Oscar - an idealistic poet whose once-promising career has foundered - meets a talented young writer from humble roots. Will his enthusiastic mentorship prove a blessing or a curse? An affectionate artistic satire, described by Variety as an “hilarious fable about trying to lead a creative life” that “succeeds in being both funny and poignant.” DIFF’s first selection from Colombia, it won the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize at Cannes and Best Film by an Emerging Director at Munich Film Festival.

Celebrating the bold and creative storytelling spirit of Australian filmmakers. The Oldest Heart THE OLDEST HEART follows the journey of Australia’s oldest female amateur boxer, Lyn Joy Mills, as she faces her first boxing fight. Lyn’s story goes beyond the physical challenges of boxing; it is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the refusal to allow age or societal expectations to define personal limits. The "Conversation" For her whole life, Judith suspected she was secretly adopted, but was always too afraid to ask her mother. With the help of a few actresses, we gave Judith the chance to re-create this important conversation. While We Still Have Time While We Still Have Time is the debut from daughter-cum-documentary filmmaker, Ava Grimshaw-Hall, who embarks on a poignant journey to connect with her sperm-donor father John, as he battles an aggressive cancer. Together, they explore their unique bond, seeking understanding and closure amidst life’s uncertainties. The Ranch Motel An old run-down motel built in the 1960s is the only crisis accommodation centre on the Mornington Peninsula. Its 12 small rooms provide a home for a tiny percentage of our homeless... but soon they will be evicted as the site is demolished to make way for a new development. Darlinghurst Eats Its Young ‘the future is known, it’s the past that’s always changing’ Based on a box of photographs left to Madeleine after Maggie died by suicide, ‘Darlinghurst Eats Its Young’ is a moving account of a group of friends, artists and musicians living in inner city Darlinghurst in the early 80s. OSKA Set where the desert meets the sea, this short documentary follows a young man (Oska) raised in remote isolation - homeschooled by radio, shaped by the ocean and nurtured by nature. With no running water or reception, his story is one of quiet resilience, saltwater wisdom and a deep connection to Country. Where the World is Quiet Audiences know former Australian of the Year Grace Tame as an advocate for survivors of child sexual abuse. Where the World is Quiet reveals a more personal side of Grace shaped by Autism, auditory processing disorder, and a lifelong need to outrun the noise. Through an immersive soundscape reflecting sensory overwhelm, this film looks at how long-distance running became Grace's refuge. *** Strictly no food or drink permitted in the MAGNT theatrette.

Celebrating the bold and creative storytelling spirit of Australian filmmakers. 2020 Vision One “brave” Aussie dance school decides to tackle the traumas of 2020 head on, in a glittering dance routine celebrating bush fires, the pandemic, and race riots - How else are kids going to make sense of this crazy world? Sweetheart Isaac, a young man unravelling after a profound loss. Caught in a haze of memory, grief, and self-destruction, spiralling through parties, work, and the Australian outback, haunted by flashbacks and surreal encounters, chasing something just out of reach. The line between reality and illusion blurs as he searches for meaning in the aftermath. Salt A boy on a salt flat makes friends with a rock. Half Past Midnight A chance encounter outside a movie theatre forces two strangers to confront their romantic pasts. Famished A Sri Lankan couple struggling to make ends meet have their lives upended when a yuppie Aussie couple enter their small eatery and wreak havoc. Granite Highway Set in the ’90s in a forgotten outback town, Alice, a lonely motel receptionist, becomes obsessed with a missing woman’s case. Over one restless night, paranoia and desire twist reality as she confronts a strange guest who may hold the answers. Granite Highway is a hypnotic, slow burn thriller. Fourteen and Nine Months Fourteen and nine month year old Freya works at the kitchen supply store when a local lesbian couple come in looking to buy a turkey baster. Their unusual request sets Freya on a crash course in queer self-discovery. Double Lines Grappling with relentless thoughts and Harm OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), Jess faces a terrifying drive on a stormy night. As her anxiety mounts, Jess retreats to the safety of a quiet petrol station, where she meets a stranger whose kindness changes the course of her night. Dawn In Paradise Mrs Dawn Willetts waits in the Paradise Meadows shopping centre car park, hoping to be rescued. She doesn’t know their names, but yes, she says that they are definitely coming for her this time. Good luck Mrs Willetts! *** Strictly no food or drink permitted in the MAGNT theatrette.

