Ever wanted to watch a film and immediately grill the director?
Published
The directors you could meet during Sydney Film Festival, right here at the House.
You’re probably used to watching films without the director in the room. Any praises, thoughts, or questions you have are left shared with whoever you’re with at the time. But imagine if you could question the actual director about their film right after watching it? Well, at Sydney Film Festival this year, you can. We’re screening a wide selection of films as part of the festival, and some come paired with a special director Q&A. Check out the directors you could meet below.
P.J. Hogan
P.J Hogan is a revered homegrown director and screenwriter. He successfully jumped over to Hollywood with films such as My Best Friend’s Wedding and Peter Pan.
Muriel’s Wedding is an Australian classic, released in 1994 and newly restored in 4K. Go back in time with a breakout performance from Toni Collette and a joyful ABBA soundtrack. The film follows Muriel as she ditches her small beach town for a much more colourful Sydney.
Samuel Van Grinsven
Sydney-based New Zealand-born filmmaker Samuel Van Grinsven stunned with his debut Sequin in a Blue Room. A coming-of-age tale about a gay teenager: now armed with his second feature, his creative vision is even more potent on screen.
Went up the Hill is not your typical ghost story. It follows the aftermath of Elizabeth’s passing. Her son Jack (Dacre Montgomery) attempts to connect with her widow, Jill (Vicky Krieps). But things get strange when Elizabeth’s spirit begins to possess them both.
Jennifer Peedom
Jennifer Peedom is an acclaimed documentary filmmaker. Her 2015 feature Sherpa, went on to be nominated for a BAFTA.
Deeper is her latest documentary. It centres on Dr. Richard “Harry” Harris, the hero of the 2018 Thai cave rescue, as he attempts the world’s deepest dive in history. Very thrilling stuff.
Georgi M. Unkovski
North Macedonian director Georgi M. Unkovski made a splash with his 2020 short Slicker. Which went on to win over 50 international awards and was nominated at Sundance.
His first full feature DJ Ahmet is a Sundance Audience Award-winner. Set it in a conservative remote village in North Macedonia. 15-year-old Ahmet finds refuge from his surroundings in a secret rave and young romance.
Sophie Somerville
Sophie Somerville is a writer and director based in Melbourne. In 2023, her short film LINDA 4 EVA was selected for Sydney Film Festival and won Best Director as part of the Dendy Awards.
Fwends is her exciting full-feature debut. Follow two twenty-year-olds as they reconnect in Melbourne. Fast-talking, hilarious and insightful, this buddy comedy explores the modern female friendship. Aussie style.
Emma Hough Hobbs, Leela Varghese
Emma Hough Hobbs is a queer filmmaker, animator and production designer from Adelaide. Her short On Film was in competition at SXSW Sydney in 2023. As a props master, they’ve worked on films such as A24’s Talk To Me and Gold starring Zac Efron
Leela Varghese is an Australian writer and director. Her short film I’m the Most Racist Person I Know premiered in the Narrative Short Competition at SXSW Austin in 2025, where it won the Special Jury Award. She also has an accomplished career in television and an award-winning career as a musical comedian.
Lesbian Space Princess is their joint debut feature. Saira is on a mission to rescue her bounty hunter's ex-girlfriend evil incel aliens. Making for a hilarious animated gay-venture through the universe.
These films sure sound great, but there’s even more on offer. Click here to see the full Sydney Film Festival Lineup at the House.