All films will screen at the Festival from 7-18 June and in recognition of World Environment Day, and the urgent messages within each of these remarkable films, SFF is offering $10 tickets to these sessions for today only (9am to 9pm, Monday 5 June).
Established in 2021, the Sustainable Future Award offers a cash prize to a narrative or documentary film of any length that deepens our knowledge and awareness of the impact of the global climate emergency. Four documentaries and 11 shorts have been shortlisted for this year’s award.
In 2023, the Sustainable Future Award has increased from $10,000 to $40,000, leading the world in offering the largest cash prize for a film tackling climate change and sustainability.
The feature-length films nominated for the 2023 Sustainable Future Award are all documentaries: from Australia, Climate Changers and Rachel’s Farm, and from overseas, Against the Tide and Paradise.
A series of 11 climate and environment orientated shorts, presented in a partnership between Sydney Film Festival, ABC and the Australian Museum, will also all individually compete for the coveted award, and screen as a package together. These shorts are made from motivated and talented emerging filmmakers, all taking part in an ABC Factual and Doc Society Initiative supported by Screen Territory, VicScreen, Screen Tasmania, Screen Queensland and Screenwest.
“As we celebrate World Environment Day on June 5th, Sydney Film Festival remains committed to using the medium of film to shed light on pressing environmental issues,” said Sydney Film Festival Director Nashen Moodley. “The Sustainable Future Award signifies our dedication to supporting filmmakers who strive to make a difference, inspiring audiences and catalysing positive action. We are excited to showcase these remarkable films and look forward to crowning the winner at the Festival’s Closing Night – June 18.”
ABC’s Acting Head of Factual and Culture Richard Huddleston said, “This timely initiative reflects the ABC’s ongoing commitment to supporting emerging filmmakers. It is a strong example of what can happen when we join forces with state agencies and vital industry organisations like Doc Society. Together, we wish all of our film makers the best of luck”
Rachel Ward, Director of Rachel’s Farm said “This very generous prize gives the filmmakers an opportunity to affect the reach and distribution of their film with some hugely valuable impact funding.”
Tim Flannery, environmentalist and subject of Climate Changers said, “Without climate leaders, we will lose the world that has nurtured us.”
All films will screen in-cinema at the 70th Sydney Film Festival, with the winner of the Sustainable Future Award to be revealed at the Festival’s Closing Night Gala, on Sunday, June 18.
Documentaries
- Against the Tide| 2023 | Director: Sarvnik Kaur
Two fishermen from Mumbai’s Indigenous Koli community confront the impact of the changing environment – and the toll on their friendship – in this intimate doc. Special Jury Award, Sundance 2023.
- Paradise| 2022 | Director: Alexander Abaturov
In this gripping IDFA 2022 award-winning doc, an immense wildfire barrels across the Siberian landscape – and the villagers are left to defend their homes on their own, completely abandoned by Russian authorities.
- Climate Changers| 2023 | Director: Johan Gabrielsson
Join Australian scientist and conservationist Tim Flannery in his global search for genuine leadership on climate change, as he reflects on his own environmentalist journey.
- Rachel’s Farm| 2022 | Director: Rachel Ward
In this uplifting documentary, actor-director Rachel Ward sets out to regenerate her northern NSW beef farm, with the help of experts and neighbours.
Shorts
- After the Smoke| 2023 | Director: Josie Hess
Wendy Farmer, housewife turned activist and founder of Voices of the Valley, recounts how the devastating Hazelwood mine fire led her to find her voice as an activist.
- Wing Threads| 2023 | Director: Christopher M. McCormack
Zoologist turned microlight pilot, Amellia Formby, is on a mission to share her love for migratory shorebirds, whilst searching for solutions to the many threats they face.
- Road Kill Warriors| 2023 | Director: Lara van Raay
400,000 animals are killed on Tasmanian roads every year. Meet the women who are tackling this issue in unique and sometimes controversial ways.
- The Oyster Gardener| 2023 | Director: Kim Ingles
Jolie, a grade-12 student and aspiring marine biologist, joins forces with her community to bring back the lost oyster reefs of the Noosa River.
- Power to Country| 2023 | Director: Josef Jakamarra Egger
A portrait of life thrown into crisis by energy insecurity, Power to Country tells the story of Garrwa woman Shirley’s displacement from traditional homelands and her yearning to return.
- Nyarrpararla Malaju? (Where Have all the Mala Gone?)| 2023 | Director: Anna-Marie Harding
Mala (the Rufous Hare-Wallaby) are very important ancestors in Warlpiri people’s Jukurrpa (Dreaming). So what happens when there are no more Mala?
- The Number 2 Solution| 2023 | Director: Morgan Pelt
Brisbane-based scientists build Australia’s first facility to transform human waste into renewable energy and a sustainable product called Biochar.
- Mamirnikuwi| 2023 | Director: Rebecca Parker
After discovering that her home on the Tiwi Islands is at risk from a huge gas project, Antonia Burke mobilises her community creating the first ever Tiwi Women’s Ranger group.
- Mad About Maggots| 2023 | Director: Elsie Shaw
One third of the food produced every year is thrown away. Because of this, food waste makes up 30 percent of global emissions. Luke Wheat has decided to do something about it.
- For Frogs’ Sake| 2023 | Director: Derek Ho
The story of two female conservationists fighting against time to save the endangered and elusive Giant Burrowing Frogs in regional Victoria.
- Babanil| 2023 | Director: Marlikka Perdrisat
Filmmaker Marlikka Perdrisat forms a dreamlike expression of her intergenerational connection to Country. A connection available to everyone who loves and cares for a place.
Sydney Film Festival runs in cinemas 7-18 June 2023. Tickets and Flexipasses to Sydney Film Festival 2023 are on sale now. Please call 1300 733 733 or visit sff.org.au for more information or to book.
