Disney+ Drops Trailer for Season Two of FX’s English Teacher, Premiering September 26

Disney+ has officially released the trailer for the second season of FX’s critically acclaimed comedy series English Teacher, which is set to premiere on Friday, September 26 with all ten episodes streaming exclusively in Australia. Fans can also catch up on season one, now available to stream.

Created by and starring Brian Jordan Alvarez, English Teacher continues its sharp, satirical take on the high school ecosystem — this time tackling even bigger controversies while keeping its irreverent wit intact.

A New Semester, Same Chaos

Season two once again follows Evan Marquez (Alvarez), the overly passionate teacher determined to confront every issue head-on, no matter how uncomfortable or disruptive. Alongside him are his equally colourful colleagues and friends: loyal yet exasperated Gwen (Stephanie Koenig), outspoken gym teacher Markie (Sean Patton), unpredictable guidance counsellor Rick (Carmen Christopher), and perpetually anxious Principal Grant Moretti (Enrico Colantoni).

This season, Morrison-Hensley High becomes ground zero for heated debates around climate change, Covid, military recruitment, and the ever-divisive question of student phone usage. As always, Evan refuses to back down, even when it lands him in hot water with students, parents, and administrators.

Evan’s Double Life

Beyond school politics, Evan’s personal life faces its own trials. His relationship with Malcolm (Jordan Firstman) — who no longer works at Morrison-Hensley — struggles under the weight of Evan’s all-consuming righteousness. The new season promises to explore how Evan balances his ideals with his growing responsibilities to the people closest to him.

The Team Behind the Laughs

The series is executive produced by Alvarez alongside Paul Simms, Jonathan Krisel, Dave King, Kathryn Dean, and the duo Jake Bender & Zach Dunn. Produced by FX Productions, English Teacher has cemented itself as a bold and hilarious commentary on modern culture through the microcosm of high school life.

Safe Streaming for Families

Disney+ continues to ensure a tailored viewing experience for all audiences. With robust parental controls, parents and guardians can set content restrictions, create PIN-protected profiles, and activate Junior Mode profiles, giving peace of mind while keeping the platform accessible for the whole family.

From Startup to Stardom: ‘Swiped’ Highlights Whitney Wolfe’s Billionaire Journey

20th Century Studios is set to deliver a powerful and timely cinematic experience with Swiped, premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 9 before its exclusive launch on Disney+ on September 19, 2025. The newly released trailer, poster, and captivating film stills offer an enticing preview of this gripping drama based on the real-life story of Whitney Wolfe Herd, the fearless founder of Bumble, whose journey has reshaped the landscape of online dating and female entrepreneurship.

Swiped chronicles Whitney Wolfe’s rise from a recent college graduate navigating the daunting, male-dominated tech industry to becoming a visionary innovator who revolutionises dating culture with not one but two trailblazing apps. Portrayed with compelling depth by Lily James, Wolfe’s story is one of relentless determination, sharp ingenuity, and bold risk-taking—qualities that propelled her to become the youngest female self-made billionaire in history. The film delves beyond the headlines to explore the personal challenges, fierce battles, and triumphs behind Wolfe’s extraordinary success, offering a nuanced portrait of ambition, resilience, and empowerment.

Helmed by director Rachel Lee Goldenberg—who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Bill Parker and Kim Caramele—Swiped balances sharp storytelling with emotional resonance. The film’s ensemble cast, including Jackson White, Myha’la, Ben Schnetzer, Pierson Fodé, Clea DuVall, Pedro Correa, Ian Colletti, Coral Peña, and Dan Stevens, bring rich performances that flesh out the high-stakes world of tech startups, friendship, and rivalry.

Produced by Jennifer Gibgot, Andrew Panay, and Lily James herself, Swiped captures the zeitgeist of a tech revolution led by a young woman refusing to be sidelined. It is as much a celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship as it is a compelling character study, reflecting broader conversations about gender, power, and change in the digital age.

As anticipation builds for its TIFF premiere and Disney+ release, Swiped promises to resonate with audiences hungry for inspiring, real-world stories that showcase the impact of determination and vision. This film is set to be a defining portrayal of female leadership and a vivid reminder of the new frontiers being carved out in technology and business by the bold and the brave. For anyone fascinated by the intersection of tech, culture, and gender dynamics, Swiped is a must-watch event of 2025.

Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan Bring the Magic to Sydney’s Purple Carpet for Freakier Friday Premiere

Photo Credit: Scott Ehler | Image supplied by Disney Australia

The Aussie purple carpet shimmered with star power as Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan reunited Down Under for the Australian premiere of Freakier Friday, Disney’s much-anticipated sequel to the 2003 classic. Held at Event Cinemas Westfield Bondi, the premiere drew a glittering crowd eager to celebrate this fresh twist on a beloved tale, ahead of the film’s exclusive August 7 release in cinemas across Australia and New Zealand.

Reprising their iconic roles as mother-daughter duo Tess and Anna Coleman, Curtis and Lohan dive back into a story where family ties get even more tangled. Years after their first unforgettable body swap, the next generation steps into the spotlight as Anna juggles her own daughter and soon-to-be stepdaughter, proving that sometimes, lightning really does strike twice.

Photo Credit: Scott Ehler | Image supplied by Disney Australia

Directed by Nisha Ganatra and inspired by Mary Rodgers’ classic Freaky Friday novel, Freakier Friday assembles a talented ensemble cast including Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, Manny Jacinto, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Rosalind Chao, Chad Michael Murray, and Mark Harmon. Behind the scenes, the production boasts powerhouse producers Kristin Burr, Andrew Gunn, and Jamie Lee Curtis herself, alongside executive producers Nathan Kelly, Ann Marie Sanderlin, and Lindsay Lohan, promising a film that’s as heartfelt as it is hilarious.

Photo Credit: Scott Ehler | Image supplied by Disney Australia

With its perfect blend of nostalgia and fresh family fun, Freakier Friday is poised to charm audiences of all ages. It hit cinemas on August 7, 2025, across Australia and New Zealand.

Carmen & Bolude Hits Digital Screens – Now Available to Rent or Buy!

The critically acclaimed Australian comedy Carmen & Bolude is now available to rent or purchase at home across major digital platforms, including Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube Movies, Microsoft Movies & TV, Fetch TV, Sky NZ, Neon NZ, and the Foxtel Store.

Directed by Maria Isabel Delaossa and Michela Carattini, and produced by Yolandi Franken and Michela Carattini, Carmen & Bolude tells a touching and timely story of love, friendship, and cultural identity through the lens of two international women. The film stars Michela Carattini, Bolude Watson, David Collins, Elliott Giarola, Liam Greinke, Joey Vieira, Joe Avati, James Liotta, and Wale Ojo.

After its world premiere in Hollywood, winning Best Independent Film & Best International Film at the LA Independent Women Film Awards, followed by a sold-out European premiere and crowding out the Hayden Orpheum at its Australian premiere, receiving further acclaim on the festival circuit with selections at the Gold Coast Film Festival, Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival, Barcelona Indie Filmmakers Fest, New York Independent Film Festival, Blussh Romance Festival, and the African Film Festival Australia—the film is now available for audiences to enjoy from the comfort of home.

Don’t miss the chance to watch one of Australia’s most talked-about independent films of the year:

This “biting and funny” (Speaking Cinema) Australian film, the first written, directed and produced entirely by Latin-Australian and African-Australian women, is “incredibly topical” (The AU Review), and “really portrays the cultural complexity of Sydney” (The Drive), with iconic locations rarely shown, such as the Auburn Mosque and Sydney’s Murugan Temple, and languages rarely scripted, such as First Nations Darug and Nigerian Yoruba. Hailed by the critics as “An impactful step forward for Australian cinema” (The Curb), “One of the most exciting Australian films of 2025” (Film Central) and “Wildly entertaining and deeply meaningful” (The Medium), with “a standout soundtrack” (Film Ink), and  “stunning cinematography – Carattini and Watson give incredible, truthful performances with obvious chemistry” (The Medium).

Carmen & Bolude is available now — rent or buy today on your favourite platform.

ANZ Streaming Links:

PRIME VIDEO:

https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Carmen-Bolude/0HPMK2VOBLJ54IO4UUXDHE1VXL

APPLE TV:

https://tv.apple.com/nz/movie/carmen–bolude/umc.cmc.6hy0tc92whx1y39lavjtuh4r0

FETCH TV:

https://www.fetchtv.com.au/movie/details/2968302/carmen–bolude

YOUTUBE VIDEO:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcV4NFuZ76I

GOOGLE PLAY:

https://play.google.com/store/movies/details?id=H1ThXapEGlc.P

NEON NZ:

https://www.neontv.co.nz/movie/carmen-bolude

FOXTEL:

Link tbc

SKY NZ:

Link tbc

Following Cannes Win for Iranian Director Jafar Panahi, Upcoming Aussie Film “Fireworks” Issues a Powerful Warning

Photo Credit: Julia Firak

As global interest in Iranian stories surges, Fireworks explores trauma, exile, and the fragility of justice, made in Australia but resonating worldwide.

