Your guide to 7 must-see films at SXSW Sydney's Screen Festival
From left: Julia Garner and Jessica Henwick battle more than Australia’s heat in Kitty Green’s The Royal Hotel
South by Southwest is a one-of-a-kind event that has been bringing together the worlds of technology, film, and music in a way no other conference does since its inception in 1987. It’s an immersive experience, showcasing the cutting-edge ideas, trends, and talent that are shaping our future. This year the cultural phenomenon ventures outside of its Austin, Texas home for the first time to Sydney, Australia. From October 15-21, attendees Down Under can experience thought-provoking keynote speakers, watch captivating film screenings and bust a move to electrifying music performances in and around the Sydney CBD.
With so much to see and do in one jam-packed week, Popcorn Podcast has selected seven unmissable films that should be at the top of your Screen Festival to-watch list — one for every day of SXSW Sydney.
The Royal Hotel: Outback thriller meets girl power
Embark on a nail-biting adventure as US backpackers Hanna (Julia Garner) and Liv (Jessica Henwick) take on jobs at The Royal Hotel, a remote Outback pub. Far from the idyllic Aussie holiday the friends envisioned, relentless heat, booze culture, and a lack of wi-fi confront the pair. However, the real danger emerges from the town’s primarily male residents. Co-writer and director Kitty Green’s film offers a fresh and unsettling take on the “Aussie Outback thriller” through a female gaze. Skillfully tackling the genre’s toxic and cultural nuances in a sophisticated yet entertaining manner, The Royal Hotel is the perfect opener for the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival. Kitty Green’s fearless and thought-provoking vision makes it a must-watch.
The original Wiggles line-up (from left) Murray Cook, Anthony Field, Jeff Fatt and Greg Page attend the 2002 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade alongside Captain Feathersword (Paul Paddick)
Hot Potato: The definitive Wiggles biopic
Dive into the extraordinary story of The Wiggles, a quartet that transformed the music scene with a chance children’s album in the ‘90s. Clad in iconic skivvies, Anthony, Murray, Greg, and Jeff blend early childhood education with self-belief, defying industry rejections to become the most successful children’s act globally. Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles unveils the backstage magic, offering a glimpse into their unparalleled entertainment legacy through personal archives and exclusive access to their sold-out performances. Experience a tale of music, camaraderie, and the timeless joy within all of us.
ONEFOUR: Resilient rappers beat the odds
Gabriel Gasparinatos’ documentary ONEFOUR: Against All Odds explores the journey of Sydney-based Pacific Islander youths who turned to drill rap as an escape from a potential life of crime. Witness their meteoric rise abruptly halted by a police task force during a sold-out national tour, citing concerns of potential violence sparked by their music. SXSW Sydney marks the world premiere of this compelling documentary exploring resilience, creativity, and the challenges faced by these young artists.
Barry Keoghan in Saltburn
Saltburn: Emerald Fennell’s searing follow-up
Academy Award-winner Emerald Fennell’s (Promising Young Woman) sophomore offering follows Oxford student Oliver Quick, portrayed by the talented Barry Keoghan (The Banshees of Inisherin, Eternals), as he navigates the realms of privilege and desire with the charismatic Felix Catton, played by Jacob Elordi (Priscilla). Oliver embarks on a mesmerising journey to the eccentric Saltburn estate, where a summer unfolds with unforgettable twists. Get ready for a beautifully wicked narrative that explores the complexities of privilege in a compelling and unforgettable way.
Listen to Popcorn Podcast’s Promising Young Woman movie review
Uproar: Culture clash
A heartwarming time-jump to 1981 Dunedin, New Zealand, follows the inspiring story of 17-year-old Josh Waaka (Julian Dennison), as he navigates a country divided by rugby and protests. Faced with the pressure to conform from both home and school, Josh discovers his voice through newfound passions and the nationwide uproar against the South African Springboks team. In a tale of connection and self-discovery, Josh’s remarkable transformation sees him embrace his Maori heritage, finding a place where he truly belongs. Uproar is not just a film; it's a moving experience that will tug at the heartstrings, while leaving viewers inspired by the power of community and the journey towards healing.
Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus: Moving Musical Journey
Nothing can compare you for the intimate and profoundly moving journey that is Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus. In the twilight of his extraordinary life, the legendary Sakamoto faced the challenge of cancer, rendering live performances impossible. However, in a poignant gesture, he summoned his remaining strength to gift the world one last, soul-stirring performance captured in a concert film. Curated by Sakamoto himself and presented in his chosen order, this cinematic masterpiece features the maestro and his piano, weaving together a narrative of his life through 20 carefully selected pieces. From the iconic Yellow Magic Orchestra era to the breathtaking Bertolucci film scores and the meditative reflections of his final album, 12, Sakamoto's musical legacy unfolds in this timeless tribute. Opus transcends the boundaries of a typical concert film, serving as an elegy, tribute, and meticulous portrait — an unprecedented and intimate exploration of a musical genius bidding farewell to the stage.
Concrete Utopia: Post-Apocalyptic Preview?
Prepare for a cinematic experience like no other with Concrete Utopia, South Korea's submission for the 2023 Academy Awards. In a post-apocalyptic world reduced to rubble by a catastrophic earthquake, the last standing monument of hope is the Hwang Gung Apartments in the heart of Seoul. As survivors seek refuge in this final bastion, tensions rise among the original residents who grapple with an influx of outsiders. Feeling threatened, they resort to extraordinary measures in a desperate bid for survival. Director Um Tae-hwa, known for INGtoogi: The Battle of Internet Trolls, takes the blockbuster genre to new heights, reinventing it for our tumultuous times.
