The 59th Sydney Film Festival opened last night with the Red Carpet World Premiere of Australian romantic comedy Not Suitable For Children at the State Theatre with an afterparty held at Bungalow 8.

The exclusive event saw the red carpet glittered with actors and filmmakers including the stars of the evening, Sarah Snook and Ryan Corr, whose performances in Not Suitable for Children received rapturous applause. The director Peter Templeman, producer Jodi Matterson and screenwriter Michael Lucas also attended.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore at the opening night of Sydney Film Festival.
All images by Cynthia Sciberras

“Tonight was a fantastic start to the Festival,” said SFF Festival firector Nashen Moodley in his first year as Festival Director.

Other red carpet luminaries included: the young German actress Saskia Rosendahl, Australian actor Ewan Leslie, iconic Bryan Brown with his daughter Matilda; and actors Zoe Ventoura (Packed to the Rafters); Nathaniel Buzolic (The Vampire Diaries); Damian Walsh-Howling, Rob Mills, Matt Day; and more.

Actress Zoe Ventoura on the event red carpet.
All images by Cynthia Sciberras

Upcoming highlights of SFF 2012 include: Billy Connolly introducing the Australian premiere of Disney•Pixar’s Brave at Event Cinemas George Street; Deborah Mailman and Jimi Bani presenting the World Premiere of Mabo at the State Theatre; and US director Colin Trevorrow presenting SFF’s Closing Night Film, the Australian Premiere of sci-fi comedy Safety Not Guaranteed at the State Theatre on Sunday 17 June.

For another 11 nights, the 59th Sydney Film Festival will roll out the red carpet and present 157 films across 8 venues. This year’s program features 17 world premieres (9 features, 8 shorts) and 112 Australian premieres from 51 countries in 51 languages.

Guests gathered at The State Theatre Sydney for the opening event.
All images by Cynthia Sciberras

SFF screens in eight venues across the city including the State Theatre, Event Cinemas George Street, Dendy Opera Quays, Art Gallery of NSW, Apple Store, Grasshopper Lounge and SFFTV@Martin Place. Also new this year is Sydney Film Festival Hub @ Lower Town Hall, a few minutes’ walk from the Festival’s major venues.

The Festival Hub will feature FREE exhibitions, talks, panels, parties, live music, performances, DJs and screenings in the Mitsubishi Theatrette throughout the Festival.

The afterparty took place at Bungalow 8 in Sydney’s Darling Harbour.
All images by Cynthia Sciberras

Sydney Film Festival screens feature films, documentaries, short films and animations across the city at the State Theatre, Event Cinemas George Street, Dendy Opera Quays and the Art Gallery of NSW.

The festival is a major event on the New South Wales cultural calendar and is one of the world’s longest-running film festivals.

The 59th Sydney Film Festival is supported by the NSW Government through Arts NSW, the Federal Government through Screen Australia, and the City of Sydney. The festival’s Strategic partner is the NSW Government through Destination NSW.