Just days after Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just An Accident won the Palme d’Or at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, a new Australian-made feature is building momentum — inspired by the global recognition of Iranian cinema as not just political, but universal.

Fireworks, directed and co-written by Ali Vaziri, an Iranian-born filmmaker living in Australia, is a bold psychological drama rooted in real refugee experience. “Panahi’s win is a turning point,” says Vaziri. “It tells us something important: these stories are not just about Iran anymore — they’re about all of us. The same threats to truth, freedom, and justice are creeping closer to home in the West. Fireworks is my way of sounding the alarm.”

Photo Credit: Julia Firak

Set in a remote Australian town, Fireworks follows two close friends — both former political refugees — whose quiet life unravels during a weekend celebration when the past reappears in the form of a suspected war criminal. Over one day, in one house, tension builds toward an unthinkable moral choice.

It’s a film about trauma, complicity, loyalty and vengeance — but it’s also a film about how fragile peace really is, even in countries like Australia. With authentic Farsi and English dialogue and a minimalist, intimate setting, Fireworks delivers a contained but emotionally explosive story.

The cast features a talented ensemble of Iranian-Australian actors, including Keivaan Askari, Rina Mousavi, Madi Dezhbod, and Baha Jamali — Keivaan and Rina were involved in the critically acclaimed Australian-Iranian feature Shayda, Australia’s critically acclaimed entry to Sundance and the Academy Awards.

The film is produced by Yolandi Franken (Streets of Colour, Carmen & Bolude), and co-written by Nick Bleszynski, known for his work in both narrative and investigative storytelling. Filming will take place in Wiseman’s Ferry, NSW — a regional town whose quiet natural beauty mirrors the story’s haunting emotional undercurrent.

Photo Credit: Julia Firak

“This isn’t just a story about Iran. It’s a warning,” says Franken. “The erosion of truth, the silencing of dissent, the moral collapse that begins with looking away — these are themes that now ring loud in Western democracies.”

With the Cannes spotlight now firmly on Iranian voices and stories of resistance, Fireworks arrives at exactly the right moment — as a uniquely Australian contribution to a global conversation.

The film is currently seeking final-stage investment and community partnerships ahead of production later this year, with plans for international festival submission and a theatrical release followed by digital and broadcast distribution.

To request an investor pack or partnership proposal:

Yolandi Franken
Producer – Fireworks
yolandi@frankendipity.com
0404 385 988

Ryan Reynolds Champions Nature’s Misfits in Hilarious New Docuseries Underdogs

Move over, lions and penguins — it’s time for the oddballs to shine.

Ryan Reynolds is swapping Deadpool’s red suit for something a bit more khaki as he lends his voice to Underdogs, a new five-part docuseries celebrating the natural world’s unsung heroes. Premiering 16 June on Disney+, the series is a joint effort from Reynolds’ Emmy® Award-winning Maximum Effort and Wildstar Films, the BAFTA and Emmy® Award-winning team behind some of the world’s most stunning wildlife documentaries.

But don’t expect your usual slow-motion lion pounce or majestic whale breach. This time, the spotlight belongs to nature’s Z-listers — the awkward, underrated, and often overlooked creatures who prove that survival doesn’t require good looks or graceful moves, just pure ingenuity and a whole lot of hustle.

Narrated with Reynolds’ Signature Wit

Reynolds, known for his razor-sharp humour, is the perfect guide through this wild world of unlikely legends. Underdogs dives headfirst into the fascinating (and frequently gross) lives of animals that typically don’t get the red carpet treatment. Think glow-in-the-dark butt-grubs in a cave in New Zealand, bizarre mating rituals, and some of the most questionable parenting strategies ever caught on camera.

“Getting to work with National Geographic on Underdogs was a dream come true,” said Reynolds. “Mostly because I can finally watch a project of ours with my children. Technically, they saw Deadpool & Wolverine but I don’t think they absorbed much while covering their eyes and ears and screaming for two hours.”

Each episode of Underdogs focuses on a different wild skillset — from strange superpowers to deceptive trickery, all the way to survival techniques that would make Bear Grylls think twice.

A Feast for the Eyes (and Ears)

The show features mind-blowing footage from the world’s top wildlife cinematographers, including scenes that have never been filmed before. One highlight? A glowing cave full of mucus-covered larvae that light up like a dodgy nightclub under UV lights. It’s gross. It’s mesmerising. It’s everything a nature doc should be.

