Sydney film festival unveils 248 movies from 81 countries

The Sydney Film Festival is just around the corner, promising an exciting showcase of cinematic talent from around the globe. This year's program features an impressive 248 films from 81 countries, offering something for every taste and preference. Here are nine highlights to keep an eye on.

The death of robin hood

In a dark take on the classic tale, Hugh Jackman stars as the infamous outlaw Robin Hood in Michael Sarnoski's new film. The A24 production is billed with provocative taglines, hinting at a revisionist approach to the legend.

The arab director

Malek Bensmaïl adapts Albert Camus' novel The Meursault Investigation, giving voice and identity to the Arab victim in Camus' iconic work, The Stranger.

Teenage sex and death at camp miasma

This campy, bloody psychosexual horror film follows a filmmaker who uncovers a dark world of desire and fear while researching a long-dormant slasher franchise.

Leviticus

In Adrian Chiarella's debut feature, two teenage boys in a conservative Christian community are forced into gay conversion practices, unleashing a sinister force.

Saccharine

This body horror film explores toxic beauty standards and self-destruction through the story of Hana, a young woman addicted to a weight loss drug, haunted by a ghost that grows as her body shrinks.

Other standout titles include In Conversation with Peter Weir, The Kidnapping of Arabella, The Invite, Ripples in the Mist, Árru, and more. The festival runs from June 3 to 14. For the full program, visit their website.