Highlights from the Sydney Film Festival 2026: Must-See Films and Free Events

The Sydney Film Festival 2026 is gearing up to showcase an impressive lineup of 248 films from 81 countries. Among the top highlights are ‘The Death of Robin Hood’, directed by Michael Sarnoski, featuring Hugh Jackman in a dark, revisionist take on the legendary character. ‘The Arab’, from Algerian-French director Malek Bensmaïl, offers a compelling adaptation of Albert Camus’ ‘The Stranger’, giving voice to the previously unnamed Arab victim. Jane Schoenbrun’s ‘Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma’ promises a campy, psychosexual horror experience starring Hannah Einbinder and Gillian Anderson. Australian cinema is well represented with Adrian Chiarella’s debut ‘Leviticus’, exploring the harrowing story of teenagers subjected to gay conversion practices, and Natalie Erika James’ ‘Saccharine’, a body horror film examining toxic beauty standards. Festival-goers can also attend a free fireside chat with legendary director Peter Weir. Other notable screenings include the Italian road movie ‘The Kidnapping of Arabella’, Olivia Wilde’s remake ‘The Invite’, Clara Law’s ‘Ripples in the Mist’, and the Nordic drama ‘Árru’, about a reindeer herder protecting ancestral lands. The festival promises a diverse program, blending socially conscious narratives, international cinema, and genre-bending works for audiences to enjoy.