The 72nd Sydney Film Festival program was officially launched this week by Festival Director Nashen Moodley, unveiling an exceptional line-up, including 15 films direct from the Cannes Film Festival, including Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just an Accident and Kelly Reichardt’s 1970s-set art heist drama The Mastermind.
Other highlights include The Life of Chuck starring Tom Hiddleston; debut Australian director Amy Wang’s SXSW-winning satire Slanted; Sundance comedy hit Twinless; the sweeping queer romance On Swift Horses with Daisy Edgar-Jones and Jacob Elordi; and Dreams (Sex Love), winner of the Berlinale Golden Bear.
“The 2025 Festival offers a bold and expansive view of cinema today, with films that confront the urgent realities of our world, while also revelling in the power of imagination and storytelling,” said Moodley.
“From astonishing Australian debuts to daring new works by global auteurs, this year’s program is a celebration of creative risk, personal vision and artistic resilience.
"We invite audiences to explore this thrilling line-up, connect with filmmakers from around the world, and share in the transformative joy of cinema.”
Minister for the Arts John Graham said: “The Sydney Film Festival is the highlight of the year for NSW film fans and is part of an amazing lineup of cultural events that kick off as the cooler weather kicks in.
"As this lineup confirms, you will always see the best films in the world at the Sydney Film Festival. You won’t find this carefully curated collection of films from your couch, so I implore you to get down the festival and join the experience.”
In 2025, the festival will present 201 films from 70 countries including 17 world premieres, six international premieres and 137 Australian premieres, bringing together hundreds of new international and local stories, with more to be announced.
This year also sees the addition of the iconic Sydney Opera House as a screening venue, joining the State Theatre and cinemas across the city – allowing Festival goers to experience some of the world’s best cinema in one of Sydney’s most celebrated cultural landmarks.
Opening night
The 72nd Sydney Film Festival will open on with the Australian premiere of Together, written and directed by Australian filmmaker Michael Shanks and starring Alison Brie and Dave Franco.
The breakout hit of Sundance, Together is a bold new Australian feature that blends domestic drama with a devilishly supernatural twist, offering an off-the-wall and twisted take on codependency.
Writer and director Michael Shanks will attend opening night to present the film.
The full Sydney Film Festival 2025 program can be found online here.
Sydney Film Festival runs from 4-15 June 2025. Tickets and Flexipasses to Sydney Film Festival 2025 are on sale now.
The Festival is supported by the NSW Government through Screen NSW and Destination NSW, the Australian Government through Screen Australia and the City of Sydney.