On top of the visuals, the soundtrack absolutely slaps. Award-winning composer Harry Gregson-Williams (you know, from Shrek and The Martian) scores the series, while Green Day delivers the official theme song — fittingly titled “Underdog”. The song debuts in the official trailer, roaring like a wild anthem for every creature who’s ever felt like they were picked last for team sports.

The soundtrack, Underdogs (Original Series Soundtrack), drops on 13 June via Hollywood Records. And if you’re a fan of Green Day, you’ll be glad to know the track is also featured on the deluxe edition of their latest album, Saviors.

More Than Laughs — It’s Clever Science Too

While Underdogs has plenty of cheeky moments, it’s not all for laughs. The series highlights the resilience, intelligence and mind-blowing adaptations of animals that keep the ecosystem ticking. Forget fame — these critters are the real MVPs of the natural world.

So, whether you’re a nature nerd, a Green Day fan, or just in it for Ryan Reynolds’ running commentary on butt-glow worms, Underdogs is set to be a wild ride.

📺 Underdogs premieres **16 June on Disney+_.

Bring your curiosity. Maybe not your lunch.

A Complete Unknown: Timothée Chalamet Electrifies as Bob Dylan in Award-Winning Biopic – Now Streaming on Disney+

Searchlight Pictures’ critically acclaimed biopic A Complete Unknown is now available to stream on Disney+, bringing the transformative early years of music legend Bob Dylan to life in a gripping, cinematic masterpiece.

Directed by Academy Award® nominee James Mangold, the film dives deep into the turbulent yet inspiring cultural landscape of 1960s America. At its heart is a mesmerising performance by Timothée Chalamet, who not only portrays Dylan with uncanny intensity but also performs his music, capturing the spirit and sound of the folk icon’s rise to fame.

Certified Fresh and dubbed Certified Hot” by Rotten Tomatoes™, A Complete Unknown has already generated major awards buzz. The Hollywood Reporter hailed Chalamet’s portrayal as an electrifying, transformative performance,” cementing his place as one of the most versatile actors of his generation.

🎬 Film Synopsis

New York, 1961. A 19-year-old musician from Minnesota arrives in the heart of Greenwich Village—a place pulsing with poetry, protest, and possibility. With little more than a guitar and a voice that would come to define a generation, Bob Dylan finds himself surrounded by folk legends like Woody Guthrie (Scoot McNairy), Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro), and Pete Seeger (Edward Norton). These relationships—and a daring leap into electric sound—spark a musical revolution that forever alters the global landscape.

The film culminates in Dylan’s now-iconic Newport Folk Festival performance, where his electrified set stunned audiences and marked a seismic shift in modern music history.

🌟 A Stellar Cast

Joining Chalamet in this compelling ensemble are:

  • Edward Norton as Pete Seeger

  • Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo

  • Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez

  • Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash

  • Scoot McNairy as Woody Guthrie

🎥 Behind the Scenes

A Complete Unknown is co-written by James Mangold and Jay Cocks, and produced by a powerhouse team including Fred Berger, Alex Heineman, Bob Bookman, Peter Jaysen, Alan Gasmer, Jeff Rosen, and Chalamet himself.


Whether you’re a lifelong Dylan fan or discovering his story for the first time, A Complete Unknown is a must-watch for lovers of music, history, and masterful storytelling.

👉 Now streaming exclusively on Disney+.

Heartfelt Film ‘My Eyes’ to Make Emotional Australian Debut on May 28, 2025

FanForce Films proudly announces the theatrical release of MY EYES on May 28, 2025. Inspired by true events and led by actor/writer/producer Tsu Shan Chambers (SUKA, UNSOUND), this heartfelt Australian story spotlights the remarkable journey of a mother determined to save her daughter’s eyesight—and the broader social impact of living with vision impairment.

MY EYES follows Alana (Chambers), an Optometrist whose life is upended when her young daughter is diagnosed with a hereditary eye condition. Desperate for a stem cell donor, Alana must confront her past—and a life-changing connection to Nico (Eduardo Ávila Sánchez), setting in motion a story of family, cultural identity, and resilience. Adam Garcia (COYOTE UGLY, BOOTMEN) portrays Alana’s devoted husband Sam, and Kieu Chinh (THE JOY LUCK CLUB, THE SYMPATHIZER) appears as Alana’s protective mother.

