The first Sydney Film Festival was held in June 1954, at the University of Sydney in four halls. This annual event has since grown into a 13 day affair that draws international and local attention, with films being showcased in several venues across the city centre.

Each year the festival brings the best new films from around the world to audiences right here in Sydney. As well as brand new features from over forty countries, we screen short films, Australian films, documentaries and archive titles, many of which are recently restored. The festival hosts a number of awards to recognise excellence in filmmaking, including the Dendy Awards for Australian Short Films, (which are Academy Award eligible) and the Official Competition, which celebrates 'courageous and audacious filmmaking'.