Harbour City Cinema | Art Gallery of NSW

Sydney’s cinematic history, both glamorous and gritty, is taking center stage with the launch of Sydney Cinémathèque. The inaugural season will be a major retrospective of films made in and about the city, showcasing a diverse range of stories and styles.

A City of Contrasts on Screen

The Cinémathèque’s opening season aims to map Sydney’s “cinematic terrain,” from the neon-lit streets of Kings Cross depicted in Heatwave to the suburban settings of Sweetie and the post-punk energy of Starstruck in The Rocks. Sydney has long been a popular filmmaking location, producing well-known successes like Strictly Ballroom, Muriel’s Wedding, and The Matrix.

Did You Know? Critic Ross Gibson observes that a ‘fist of exploitation’ has gripped Sydney since colonisation through land grabs, greed and corruption.

However, the season also acknowledges a darker side to the city’s image. It will present films that reveal the vice and violence lurking beneath the surface, showcasing Sydney as a noir underworld (Eternity), a bikie hideout (Stone), and a gangster’s playground (Two Hands).

Exploring Sydney’s Identity

The retrospective isn’t limited to coastal areas. Films will transport audiences to locations like Sofala (The Cars That Ate Paris), Wiradjuri Country (Beneath Clouds), and Brewarrina, featuring Essie Coffey’s documentary, My Survival as an Aboriginal. The season will also include works by transnational directors who have filmed in Sydney, such as Clara Law and Ayten Kuyululu.

Expert Insight: This retrospective suggests a deliberate effort to move beyond the typical postcard image of Sydney, acknowledging the complex and often challenging realities that have shaped the city’s history and identity. Presenting both the glamour and the grit allows for a more nuanced understanding of the location and its stories.

Sydney’s portrayal as a site of youthful rebellion is also a key theme. Films like Looking for Alibrandi have resonated with teenage audiences, while cult titles like Going Down and Tender Hooks capture a DIY spirit. The season will also highlight the work of the Sydney Filmmakers’ Co-op and a new generation of directors.

Harbour City Cinema will accompany the screenings with weekly talks and Q&A sessions, offering audiences the opportunity to engage with acclaimed creatives and independent film organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of films will be shown?

The season will include neon-lit thrillers, suburban comedies, post-punk musicals, coastal classics, and films depicting Sydney’s criminal underworld.

Where do the films take place?

Films will be set in locations ranging from Kings Cross and The Rocks to Sofala, Wiradjuri Country, and Brewarrina.

Who will be involved in the screenings?

The screenings will be accompanied by weekly talks and Q&A sessions with acclaimed creatives and representatives from independent film organizations.

Will this retrospective influence future filmmaking in Sydney, or inspire a renewed interest in the city’s cinematic past?