Press release from Sydney Film Festival
The 59th Sydney Film Festival has begun!
The 59th Sydney Film Festival opened tonight with the Red Carpet World Premiere of Australian romantic comedy Not Suitable For Children at the State Theatre.
The red carpet glittered with actors and filmmakers including the stars of the evening, Sarah Snook and Ryan Corr, whose performances in Not Suitable for Children received rapturous applause. The director Peter Templeman, producer Jodi Matterson and screenwriter Michael Lucas also attended.
Other red carpet luminaries included: the young German actress Saskia Rosendahl, who stars in Cate Shortland’s Lore (receiving its Australian Premiere at SFF on Saturday 9 June); Australian actor Ewan Leslie who stars in Tony Krawitz’s Dead Europe (receiving its Australian Premiere at SFF on Thursday 14 June); iconic Bryan Brown with his daughter Matilda; and actors Zoe Ventoura (Packed to the Rafters); Nathaniel Buzolic (The Vampire Diaries); Damian Walsh-Howling, Rob Mills, Matt Day; and international model Cheyenne Tozzi.
“Tonight was a fantastic start to the Festival,” said SFF Festival Director Nashen Moodley in his first year as Festival Director.
Upcoming highlights of SFF 2012 include: Billy Connolly introducing the Australian premiere of Disney•Pixar’s Brave on Monday 11 June at 6.30pm at Event Cinemas George Street; Deborah Mailman and Jimi Bani presenting the World Premiere of Mabo on Thursday 7 June at 8.35pm, at the State Theatre; and US director Colin Trevorrow presenting SFF’s Closing Night Film, the Australian Premiere of sci-fi comedy Safety Not Guaranteed at the State Theatre on Sunday 17 June at 8pm.
For another 11 nights, the 59th Sydney Film Festival will roll out the red carpet and present 157 films across 8 venues. This year’s program features 17 world premieres (9 features, 8 shorts) and 112 Australian premieres from 51 countries in 51 languages.
SFF screens in eight venues across the city including the State Theatre, Event Cinemas George Street, Dendy Opera Quays, Art Gallery of NSW, Apple Store, Grasshopper Lounge and SFFTV@Martin Place. Also new this year is Sydney Film Festival Hub @ Lower Town Hall, a few minutes’ walk from the Festival's major venues. The Festival Hub will feature FREE exhibitions, talks, panels, parties, live music, performances, DJs and screenings in the Mitsubishi Theatrette throughout the Festival.