The Annecy International Animation Film Festival traverses the world far and wide with its "Best of Annecy 2025" program combining a selection of shorts, mainly winning films from the latest Festival. Featuring: Film Gobelins : Virtuoso Zwermen At Night Safo Naive New Beaters - Ye Kou Si Kuo La jeune fille qui pleurait des perles Entre les jours Les bêtes Les bottes de la nuit *** Strictly no food or drink permitted in the MAGNT theatrette.

The "Best of Annecy Kids 2025" assembles funny, touching and poetic short films that children will adore! Featuring: Film Gobelins : Fall Is Again Cardboard A walk into the Afterlife Les Bottes de la nuit Tsuru Big Lizard Le Grand Party annuel des créatures de la Lune Forevergreen Le Tunnel de la nuit Lena's Farm "Volles Nest" *** Strictly no food or drink permitted in the MAGNT theatrette.

We’re bringing the magic of DIFF to Palmerston with our selection of FREE family-friendly screenings for everyone to enjoy with entertainment by Fairy Jill. Cinema treats available to purchase from Curled Ice Cream and Katja’s Delicious Popcorn. J & J Korean will be selling their tasty popcorn chicken, hotdogs, chicken katsu and rice bowls for dinner. Bookings encouraged, walk ups welcome. In this whimsical Kiwi adventure, a precocious 11-year-old is paired with her estranged, illusionist father on a quest to find the mythical black panther. With stunning New Zealand landscapes and heartfelt performances from Elijah Wood and Nell Fisher, it’s a quirky, tender tale of reconnection and self-discovery.

David Gulpilil - Remembrance and Legacy screening A short film showcase highlighting the diversity of David Gulpilil’s career. Showing Melbourne to Maningrida David Gulpilil takes a tour of Melbourne as a young man. 3 Dances Three traditional Aboriginal dances performed by David Gulpilil. Mimi A satirical short mocking white collectors who buy Indigenous art as mere investment. Crocodile Dreaming Burrimmilla and his brother Charlie return a sacred stone to its rightful place at their mother’s burial site. Messiah An unlucky Irishman and his Parisian girlfriend cross paths with a mischievous stranger who upends their plans. *** Strictly no food or drink permitted in the MAGNT theatrette.

Rewind the clock and step into a world of flannel shirts, platform shoes, and soundtracks that defined a generation as we dive headfirst into the gloriously gritty, stylishly chaotic universe of 1990s cinema - a decade where indie met MTV, and movie stars didn’t just act, they influenced culture. So grab your popcorn, strike your best '90s pose, and settle in for a night of unforgettable moments on the big screen. The past is back and it’s dressed to kill. Film synopsis: 1990s cult classic Empire Records captures the chaotic charm of a single day in an independent record store. With an ensemble cast including Liv Tyler and Renée Zellweger, this coming-of-age comedy blends youthful rebellion, heartfelt moments, and an absolutely iconic soundtrack into a nostalgic celebration of music and misfits.

