All the Thrills and Chills: Smile 2 Australian Premiere Takes Over SXSW Sydney

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 16: Australian Premiere at SXSW Sydney of “Smile 2” at IMAX Darling Harbour on October 16, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Don Arnold/Getty Images for Paramount)

Last week, Sydney’s Darling Harbour Theatre was the place to be as the Australian premiere of Smile 2 took over SXSW Sydney—and yes, it was just as epic as you’d expect!

1. Parker Finn Hit the Purple Carpet!

First things first—Parker Finn, the brilliant writer, director, and producer behind the much-anticipated sequel, Smile 2, made a grand entrance at the premiere. Fans went wild as he walked the purple carpet, and TBH, we’re all here for it. This guy knows how to bring the thrills!

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 16: Parker Finn attends the Australian Premiere at SXSW Sydney of “Smile 2” at IMAX Darling Harbour on October 16, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Don Arnold/Getty Images for Paramount)

2. A Guest List Full of Celebs

The guest list? Star-studded. We’re talking Ash Hodgkinson, Bronte Reynolds, Dani Dacic, Deauvanne Athanasakis, Jamie Azzopardi, Sophie Love, Tayla He, Warren Pasi, Wesley Cortes, Tim Robards, and Yannick Samarasinghe, among others—all walking the carpet like the absolute icons they are. The glam was off the charts, and it was the ultimate mix of style, suspense, and serious star power.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 16: Yannick Samarasinghe attends the Australian Premiere at SXSW Sydney of “Smile 2” at IMAX Darling Harbour on October 16, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Don Arnold/Getty Images for Paramount)

3. FilmCentral Magazine On The Guest List

The event was so exclusive that FilmCentral Magazine got the golden ticket to cover the entire premiere and watch the movie. Their inside scoop is everything you need to keep that FOMO in check!

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 16: Justin Hill attends the Australian Premiere at SXSW Sydney of “Smile 2” at IMAX Darling Harbour on October 16, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Don Arnold/Getty Images for Paramount)

4. So, What’s Smile 2 All About Anyway?

Here’s the deal: the movie centres on Skye Riley (played by the one and only Naomi Scott), a global pop star gearing up for a massive world tour when—uh-oh—things start getting really freaky. She begins to experience some truly terrifying and unexplainable events (cue the chills 😱). As the horrors crank up and the pressure of her career takes its toll, Skye realises she’s got to face her past, or everything’s going to spiral way out of control. Trust us, it’s a total nail-biter! 🖤

5. The Vibes Were Unmatched

The purple carpet, the stars, the vibe. The atmosphere was electric, and it’s clear that Smile 2 is about to be the horror movie of the year. If you loved the first film, you’ll definitely want to keep your eyes peeled for this one—it’s set to deliver all the scares and suspense you’re craving.

So, if you weren’t lucky enough to snag an invite to the premiere, don’t worry—there’s still time to catch Smile 2 in cinemas. And trust us, you won’t want to miss it. Check out the photos below:

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 16: A guest attends the Australian Premiere at SXSW Sydney of “Smile 2” at IMAX Darling Harbour on October 16, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Hanna Lassen/Getty Images for Paramount)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 16: Faye Bryson and Kyah Simon attend the Australian Premiere at SXSW Sydney of “Smile 2” at IMAX Darling Harbour on October 16, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Hanna Lassen/Getty Images for Paramount)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 16: A guest attends the Australian Premiere at SXSW Sydney of “Smile 2” at IMAX Darling Harbour on October 16, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Hanna Lassen/Getty Images for Paramount)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 16: A guestattends the Australian Premiere at SXSW Sydney of “Smile 2” at IMAX Darling Harbour on October 16, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Hanna Lassen/Getty Images for Paramount)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 16: Andy Trieu attends the Australian Premiere at SXSW Sydney of “Smile 2” at IMAX Darling Harbour on October 16, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Don Arnold/Getty Images for Paramount)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 16: Bronte Reynolds attends the Australian Premiere at SXSW Sydney of “Smile 2” at IMAX Darling Harbour on October 16, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Don Arnold/Getty Images for Paramount)

It’s Official: SXSW Sydney® Announces Winners Of The 2024 Screen Awards

A Grand Mockery, Thou Shalt Not Steal, Pools, Ruby and Tom Take a Cake to a Wedding (Photo supplied by Harriet Dixon-Smith, NIXCO)

The 2024 Screen Festival, presented by IHG Hotels & Resorts, concluded in spectacular fashion as SXSW Sydney® announced the winners of its prestigious Screen Awards. Leading the pack was the Australian feature film A Grand Mockery, which took home the coveted Best Feature Film award.

