good.film
9 months ago
The 71st Sydney Film Festival runs from 5–16 June, 2024
Further info at sff.org.au
Directed by Daniel Fenech
Impact Focus: Sports & Recreation, Disability & Divergence
What’s the story? THE BLIND SEA follows Matt Formston, 4 x World Champion and one of the greatest blind surfers of all time, as he attempts to break one of the most dangerous records in world surfing, tackling the fearsome 50 foot waves of Nazaré, Portugal.
Why we’re supporting THE BLIND SEA: Thought provoking and uplifting, THE BLIND SEA reveals Matt’s private determination that’s enabled him to succeed at the highest levels, both in and out of the water. In doing so, the film highlights that disability is no barrier to greatness. It also advocates for meaningful change on the real obstacles that hold people back - access, inclusion and prejudice.
When is THE BLIND SEA screening at SFF?
Note: Assistive hearing, audio description, closed captions and wheelchair accessibility available at both screenings.
PASSIONATE ABOUT REMOVING OBSTACLES FOR THOSE WHO DARE?
Directed by Madeleine Hetherton-Miau
Impact Focus: Female Empowerment, Arts & Culture
What’s the story? Wolfgang Mozart is one of the most globally recognised composers of all time - but were his works composed by him alone? This stunning new documentary explores the theory that Mozart’s talented older sister, Maria-Anna, may have secretly helped to compose some of her brother’s most famous masterpieces. In doing so, it exposes parallels with the experiences of women in music today.
Why we’re supporting MOZART’S SISTER: Even though it's over 200 years since Maria-Anna was forced to retire because she was a woman, almost nine out of ten pieces scheduled and performed by orchestras worldwide are still written by men. Of the 20,400 compositions performed in the 2021–2022 season, only 7.7% were written by women. By interrogating the long-standing myth that ‘women don’t compose music’, MOZART'S SISTER does more than uncover a daring talent from the past - it advocates for a new generation of women and diverse composers in classical music.
When is MOZART'S SISTER screening at SFF?
Note: Assistive hearing and wheelchair accessibility available at both screenings.
PASSIONATE ABOUT HEARING FROM MORE DIVERSE COMPOSERS?
Directed by Rhys Graham
Impact Focus: Disability & Divergence, Arts & Culture
What’s the story? A provocative and playful dance documentary, REWARDS FOR THE TRIBE traces a remarkable collaboration between two Australian dance companies: Chunky Move and Restless Dance Theatre, whose troupe consists of performers both with and without disabilities. They say dance like no-one’s watching, but this is a film everyone should see.
Why we’re supporting REWARDS FOR THE TRIBE: Packed with intimate reflections from the artists, REWARDS takes us behind the scenes of an award-winning contemporary dance performance. Both the dance and the film invite us to challenge our notions of ‘perfection’, and to see the beauty in our differences. It’s a powerful message, especially in the context of disability rights.
When is REWARDS FOR THE TRIBE screening at SFF?
Note: Assistive hearing, open captions and wheelchair accessibility available at both screenings.
PASSIONATE ABOUT ACCESS AND INCLUSION IN THE ARTS?
So there’s your glimpse of the films that we’re proud to support at this year’s Sydney Film Fest! These three empowering stories couldn’t be more different, but there’s one thing they definitely share - seeing them on the big screen offers an immersive and communal experience that will bring their emotional impact to life.
After each premiere, we’ll be kicking off conversations, screenings and action around the country - so make sure you sign up to each campaign for updates from the filmmakers, and to learn how you can be part of the story.
We can’t wait to share each film with you (and share a thought-provoking chat after the credits roll, too). We’ll see you at the festival!