuck in an endless loop of one of his notorious scenes. His unlikely number one fan -a tablet computer- frees him from the digital realm, gifting fifteen minutes of freedom for a bite of the world's best hamburger and a chance at a love separated two screens apart.
- DirectorHendricksen Armand4 hula hoopers explain what is like to be in the State of Flow.
- DirectorSusanna van AswegenStarsOscar BaileyCate FeldmannCandice HillWith a common passion for street art, a free spirited grandmother and her grandson are forced to share their secret with his concerned single mother and prove that age has no barriers or limitations.
- DirectorFrances BaldasarroPadrick RitchStarsMalisa BeetsJoey BellVeronica BestQuirky, offbeat, and awkward Alice, attempts to get into the most prestigious dance school in the country. Overly optimistic, she is determined to share her unique gifts with the world.
- DirectorShannon KohliStarsJ. Alex BrinsonMomona KomagataNikki WallinA post apocalyptic couple survive another day in the wasteland of Screechers, until the unexpected happens.
- DirectorCyrus NeshvadStarsAlbert DelpyHervé SogneLysa WelschenA grandfather kindles a relationship with his dying granddaughter through art.
- DirectorFrancisco MoraisMiguel PintoStarsFrancisco MoraisInês MingoteIsabel VarelaA young adult lives in an abandoned world. His dreams and memories are his escape from reality. After some strange events, he begins a journey looking for answers.
- DirectorBen AlpiStarsGigi EdgleyErryn ArkinJuliet LandauIn a future where social media dominates every moment of our lives, "X" has attained unprecedented celebrity but obscurity is just a click away.
- DirectorJames CaddenStarsMurray FarnellMelissa KwasekMark and Jenny agree to take part in a mysterious experiment for money.
- DirectorAndrew McMartinStarsJade Alexcein FudaAmrik TumberCraig WalkerWhen Wendy finally has a chance to go on a romantic date with an amazing guy, will the perfect night leave a lasting memory or will a unforeseeable mistake ruin this dream before it has even began ?
- DirectorThiago DadaltStarsRobert SolomonPiercey DaltonJeff MarchellettaWhen a nonverbal autistic teen's family is falling apart, he must find his voice to keep them together.
- DirectorClare PickeringStarsClare PickeringMichael ShanahanKirsten SnowdenIn matters of sibling rivalry, the best revenge is to pay it forward.
- DirectorTian GuanIn order to avoid being bullied by two hooligans, Xiao Bin, the 13-year-old son of immigrants, attempts to join a teenage street gang.
- DirectorPenelope BerkemeierStarsTerrence AntoniakMichela CarattiniTom DalzellWhen Abby breaks up with Ben, he posts an angry diatribe online, resulting in her becoming the target of escalating attacks, on and offline.
- DirectorDarby DeckStarsJake SpeerMyles PollardMaggie DenceAfter his father commits suicide, Matthew has to take on a faltering sheep station, as well as provide for his brother and grandmother. Set against the backdrop of the harsh and unforgiving Australian bush, he must protect his family and his most precious resource from a new and unexpected threat.
- DirectorJonathan MayStarsIngo HansenSearching for answers and at a crossroads in his life, Ingo returns to the opal mining town where he grew up. He seeks comfort in reminiscing on the good times in Andamooka, but realises that the town he once loved now parallels his own impermanence. Both the landscape and the future he faces are unforgiving.
- DirectorAli VaziriStarsBaha JamaliA young man arrives in a new country as a refugee to start a new life but, soon he realizes that his situation is not going as he expected.
- DirectorCharles Le PatourelStarsKarina BannoCharles Le PatourelAs the sun rises on this land a darkness festers in The Man's mind but with the impending arrival of The Guest preparations must be made about the farm.
- DirectorJames HunterStarsOliver AcklandNigel AgyekumheneGreg FleetAn obsessive loner from a private detective agency is robbed of his laptop and goes after it in a desperate attempt to regain control of his personal life.
- DirectorDylan Ferenc NyergesStarsCharlie DunnRachel ForsythWill BergmanThe story of a young boy with Tourette's Syndrome who seeks to join a church choir.
- DirectorJason TrembathStarsJeremy Lindsay TaylorMatthew Pearce
- DirectorRobert Anthony PetersStarsUnknown Tank ManAriel ZhangKaren HuieThe story of the unknown man who defined resistance to tyranny for a generation.
- DirectorSilver KimStarsArlene CardenasAshley EvansTip EvansMarriage gets complicated when your husband decides to kidnap you.
- DirectorEero HeinonenStarsAdrian LeeMathias OlofssonRex PalazziBased on true events of Ensio Tiira: Two men flee French Foreign Legion by jumping ship in Strait of Malacca. Escape will stretch limits of human survival when sea current sweeps them to open ocean.
- DirectorDavid GidaliEinat TubiStarsTurhan Troy CaylakMegan GrayNoelle UrbanoA guy convinces his wife to try out a new A.I. technology to spice up their sex life, but he ends up getting a bit more spice than he bargained for.
- DirectorOlivier BonenfantStarsDaniel HurkenesisBernard PeasleyAn Aussie is walking in the bush with an enthusiastic tourist. The tourist is thrilled but also scared of seeing dangerous Aussie animals in the wild of Victoria. The Aussie doesn't think anything is dangerous. We'll see who's right.
- DirectorJosh BrineStarsTyler NordbyEric NordbyAlison KnoxWhen infuriated by his mindless-desk-job and likewise co-workers, Charlie sets out to quit, only to be put off by a beautiful co-worker who just started, whom he may be in love with.
- DirectorSerkan ÖztürkStarsTanja de Wendt
- DirectorDuncan PeakeStarsMacauley FrankeDanxia YangA successful yet unfaithful playwright gets what he deserves after his wife discovers his recent affair.
- DirectorJake MannixStarsDean ReidChristopher SommersBella RoseIn the middle of a father-daughter lunch at their local cafe, Ben continues to shelter nine-year-old Kayla from everyday dangers, only to have her secretly taken hostage by an unwelcoming stranger.
- DirectorAlexander NaughtonStarsAgnès MohanKenneth RadleyA young, colourful, highly intelligent girl with an archaic mind has been raised by overzealous helicopter parents who do everything in their power to keep her busy, hidden away and safe. She wants her freedom, but she is systematically ingrained by the rules they have created. She can only find ways to combat her repressive parents through her own rebellious thoughts. Upon witnessing something sinister, a dark reality comes crashing through the protective layers her family has devised for her. She is challenged to fend for herself. The tightly wound rules must be challenged and the conventions by which she abides are shaken once and for all. A new echelon of liberty is uncovered. Humdingers is a big fuck you to toxic masculinity and male entitlement.
- DirectorScott JohnstonStarsCorey DohmenMark AndersonJay Bhosle
- DirectorJoseph HardingStarsDane McDowellJames MooreSamantha ZinnerWill had it all. Money, power, and the girl of his dreams. However, a deal with the devil can only take you so far.