by FIlmInk Staff
The South African Film Festival (SAFF) 2026 closes this month with exclusive screenings of the internationally acclaimed Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight – the only opportunity for audiences to catch the film in Australian cinemas, with sessions in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Held the day after Nelson Mandela International Day, the festival’s flagship Closing Gala takes place on Sunday, 19 July at Liverpool Powerhouse’s striking Turbine Hall – SAFF’s new 2026 venue partner in Sydney’s Southwest – bringing film lovers together for an evening of South African cinema, music and food.
Additional screenings of the film will take place at SAFF 2026 in Brisbane on 19 July, as well as Sydney and Melbourne on 22 July.
About the Film:
- Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight marks the directorial debut of acclaimed actor Embeth Davidtz, who wrote and stars in the film which she adapted from Alexandra Fuller’s best-selling memoir, set in Zimbabwe during the 1980 Independence War.
- The film premiered at Toronto International Film Festival and was named among the Best Films of 2025 by The Guardian and IndieWire.
Sydney Closing Gala – What to Expect:
- Closing Night Film Screening
- Welcome Drinks & African Beats: Guests will be welcomed with a complimentary drink and live African music from DJ13 (aka April), setting the tone for the evening.
- African-Inspired Dining: Liverpool Powerhouse’s own Bellbird Restaurant will offer audiences with a specially curated African-inspired cocktail and mezze tasting plate by Chef Federico Rekowski. Bookings essential.
SYDNEY CLOSING GALA DETAILS:
- When: Sunday 19 July 2026
- 5.30pm: Welcome drinks, live music and optional dining at Bellbird Restaurant begin
- 6.30pm: Closing Gala screening commences (until approx. 8.30pm)
- Where: Liverpool Powerhouse (formerly Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre), 1 Powerhouse Road, Casula, NSW 2710
- Tickets available HERE
NATIONWIDE SCREENINGS:
- Cineplex Vic Point, Brisbane – Sunday 19 July 2026
- Randwick Ritz, Sydney – Wednesday 22 July 2026
- Classic Cinema, Melbourne – Wednesday 22 July 2026
- Tickets available HERE
The Closing Gala celebrates a month of South African Cinema, with the Festival continuing to stream online across Australia and New Zealand until Sunday, 26 July. Passes and Program info at https://saff.org.au/
Entirely volunteer-run, SAFF is a not-for-profit known as “The Festival with a Conscience“, with all net proceeds supporting Education Without Borders and its youth education and mentorship programs in South Africa.
