A visitor’s guide to the 2017 Sydney Film Festival

Whether you’re into drama, horror, comedy or sci-fi films, the 64th Sydney Film Festival is bound to have something for you. One of the longest-running film festivals in the world, this exciting annual event will take place from June 7-18 in a variety of venues across Sydney.

This is the place to be if you can’t get enough of quality film, and what better home-base than a fully equipped hotel in Potts Point? With seven of the eleven venues within 30 minutes’ walk and train from The Macleay Hotel, the Sydney Film Festival is a must-do activity for June visitors.

What’s on at the festival?

This year has an impressive lineup – among the actors and actresses featured are Casey Affleck, Ellen Page, Nick Offerman, Mara Rooney, Sally Hawkins and Ethan Hawke. The films range over a vast swathe of subject matter, from a documentary about Filipino maternity hospitals to the story of a metal band that toured North Korea and performed covers of ‘The Sound of Music’.

The festival offers a variety of different opportunities for every niche; in addition to exhibiting contemporary films, the festival will be screening the 1981 horror-comedy classic ‘An American Werewolf in London’ at the Skyline drive-in. If you’re interested in Japanese history, film critic David Stratton will also be presenting a retrospective of ten influential Kurosawa films from June 10-18.

For those interested in going beyond the film screenings, it’s possible to buy tickets to either the Opening or Closing Night Gala, where you can walk the red carpet and sip wine with movie stars. Both galas take place at the State Theatre in downtown Sydney, a beautiful 25-minute walk from Potts Point.

Head to Sydney this June for the city’s 64th annual Film Festival.

Where do I sign up?

Tickets go on sale May 10, and you can purchase them on the Sydney Film Festival website. If you’re planning a trip to Sydney for the festival, be sure to book your accommodation well in advance, as you might be competing with other film buffs for a place to stay!

For a hotel with a great view, look no further than The Macleay Hotel – only a short trip to the various festival venues, our fully-equipped apartments will be perfect for cooking a delicious meal before hitting the town. Enjoy the Sydney Film Festival knowing you have a comfortable and conveniently located place to rest your head afterwards!