by FilmInk Staff
Special guest: Indonesian filmmaker Wregas Bhanuteja
Darwin International Film Festival 10-20 September 2026
Opening night of the Darwin International Film Festival will summon the cinematic spirits and dance to life with the NT Premiere of exhilarating Sundance sensation LEVITATING (Para Perasuk), screening under the tropical stars at Darwin’s iconic Deckchair Cinema on Thursday 10 September.
Acclaimed Indonesian director/writer Wregas Bhanuteja – the first Indonesian director to win an award at Cannes Film Festival for his short film Prenjak – joins us in Darwin to present his film and officially open DIFF2026.
Set in a community where ancient trance rituals are uniting people against the pressures of modern change, Levitating is a visually stunning and deeply immersive coming-of-age story. 20 year old Bayu aspires to become the head shaman spirit-channeler of the trance parties, and save his village and its sacred spring from development.
Adding to the on-screen party, the opening night also features live music with Leash and The Dusty Boots, meals to purchase by DeeBee Catering, and general celebratory ambience provided by the sunset, bats, possums and geckos.
DIFF Manager Erin Lucas said “Get set to be transported into the spirit realm through this incredibly cool film, together with the even cooler Indonesian writer/director Wregas Bhanuteja joining us at Deckchair Cinema for opening night of DIFF!”
“The sky is the limit for DIFF 2026, with opening night kicking off 11 days and nights of films under the stars at Deckchair Cinema, and in the aircon at MAGNT! This year we welcome over 30 presenting guests to the festival, including six international guests. We’ll screen the best films from festivals around the globe like Cannes, Berlin and Sundance, plus we have an incredible lineup of NT projects to debut. All will be revealed at the full program launch on Monday, August 10,” she said.
Tickets for Opening Night on sale now at www.diff.net.au!
DIFF2026 PROGRAM LAUNCH – Monday 10 August
The DIFF2026 full program will be unveiled on Monday 10 August at Deckchair Cinema followed by the NT Premiere of THE CYCLE OF LOVE, fresh from its critically acclaimed Australian premiere at the Sydney Film Festival where it was awarded the runner-up prize for Best International Documentary.
With live music from Crystal Robins on the deck, food available to purchase from Saltwater @ Bundilla, join us to discover what’s in store for this year’s celebration of bold, diverse cinema from across the globe at DIFF2026.
In THE CYCLE OF LOVE, a Delhi street artist sets out on a remarkable bicycle journey across continents to reunite with the woman he loves in Sweden. This inspiring documentary blends romance, adventure and destiny into a deeply human true story about self-belief, connection and the courage to follow the heart.
The 11-day Darwin International Film Festival is presented by the Darwin Film Society, NT Government Community Benefit Fund, Tourism and Events NT and Screen Territory. DIFF gratefully acknowledges the support of its Major Government Partner, Screen Australia, alongside City of Palmerston, and Randazzo Properties. We also thank our key venue partners: Deckchair Cinema and the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT).
FLEXIPASSES ON SALE NOW
Our fabulous FLEXIPASS is back for 2026! At $150 you’ll get to experience the magic of DIFF at member’s prices.
Already a member? Purchase a FLEXIPASS and receive a special MEMBERS ONLY thank you gift.
✨ What’s included in your FLEXIPASS?
✅ 10 Entries to any General Admission DIFF screening – that’s $15 per entry
✅ Share it with your friends, family or film-loving crew
✅ Use it how you like – see 10 films yourself or spread the love!
Our FLEXIPASS is the ultimate way to enjoy the festival – flexible, affordable and perfect for those who want to dive into bold stories, global gems and local favourites.
Grab your FLEXIPASS now and get your festival started with our preview event on June 18 and save the date for our program launch on August 10!
OPENING NIGHT TICKETS ON SALE NOW @ DIFF.NET.AU
