From the big names of Hollywood to our homegrown talent, Adelaide is rolling out the red carpet for the Adelaide Film Festival 2024. Here’s your ultimate guide of what to watch.
South Australia is punching well above its weight in the film world, and the Adelaide Film Festival (AFF) is here to prove it. Adelaide is rolling out the red carpet from 23 October – 3 November for 112 films from 46 countries, including 15 world premieres and 34 Australian premieres.
Mixing it up with the big names from Hollywood and beyond in the AFF program is our homegrown talent, delivering a whole lot of festival highlights. Thanks to support from the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) and the Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund (AFFIF), SA-made films will take centre stage on the silver screen during AFF. Here’s just a taste of the local treats in store for cinephiles:
Lights, camera, South Australia!
Closing the festival with a bang is Kangaroo Island, an SAFC and AFFIF-supported film starring Erik Thomson and Rebecca Breeds that tells the story of a struggling Hollywood actress who returns home to KI to confront the love triangle that tore her family apart.
For those craving some out-of-this-world entertainment, animated comedy Lesbian Space Princess offers an animated “inter-gay-lactic” adventure that proves local creativity knows no bounds. The second production to come out of the SAFC, AFF and Screen Australia “Film Lab: New Voices” development program, it’s the debut feature film from a talented trio of up-and-coming local filmmakers.
Songs Inside is a powerful documentary that follows First Nations singer-songwriter Nancy Bates and the ground-breaking music program she led with inmates at the Adelaide Women’s Prison – the “Songbirds” – and their collaboration with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. Supported by the SAFC and AFFIF, Songs Inside promises a powerful story of healing.
For those who like their holidays with a side of horror, Carnage for Christmas puts a bloody spin on seasonal cheer. Then there’s SAFC and AFFIF supported With or Without You, a moving mother-daughter story inspired by SA writer/director Kelly Schilling’s own experiences.
These films showcase the diverse range of stories and genres coming out of South Australia’s thriving film industry. From intimate character studies to ambitious animated features, SA filmmakers are proving they can compete on the global stage while telling uniquely local stories.
Love a list?
The AFF program is packed with highlights, and well worth checking out. The easiest way to browse films and cinemas, save your favourites and book your tickets is via the AFF app. But for the TL;DR folks, here’s a list of must-sees:
10 top films at AFF
1. The Correspondent: Opening night gala featuring Richard Roxburgh in a thrilling true story of journalistic freedom.
2. Kangaroo Island: Closing night spectacle showcasing SA’s stunning landscapes and talent.
3. Emilia Pérez: An award-winning gangster-trans-musical starring Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldana, complete with afterparty.
4. Anora: Winner of the 2024 Cannes Palme d’Or, reimagining Pretty Woman.
5. With or Without You: World premiere of Kelly Schilling’s personal SA story.
6. Lesbian Space Princess: SA-made animated adventure pushing creative boundaries.
7. All We Imagine As Light: The first Indian film in competition at Cannes in 30 years, the first by an Indian female filmmaker and the first Indian Grand Prix winner.
8. Songs Inside: Powerful SA documentary on music’s healing power.
9. Carnage for Christmas: Indie horror with a festive twist from SA’s Alice Maio Mackay.
10. Piece by Piece: Pharrell Williams’ LEGO Biopic features VFX magic from SA company ModelFarm.
Beyond the big screen
AFF isn’t just about watching films – it’s a fully-fledged celebration of cinema culture. Here’s what else you can expect:
- Red carpet events: Rub shoulders with stars and filmmakers at glamorous premieres.
- Parties and celebrations: The Opening Weekend Gala party features Mexican dancers and Latin DJs, while the Mercury 50th Party celebrates the anniversary of Adelaide’s iconic local cinema and screen resource centre.
- Awards and voting: The AFF presents a suite of esteemed awards, including the Audience Awards. Here’s how to vote.
- AFF Expand Lab: Cutting-edge moving image works from Australian artists.
- Industry talks: Gain insights from filmmakers, including panels on animation, documentaries and debut films.
- AFF Youth Program: Engaging young audiences and fostering the next generation of film lovers.
Can’t wait for the Adelaide Film Festival? Here’s 11 award-winning SA releases to stream now.
SA’s film industry: The little engine that could
Thanks to State Government funding for the SAFC and AFF, South Australia has long been a hotbed of cinematic talent.
Recent SAFC and AFF supported films such as Talk to Me, Monolith, The Survival of Kindness and Marungka Tjalatjunu (Dipped in Black) have been flying the flag for SA-made films on the international stage, winning major awards and critical acclaim. The AFF program is where you’re likely to find the next break-out global hit from SA.
Five local film projects have already had the industry buzzing this year when they were part of the Adelaide Film Festival Goes to Cannes showcase in May – and three of them will premiere at this year’s AFF. Want more inspiration for the AFF? Check out our guide to the South Australian screen industry and its must-see movies here.
Find the full 2024 Adelaide Film Festival program and book your tickets here.
