Sydney is a dream city for movie lovers, and if you enjoy catching films on the big screen, there’s no shortage of incredible film festivals to add to your calendar. Whether you’re into international cinema, indie gems, or thought-provoking documentaries, Sydney has a festival for every taste. From the glitz and glamour of the Sydney Film Festival to the charm of French and Italian film showcases, here are some of the best film festivals in Sydney you won’t want to miss.
Alliance Française French Film Festival
When: 4 March – 9 April 2025
Where: Palace Cinemas, The Chauvel Cinema, and other select venues
Website: affrenchfilmfestival.org/sydney
For lovers of French cinema, the Alliance Française French Film Festival is a must-attend. This festival, held annually and supported by the French Embassy in Australia, and partners including Palace Cinemas, showcases the very best of French films—think romance, drama, comedy, and even some wonderfully weird arthouse flicks.
This year’s films includes The Count of Monte Cristo (where it sold over 10 million tickets in France), Beating Hearts, and Monsieur Aznavour.
What makes this festival special is that it’s curated with a French touch—expect elegant opening nights, champagne toasts, and stylish cinephiles flocking to catch the latest gems from France. Whether you’re a fan of classic French storytelling or keen to explore cutting-edge cinema, this festival delivers. Oh, and yes, everything comes with English subtitles, so no need to worry if your high school French is a little rusty!
Sydney Film Festival
When: 4-15 June 2025
Where: Various cinemas across Sydney, including the State Theatre
Website: sff.org.au
The Sydney Film Festival (SFF) is the crown jewel of Sydney’s cinematic calendar. Running for over 70 years, this festival brings an exciting mix of international and Australian films, from big-name premieres to indie darlings. The screenings take place all over the city, but the grandest experience is at the State Theatre, a heritage-listed venue that oozes old-school glamour.
Beyond just selecting from over 200 films, SFF is an experience. You can attend Q&A sessions with filmmakers, panel discussions, and even special gala nights. Whether you’re into thought-provoking documentaries, edgy arthouse films, or star-studded dramas, there’s something in the lineup for you. If you’re serious about cinema, getting a Flexipass (which lets you book multiple screenings at a discount) is a must.
St. Ali Italian Film Festival
When: September – October 2025
Where: Palace Cinemas
Website: italianfilmfestival.com.au
The St. Ali Italian Film Festival is where Sydney’s love for cinema meets its love for Italian culture. Held at Palace Cinemas, this festival is all about celebrating the very best of contemporary and classic Italian cinema. From heartwarming comedies to gripping dramas and visually stunning period pieces, Italian films have a unique charm, and this festival is the perfect way to experience them.
A highlight of this festival is its carefully curated program, often featuring the latest award-winning films from the Venice Film Festival. Plus, the opening and closing nights are usually buzzing with a true la dolce vita vibe—think Italian wine, delicious canapés, and a room full of film lovers soaking up the beauty of Italian storytelling.
Korean Film Festival in Australia (KOFFIA)
When: August 2025
Where: Event Cinemas, George St, Sydney
Website: koffia.com.au
Korean cinema has been gaining international recognition in recent years (thanks to films like Parasite), and Sydney’s Korean Film Festival in Australia (KOFFIA) is a fantastic way to explore it further. Held in August, the festival showcases everything from blockbuster K-dramas to indie gems and gripping thrillers.
Whether you’re a longtime K-movie fan or just getting into the genre, KOFFIA is a great way to experience the best of Korean storytelling on the big screen.
Sydney Underground Film Festival
When: September 2025
Where: Dendy Newtown
Website: suff.com.au
If you’re looking for something a little different, the Sydney Underground Film Festival (SUFF) is where things get weird (in the best way possible). This indie festival, held in September, focuses on independent, experimental, underground, and avant-garde films that push boundaries and challenge traditional storytelling.
From bizarre horror films to mind-bending documentaries, SUFF is a celebration of all things unconventional. It’s a great place to discover emerging filmmakers, see movies you won’t find anywhere else, and embrace the stranger side of cinema.
Japanese Film Festival
When: October 2025
Where: The Palace Cinemas and other venues
Website: japanesefilmfestival.net
Sydney’s Japanese Film Festival (JFF) is a must-see for fans of Japanese cinema. Held in November, the festival showcases everything from anime and samurai epics to contemporary indie films and critically acclaimed dramas.
Organized by The Japan Foundation, JFF brings the best of Japan’s film industry to Sydney, offering a rare chance to see movies that might never get an Australian theatrical release. Whether you’re into Studio Ghibli-style animation or gripping thrillers, this festival has something for everyone.
Queer Screen’s Mardi Gras Film Festival
When: 13 – 27 February 2025
Where: Event Cinemas, George St, Sydney, Dendy Newtown and other venues, and online
Website: queerscreen.org.au
Held every February as part of Sydney’s Mardi Gras celebrations, Queer Screen’s Mardi Gras Film Festival is one of the largest LGBTQ+ film festivals in the world. Featuring a mix of documentaries, dramas, and comedies, this festival showcases diverse voices and stories from the queer community.
This year’s films include The Paradise of Thorns, Sebastian as well as a panel on the topic of Intersectional Genre Filmmaking on a Microbudget moderated by Chair of the Gender Matters Taskforce Rosie Lourde, featuring filmmakers Kaye Adelaide (The Rebrand) and Lauren Neal (Under the Influencer).
With screenings across the city, including at the iconic Ritz Cinema in Randwick and Event Cinemas George Street, it’s a fantastic way to celebrate LGBTQ+ storytelling while supporting inclusivity in the film industry.
Flickerfest
When: 17 – 26 January 2025
Where: Bondi Pavilion
Website: flickerfest.com.au
For those who love short films, Flickerfest is the ultimate festival. Taking place at Bondi Pavilion in January, it’s Australia’s leading short film festival. It’s also Australia’s only Academy Award® & BAFTA Qualifying short film festival.
The festival highlights the best in Australian and international short filmmaking, with categories covering drama, comedy, animation, and documentary. If you want to discover fresh talent and see some incredible storytelling packed into just a few minutes, Flickerfest is the place to be.
Experience the Best of Cinema in Sydney
Sydney’s film festival scene is diverse, exciting, and packed with must-see events. Whether you’re into international cinema, indie films, or genre-specific festivals, there’s always something playing in the Harbour City. So mark your calendars, grab your tickets, and get ready to experience the magic of film in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