Produced by Wise Goat Productions in collaboration with an international and diverse creative team, MY EYES highlights social change through its authentic depiction of the vision-impaired community and the power of inclusive storytelling. The film has attracted support from organisations including Vision Australia, the International Blind Sports Federation, Optometry Australia, and many other social impact partners. Premiere fundraisers across Australia—tied to the film’s opening week—will help generate awareness and funds for eye health advocacy and disability inclusion initiatives.

Quote from Tsu Shan Chambers (Actor, Writer, Producer, and Practicing Optometrist):

“MY EYES is deeply personal to me—growing up with multiple cultural influences, training as an Optometrist, and experiencing close connections with people affected by vision loss. It’s a story I’ve wanted to share for years, and I’m overjoyed to finally bring it to audiences in a way that sparks empathy and positive change.

As an independent producer, it is important to me to be able to bring to the screen an authentic local story that will take Australian culture and values to a global audience. We have so many stories to share and need more opportunities like this to bring them to life”.

Quote from Adam Garcia (Actor):

“Even though I’m now based in the UK, there was never a doubt in my mind about joining MY EYES. The film’s heart and the team’s dedication to representing meaningful stories made it impossible to say no. I’m thrilled for audiences to see the beauty and realism we’ve created.”

Quote from Eduardo Ávila Sánchez (Actor):

“As someone who understands life with a disability, I hope MY EYES encourages everyone to look past labels and assumptions. This film is about celebrating our abilities, our families, and our determination to make every moment count.”

Vision Australia also voiced support, with a spokesperson adding:

“Stories like MY EYES are essential in showing the resilience and achievements of people living with blindness or low vision. We’re proud to see an authentic portrayal on screen and look forward to the impact it will have on raising awareness for eye health.”

MY EYES also features an original track by Australian sensation Dami Im. Known for her acclaimed run at Eurovision 2016—where she won Semi-Final 2, secured the top Jury Vote, and finished second overall—Dami Im (2013 winner of THE X FACTOR AUSTRALIA and Destiny Rescue Ambassador) lends a moving musical backdrop to Alana’s journey of self-discovery.

Early festival appearances, including at the Gold Coast Film Festival, are scheduled prior to the nationwide release on May 28, 2025. A unique rollout of screenings will follow across Australia and New Zealand, featuring special Q&A events as well as Fan screenings—empowering communities to bring MY EYES to their local cinema. Tickets and more details can be found at Fan-Force.com/ MyEyes.

Make a Splash with Leo the Sea Lion Pup in Disneynature’s Sea Lions of the Galápagos, Streaming April 22 on Disney+

Dive in with handsome sea lion pup Leo in Disneynature’s all-new feature film “Sea Lions of the Galápagos,” streaming on Disney+ beginning April 22. Narrated by Brendan Fraser, the stunning feature film explores the fascinating world of the Galapagos alongside a host of creatures from land and sea. A trailer, key art and film stills are now available to download and share.

CONSERVATION INITIATIVE

In celebration of Disneynature’s “Sea Lions of the Galápagos,” Disney Conservation Fund is supporting Conservation International, working alongside local organisations to connect more than 1,500 youth with the beauty of the Galápagos and inspire action to reduce ocean plastics for the benefit of marine life like sea lions.

SOUNDTRACK

The “Sea Lions of the Galápagos” Original Score Soundtrack composed by Raphaelle Thibaut will be available on streaming services April 22.

In “Sea Lions of the Galápagos,” Leo eventually leaves his mother’s colony to find his own home following swimming lessons, fishing expeditions and some growing up. Male sea lions must fight to earn the best spots, and only the strongest will become beachmasters. Leo’s lifelong quest is fraught with challenges and filled with new encounters with an array of creatures, from marine iguanas and racer snakes to yellow fin tuna and huge Galapagos sharks. The archipelago is Leo’s playground—overland and underwater—but he must stay vigilant to find his place in the world. Disneynature’s “Sea Lions of the Galápagos” is directed by Wilson, co-directed by Keith Scholey, and produced by Wilson, Scholey and Roy Conli, the adventure features music by composer Raphaelle Thibaut.

This article was sourced from a media release sent by Disney + (photo supplied)

The Inner West Film Fest 2025 Unveils Its Complete Line-Up: What to Expect

From April 9-17, a vibrant selection of exciting new films will screen during the third iteration of Sydney’s always buzzing Inner West Film Fest.

“We’re excited to be back for our third year with some of our best films yet! We can’t wait for audiences in the Inner West to engage with these incredible movies, many of which have direct connections to the area,” Dov Kornits, director, Inner West Film Fest.