Directed by Samuel Dixon and Adam C. Briggs, A Grand Mockery tells the story of Josie (portrayed by Dixon), whose mundane existence takes a strange and surreal turn as his psychic struggles deform him, sending him wandering through the rainforest hinterlands of Queensland. Shot on super-8 film, the movie harks back to underground filmmaking, offering a visually striking and tonally playful experience. The film evolves from morbid comic realism into a metaphysical journey, structured as a unique diptych that leaves audiences both fascinated and unsettled.

The SXSW Sydney 2024 Audience Award went to Pools, the debut feature by Sam Hayes. This coming-of-age drama features a stellar cast, including Odessa A’zion, Mason Gooding, and Ariel Winter. Pools follows Kennedy (A’zion), who, after failing her sophomore year of college, embarks on a pool-hopping adventure through Chicago’s wealthy Lake Forest estates. What begins as a lighthearted quest soon transforms into a profound night of self-discovery as secrets are revealed.

In the episodic category, the Stan Original Series Thou Shalt Not Steal by visionary director Dylan Rivers earned the Best Episodic award. Set in 1980s Central and South Australia, the eight-episode series follows Robyn (Sherry-Lee Watson), a young Aboriginal delinquent who escapes detention to uncover a long-hidden family secret. Along the way, she is joined by awkward teen Gidge (Will McDonald) as they navigate perilous outback landscapes, while being pursued by a cast of intense characters, including Miranda Otto’s Maxine and Noah Taylor’s Robert, a fraudulent preacher.

In the short film category, two remarkable films tied for Best Short Film: Fishtank, directed by Wendi Tang (China/USA), and Try to Remember, Please, directed by Maria Dudko (Australia). Fishtank explores the surreal life of Jules (Tiffany Chu), who, despite her year of sobriety, finds herself inexplicably vomiting goldfish. Try to Remember, Please offers a visceral look at how violence can be erased from memory, and how those who wish to deny it weaponize that erasure.

Best Music Video was awarded to Pillhouse, by Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, directed by Ollie Jones (UK). This trippy visual treat captivated judges and audiences alike.

In the student category, Ruby and Tom Take a Cake to a Wedding, directed by Australian filmmaker Jack McTaggart, earned the Best Student Film award. The short film follows Ruby, an ambitious cake-maker, and her detached partner Tom, as they navigate a chaotic journey to deliver a wedding cake, only to be thwarted by their self-absorbed family and friends.

The 2024 Screen Festival wrapped up with Two Hands: A Live Script Read, a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the beloved Australian comedy/crime film Two Hands. Hosted by Alexei Toliopoulos and Gen Fricker, the event featured an all-star line-up of comedic talent, including Susoe Youssef, Clare Cavanagh, Danielle Walker, and Zach Ruane, in a hilarious live reimagining of the classic script.

As always, SXSW Sydney 2024 proved to be an extraordinary showcase of groundbreaking talent and bold storytelling, solidifying its place as a major cultural event in the Australian and global film landscape.

This article was sourced from a press release sent by NIXCO

KANGAROO Leaps into Production: Uplifting Outback Comedy Inspired by the Kangaroo Sanctuary

STUDIOCANAL’s Australian production arm, Cultivator Films Australia, recently announced filming is underway on its first feature film, KANGAROO, produced in partnership with Bunya Productions and Brindle Films. An uplifting family comedy set in the Australian Outback and bouncing with adorable joeys, KANGAROO is inspired by the story of Chris Barns, aka ‘Brolga’, founder of the Kangaroo Sanctuary in Alice Springs.

KANGAROO marks the return to Australia of director Kate Woods (The Umbrella Academy, The Good Lord Bird,  Looking for Alibrandi) and is written by Harry Cripps (The Dry, Penguin Bloom) with additional writing from Melina Marchetta (Looking for Alibrandi) and additional material from Danielle MacLean & Peta-Lee Cole-ManolisProducers are David JowseyGreer Simpkin, and Angela Littlejohn for Bunya Productions (Sweet Country, Limbo, Mystery Road), and Rachel Clements and Trisha Morton-Thomas for Brindle Films (MaveriXFinke: There and Back, 8MMM Aboriginal Radio) with Louise Smith and Marian McGowan serving as executive producers alongside STUDIOCANAL’s Anna Marsh, Ron Halpern, Elizabeth Trotman and Marcus GillezeauMajor production investment from Screen Australia in association with Screen Territory, with support from Screen NSW’s Made in NSW Fund.

KANGAROO is a heart-warming family comedy about an ex-TV personality Chris Masterman, who becomes stranded in an Outback town after a car accident on his way to Broome. There, he teams up with 11-year-old Indigenous girl Charlie. The pair form an unlikely friendship and work together to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned joeys in the remote but stunning Outback community. An endeavour that proves to be life-changing for them both.

