SXSW Sydney unveils headliners: A blend of experimental and comedic cinema
The upcoming SXSW Sydney festival is set to feature a diverse array of films, with five standout titles designated as ‘headliners’ in the film section. This eclectic mix promises to captivate audiences with its unique storytelling and innovative approaches.
Pavements: A musical journey through narrative and documentary
One of the most anticipated films is “Pavements”, an experimental hybrid that premiered in Venice. Directed by Alex Ross Perry, this film blends narrative, scripted elements, documentary footage, musical sequences, and metatextual commentary. It revolves around the indie rock band Pavement, offering a fresh perspective on their journey and influence in the music world.
Nightbitch: A darkly comedic transformation
Another headliner is “Nightbitch”, which made its debut in Toronto. This dark comedy stars Amy Adams as a stay-at-home mother who undergoes a bizarre transformation into a dog. The film’s offbeat humor and fairy tale elements make it a unique addition to the festival lineup.
The Front Room: Horror with a familial twist
Max & Sam Eggers’ new A24 horror film, “The Front Room”, also joins the headliners. Starring pop star Brandy, the movie follows a newly-pregnant woman who faces off against her mother-in-law. This chilling narrative promises to deliver suspense and thrills, making it a must-watch for horror enthusiasts.
Smile 2: A sequel to the psychological thriller
“Smile 2”, directed by Parker Finn, continues the psychological horror saga that captivated audiences in its first installment. The sequel is expected to delve deeper into the eerie and unsettling themes that made the original a hit.
Saturday Night: Behind the scenes of a live broadcast
Jason Reitman’s “Saturday Night” offers a behind-the-scenes look at the 90 minutes leading up to the first broadcast of “Saturday Night Live.” Based on true events, this film provides a fascinating glimpse into the chaos and creativity that define live television.
“These bold, hilarious, captivating, and thrilling films lead a program not just for film fans, but the tech, music, and games audiences that form the rich tapestry of the SXSW Sydney audience,” said Colin Daniels, MD, SXSW Sydney.
The festival, a spin-off from the U.S. South by Southwest festival, is in its second year in Australia. Running from October 14-20, it promises a vibrant celebration of film, music, and technology. The opening title for the film section will be announced soon.
Universal Music expands in China’s Greater Bay Area
Universal Music is making significant strides in China’s Greater Bay Area by launching a new label division. This economically significant region, home to 86 million people, includes nine cities in Guangdong province and the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao. It accounts for over 11% of China’s GDP and nearly a quarter of the country’s music performance revenues.
“The region’s rich cultural fabric, woven from a diverse range of dialects predominantly in Cantonese, has significantly shaped both local and Asian pop culture, fostering a strong connection within the region and across the global Chinese diaspora,” stated the company.
The new unit will be based in Shenzhen and led by Gary Chan, MD of Universal Music Hong Kong and senior VP of Universal Music Greater China. This expansion strengthens Universal Music’s presence in the region, with offices now in Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Taiwan.
Kurosawa Akira Award honors emerging filmmakers
The Tokyo International Film Festival has announced that the 2024 Kurosawa Akira Award will be presented to Japanese director Miyake Sho and Taiwanese director Fu Tien-yu. This prestigious award honors filmmakers who have made significant contributions to cinema and are expected to shape the industry’s future.
Miyake Sho, known for his debut film “Playback” and other notable works like “And Your Bird Can Sing” and “Small, Slow but Steady,” has been praised for his exceptional ability to observe and portray human experiences.
Fu Tien-yu, who transitioned from novelist to filmmaker, has been recognized for her warm and insightful perspective on ordinary lives. Her 2024 film “Day Off,” produced by Wu Nien-jen, exemplifies her storytelling prowess.
The festival will run from October 28 to November 3, with the Kurosawa Akira Award ceremony and the Ethical Film Prize awarding taking place on November 5.
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