Back for its third big year, the Inner West Film Fest will roll out in fine fashion from April 9-17, nestled comfortably at its home of Dendy Newtown with a diverse and utterly fascinating selection of feature film premieres from Australia and around the world. The full programme for the Inner West Film Fest 2025 has just been announced, and it’s jammed-to-busting with cinematic riches.

(Flat Girls)

Launching the big screen festivities on April 9 at 6:00pm will be the affecting Thai film Flat Girls, presented by the Royal Thai Consulate-General. From producers Jira “Keng” Maligool and Vanridee “One” Pongsittisak, the creative forces behind the surprise international hit How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, Flat Girls is a sensitively written and artfully directed coming-of-age tale by gifted debutante Jirassaya Wongsutin. Part of a new wave of Thai cinema, Flat Girls is an authentic and heartfelt modern story that delicately explores the complexity and dynamism of teenage friendships.

When Belgian director Agnes Varda passed away in 2019, world cinema lost one of its most vital and impassioned female voices. In celebration of this inestimable talent, this year’s Inner West Film Fest will feature a special 25-year anniversary screening of Agnes Varda’s acclaimed 2000 documentary The Gleaners & I on 35mm film, supported by the iconic Inner West gleaners at Reverse Garbage.

(An Unfinished Film)

There are also exciting new films aplenty. An absurdist, surrealist trip that literally defies genres and simple explanation, Universal Language is Canadian director Matthew Rankin’s follow-up to his bizarre gender-bending 2019 debut The Twentieth Century. Shanghai director Lou Ye (Suzhou River, Mystery) revisits the ugly spectre of Covid head-on with his new drama An Unfinished Film, which has been banned from screening in China and is one of the hottest selling tix of the fest, almost sold out 12 hours after going on sale!

A visually stunning and deeply poetic treatise on faith, fundamentalism, community and family, The King Tide is the daring and provocative new drama from bold Canadian director Christian Sparkes, starring Clayne Crawford and Inner West’s own Aden Young. Australian writer/director Luke Eve – another one time Inner Westie – and Spanish actress Maria Albinana complete the tale of their complex relationship with the feature film UnCancelled, which follows their popular web series Cancelled and ReCancelled. Co-star Socratis Otto will be on hand to introduce this bittersweet and uplifting new film for its big screen premiere.

(Who by Fire)

Screening on National Canada Film Day (it’s a thing!), April 16, and presented by the Canadian Consulate is winner of the Berlinale Generation 14plus Grand Prix, Who by Fire, a searing coming-of-age drama with a decidedly cinematic (and Leonard Cohen-esque) edge.

(Future Council)

Non-fiction filmmaking is also well and truly in play at the Inner West Film Fest, with a host of new docos set to captivate and provoke audiences. With idiosyncratic indie-hero director Alex Ross Perry at the helm, and one of the most unconventional bands of the 1990s as its subject, Pavements – about lo-fi godheads Pavement – is certainly not your standard music documentary. In his powerful new impact doco Future Council, Aussie actor/director Damon Gameau (That Sugar Film and 2040) takes a group of eight international kids on a thrilling road trip across Europe where they charmingly get right in the faces of businesses and leaders in search of solutions to our greatest ecological challenges.

Documentary Sunlight: YES focuses on the latest work by artists SymbioticA, a collective internationally recognised as the first to grow meat in a lab. Narrated by AI, this film follows their latest artistic experiment, trying to grow food without sunlight or shit! Can they do it? Screening alongside Sunlight: YES is a special program of films made using Unreal Engine, including Dr Gregory Ferris and Dr Liz Giuffre’s Spirits of the Hoey and Jack Manning Bancroft’s Imagine, followed by an insightful panel with the filmmakers.

(Moonrise Over Knights Hill)

The Inner West Film Fest will close out in high style on April 17 by highlighting Australia’s exciting new filmmaking talent with the dazzling entrants in The Short Film Showcase, which will then lead into the World Premiere screening of 2023 Short Film Showcase winner, James Robert Woods’ feature debut Moonrise Over Knights Hill, a tense drama about a group of former high school friends who reunite with their partners for a luxury weekend getaway, with unforgettable results.

Boasting a sizzling collection of must-see films, the Inner West Film Fest is all set to raise the excitement levels even further in one of Australia’s most exciting cultural and artistic hubs. Get ready to take a true cinematic trip…

Get your tickets now at https://www.innerwestfilmfest.com.au/