Based on the true story of Australian war correspondent Peter Greste’s imprisonment in Egypt in 2013, The Correspondent is a gripping biographical thriller, a story about the brutal war on truth. Join special guests at the AFF 2024 Opening Night Gala to mark the world premiere.
Guests at AFF 2024
Guest in Attendance
The Correspondent
Opening Night Gala
Based on the true story of Australian war correspondent Peter Greste’s imprisonment in Egypt in 2013, The Correspondent is a gripping biographical thriller, a story about the brutal war on truth. Join special guests at the AFF 2024 Opening Night Gala to mark the world premiere.
With or Without You
With or Without You tells the moving mother-daughter story of Chloe (Melina Vidler) and her free-spirited, alcoholic mother, Sharon (Marta Dusseldorp). When their lives intersect with Dalu (Albert Mwangi), a West African man, they find themselves on a journey of emotional discovery.
Kangaroo Island
Closing Night Gala
A struggling Hollywood actress returns home to beautiful Kangaroo Island where she confronts some ugly family truths.
Went Up the Hill
Jack travels to remote New Zealand to attend the funeral of his estranged mother, where he meets her grieving widow, Jill. But his mother’s spirit returns, inhabiting both Jack and Jill - instigating a life-threatening three-way nocturnal dance.
Pavements
A genre-defying examination of the iconic 1990s indie band Pavement that only adds to their mythos. Alex Ross Perry both mocks and idealises the music documentary/biopic, staying true to a band that made a name out of mockery.
In the Belly of a Tiger
An elderly farmer and his family return home to their village after trying to make money in the city, only to find it destitute and ruled by exploitative employers and a hungry tiger. Both the greedy employers and the tiger are protected by the government, but only the death at the hands of one will provide compensation.
Crocodile Tears
Johan lives on a run-down crocodile farm in West Java with his Mama. When he falls for a girl and starts spending more time in the outside world, Mama spirals out of control. Is she prioritising her son’s best interests, or just mimicking the insincere tears of the creatures she shares such a strong bond with?
We Bury the Dead
Writer/director Zak Hilditch delivers a chilling, survival thriller that breathes new life into the apocalyptic zombie genre. Starring Daisy Ridley, (Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens), Brenton Thwaites and Mark Coles Smith, We Bury The Dead delivers unexpected twists that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
One Mind, One Heart
When a historic Yirrkala bark petition is found in Derby, Western Australia, the community begin the ceremony of guiding its journey back to Yolngu Country. The repatriation provides the opportunity to track the long political campaign — through petition, song, dance, campaigning — to keep culture strong and to have a voice for country.
The Order
Australian director Justin Kurzel points his chilling storytelling lens to domestic terrorism in the US in his latest film featuring Jude Law and Nicholas Holt.
The Pool
The Pool, directed by Ian Darling, explores the world’s most photographed pool, Bondi Icebergs. This film beautifully captures the lives of those who gather there, revealing how this iconic space fosters a deep sense of community, connection, and belonging. A visually stunning tribute to the power of shared experiences.
Lesbian Space Princess
Introverted space princess Saira is unexpectedly dumped by her girlfriend Kiki for being too needy. But when Kiki is kidnapped by the Straight White Maliens, they demand the one thing Saira doesn’t have: the most powerful weapon known to lesbian kind – her royal labrys.
Make It Look Real
A pioneering intimacy coordinator is hired to guide three actors through the process of simulating sex for a new Australian film, Tightrope.
Aquarius
Aquarius is a captivating documentary by Wendy Champagne, delving into the 1973 Nimbin Aquarius Festival. Through rare archival footage and compelling interviews, it showcases how this extraordinary event transformed a community and sparked enduring activism in Australia. A must-see for history and counterculture enthusiasts.
Songs Inside
A group of incarcerated women sign up to learn an instrument and write their own songs, as part of a unique music program in an Australian prison. The process opens deep scars around trauma and addiction, but can they prove that music has the universal power to heal, even in the complex world of prison? Join Nancy Bates, members of the Songbirds and ASO for a special performance accompanying the world premiere.
Every Little Thing
Every Little Thing follows retired writer and teacher Terry Masear over a summer as she takes in and rehabilitates injured hummingbirds. Shot with stunning close-ups of the birds against the backdrop of Masear’s storied life, this film is a mediation on human-animal relationships and our capacity for care.
Don Dunstan Award Talk: Don McAlpine
Screen Conversation
This year’s Don Dunstan Award recipient, Academy Award winning cinematographer Don McAlpine will be in conversation with AFF Patron, Sophie Hyde at Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas.
Archie Moore in Conversation
Screen Conversation
Join us for a conversation about film with Archie Moore, the 2024 Art and Moving Image feature artist and Golden Lion winner at the Venice Biennale, and AFF CEO and Creative Director Mat Kesting.