Ryan Corr (House of the Dragon, Catching Dust, Holding the Man) stars as ex TV weather presenter Chris Masterman, alongside newcomer Lily Whiteley who stars as Charlie. They lead an outstanding ensemble of actors including Deborah Mailman (Total Control, The New Boy, The Sapphires), Wayne Blair (The New Boy, Mystery Road), Trisha Morton-Thomas (High Country, Occupation: Native, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, Ten Pound Poms), Rachel House (Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Thor: Ragnarok), Brooke Satchwell (Poker Face, The Twelve), Ernie Dingo (Bran Nue Dae, The Great Outdoors), Genevieve Lemon (Population 11 , The Power of the Dog), Clarence Ryan (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, The Moogai), Rarriwuy Hick (True Colours, Wentworth), Roy Billing (Jack Irish, Underbelly), Rick Donald (Population 11Roast Night)Emily Taheny (Bay of Fires, Shaun Micallef’s Mad as Hell), Bondi Lifeguard Ryan Clark (Bondi Rescue) and celebrated Australian TV presenter Grant Denyer.

Rounding out the cast is the adorable mob of kangaroo joeys, currently in the care of the Alice Springs Kangaroo Sanctuary, who will make their feature film debut in KANGAROO!

DOP is Kieran Fowler NZCS ACS, Production Design by Sam Hobbs, Costume Designer is Edie Kurzer, Editor is Chris Plummer and Casting by Anousha Zarkesh. Cultural Liaison is Warren H Williams with Cultural Advisors Benedict StevensMarie Ellis and Williams.

Set and filmed on location in the stunning Australian Red Centre town of Alice Springs, on Arrernte Country, where the real Kangaroo Sanctuary is based, the film will also shoot at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach on the traditional land and waters of the Bidjigal, Birrabirragal and Gadigal Peoples.

Australia and New Zealand CEO Elizabeth Trotman said “The commencement of production for KANGAROO marks a monumental moment for Cultivator Films and STUDIOCANAL Australia’s local production arm. The culmination of years of behind the scenes work by many and the beginning of an exciting chapter for the company with its first feature film being made at home.”

“With cameras rolling in the Australian Outback the cast and crew will come together, each bringing their unique talents and perspectives.  Joining the home of Paddington Bear and hundreds of other extraordinary films made by STUDIOCANAL worldwide, KANGAROO and all of the people associated with it, is sure to leave an indelible mark on the landscape of cinema.”

KANGAROO’s Producers said “Bunya and Brindle are thrilled to be here on beautiful Arrernte country, with director Kate Woods and our extraordinary cast and crew, to bring this film to life. KANGAROO is such a distinctly Australian story, and we are so excited to have the wonderful Ryan Corr leading this cast, and to be introducing talented young Lily Whiteley to a global audience. Thanks to all of our partners in STUDIOCANAL, Screen Australia, Screen Territory and Screen NSW in backing this truly special production.”

“The producers would also like to acknowledge the remarkable Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns and his Kangaroo Sanctuary which cares for orphaned and injured joeys until they are old enough and strong enough to return to their mob in the wild. Brolga’s story inspired our film, and we welcome him and his wife Tahnee to the crew, along with their loveable rescue joeys, currently in the Sanctuary’s care. Their outstanding work in wildlife rehabilitation is an inspiration to us all.”

Screen Australia COO Grainne Brunsdon said “Set against the stunning backdrop of the Australian Outback, this heartwarming tale promises to be a cinematic gem, showcasing the talent and creativity that Screen Australia is proud to support and promote globally. With the exceptional teams at STUDIOCANAL, Brindle Films, and Bunya Productions steering the production, we’re confident KANGAROO will captivate hearts worldwide.”

Jennie Hughes, Director of Screen Territory said “Screen Territory is delighted to see KANGAROO heading into production in central Australia, the heart of the Northern Territory.  The combination of Brindle Films and Bunya Productions working together for the first time promises to bring an exciting dynamic to this STUDIOCANAL film showcasing the very best of Australia’s screen talent to Australian and global audiences.”

Kyas Hepworth, Head of Screen NSW said “Screen NSW is thrilled to be working with STUDIOCANAL on their first feature film production, alongside Screen Territory while showcasing the talent and crews that Australia has to offer, and showing off Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, to bring this story of friendship and resilience to the big screen through the Made in NSW Fund. KANGAROO is a film that we know will resonate with audiences both on a local and global scale.”

Production Credit: KANGAROO is a Cultivator Films Australia production in partnership with Bunya Productions and Brindle Films. Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Screen Territory, with support from Screen NSW’s Made in NSW Fund. Developed by STUDIOCANAL Australia and Screen Australia. Local distribution and international sales by STUDIOCANAL.