Festivals Celebrate Cinematic Excellence
This year’s 27th Far East Film Festival (FEFF), taking place in Udine, Italy from April 24 to May 2, will conclude with the world premiere of the South Korean animated romance titled The Square. Alongside it, the festival will showcase the live-action film adaptation of the popular manga series “Ya Boy Kongming!” as a special out-of-competition screening.
Two additional world premieres have been confirmed for the festival lineup: a newly restored version of the 1979 cult classic The System from Hong Kong, and the Indonesian horror film Mad of Madness, which delves into the complex relationship between fear, politics, and society.
With these new entries, FEFF will feature a total of 77 films from 12 countries, including 49 titles competing for various awards. The lineup encompasses eight world premieres, 16 international premieres, 20 European premieres, and 19 Italian premieres, solidifying the festival’s status as a prominent platform for diverse cinematic voices.
The festival will kick off with the Chinese comedy Green Wave and follow with the South Korean supernatural horror film Dark Nuns. Additionally, two short films from Hong Kong—Once Upon a Time There Was a Mountain and Sweet, Sour, Bitter…—produced during the Asian Film Awards Academy International Film Camp, will also be part of the offerings.
Jury Announcement for Sydney Film Festival
In another exciting development for film enthusiasts, the Sydney Film Festival has announced its jury for the official competition at its upcoming 72nd edition, slated for June 4 to 15. This panel is responsible for awarding the Sydney Film Prize, which includes a cash prize of AUD60,000 (approximately $36,000) for films that exemplify audacity and innovative storytelling.
Serving as jury president is acclaimed Australian director Justin Kurzel (“Snowtown,” “Nitram”). He will also present his documentary Ellis Park outside the competition. Joining Kurzel on the jury will be notable figures, including Melita Toscan du Plantier, director of the Marrakech International Film Festival; Rachel House, a director and actor from Aotearoa New Zealand; Hong Kong producer Winnie Tsang; and Kamilaroi writer-actor Thomas Weatherall.
“The Sydney Film Prize honors bold and visionary filmmaking that continuously evolves the language of cinema,” stated SFF festival director Nashen Moodley. He expressed enthusiasm for Kurzel’s appointment as jury president, highlighting his significant and uncompromising contributions to the industry.
Kurzel will also deliver the 2025 Ian McPherson Memorial Lecture at the Festival Hub, during which he will discuss his career with Moodley. The FIAPF-accredited competition will showcase a total of 12 international films, with the complete lineup to be revealed on May 7.