Celebrating Indigenous stories and filmmakers from around Australia. Ngarridurndeng Kured Ngarridurndeng Kured follows Dean, his family and the Indigenous Fire Rangers he leads into the heart of Kuwarddewardde. Ancient rhythms and traditional practices combine with western science to create a unique relationship with the wildfires and support the return of Binninj Nawarddeken to their traditional homelands and ways of life. Wadjemup Wirin Bidi Wadjemup has been a significant place for the First People of this land for at least 40,000 years. Once part of the mainland, it became an island as sea levels rose, and remains a place of spiritual significance. It also holds a dark secret which is part of the story of this land… Gumurr-Ḏäl Gumurr-Däl, meaning 'Hard Times', follows Mäpili, a young boy who lost his will to live from being trapped in a system of disadvantage. Using puppetry and unashamedly colloquial humour, Gumurr-Ḏäl tackles notions of intergenerational trauma and the ways they manifest themselves in modern Aboriginal communities. With special guests Will Porter and Sylvia Nulpinditj. Djarrng – Renewing Stories on Stone Kenneth Mangiru returns to his Country, Djarrng to find significant rock art paintings eroded by a cyclone. Kenneth and a team of artists work to renew the paintings for future generations. *** Strictly no food or drink permitted in the MAGNT theatrette.

DIFF concludes with one of the year’s essential films - winner of the 2025 Cannes Palme d’Or and the headline prize at Sydney Film Festival. A minor accident sets in motion a series of events in which an ex-political prisoner comes to believe he has been reunited with his torturer. An ethically complex thriller by legendary Iranian writer-director Jafar Pahani, who - despite being banned from filmmaking by his government since 2010 and imprisoned several times - is the only living filmmaker to win the top prizes at Cannes, Venice and Berlin. Screeening with short film I'm The Most Racist Person I Know. When Lali unexpectedly ends up on a date with another woman of colour for the first time, it unravels prejudices she has long ignored.

Screen Territory’s “NT on SCREEN” & DIFF present… Enjoy a FREE special screening of the Territory-made family comedy KANGAROO, filmed in and around Alice Springs and presented as part of the “NT on Screen” program. We'll be rolling out the red carpet from 5:30pm for a 6:30pm start. This special screening will feature special guests including STUDIOCANAL CEO ANZ Elizabeth Trotman, lead actor Lily Whiteley, Founder of Alice Springs Kangaroo Sanctuary Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, Producer and star Trisha Morton-Thomas, and Producer Rachel Clements. Inspired by the life of Chris “Brolga” Barns, founder of the Alice Springs Kangaroo sanctuary, former TV personality Chris Masterman (Ryan Corr) finds himself stranded in the remote outback town of Silver Gum (Tangitjarr), where he meets 12-year-old Charlie (Lily Whiteley). Together, they form an unlikely bond caring for orphaned joeys in the heart of Central Australia. Brimming with charm, humour and heart, KANGAROO is a story about friendship, healing, and finding purpose in unexpected places - all set against the spectacular backdrop of the Red Centre. The film features a star studded cast including Ryan Corr, Deborah Mailman, Ernie Dingo, Roy Billing, Wayne Blair, Trisha Morton-Thomas, Brooke Satchwell, Rachel House, Rarriwuy Hick and introduces Lily Whiteley. Don’t miss this heart-warming highlight of the Darwin International Film Festival. Tickets limited. Bookings essential.

Rewind the clock and step into a world of flannel shirts, platform shoes, and soundtracks that defined a generation as we dive headfirst into the gloriously gritty, stylishly chaotic universe of 1990s cinema - a decade where indie met MTV, and movie stars didn’t just act, they influenced culture. So grab your popcorn, strike your best '90s pose, and settle in for a night of unforgettable moments on the big screen. The past is back and it’s dressed to kill. Film Synopsis: Ben Stiller’s directorial debut, Reality Bites, is a witty and heartfelt snapshot of Gen X disillusionment. Comeback Queen Winona Ryder, whose recent rise in Stranger Things proves that '90s cool never fades, leads a stellar cast in this romantic dramedy about post-college uncertainty, artistic ambition, and the messy pursuit of authenticity in a world of corporate compromise.

This touching ‘dramedy’ by Norway’s acclaimed Joachim Trier won the Cannes 2025 Grand Prix. Stellan Skarsgard plays an aging film director who has distant relationships with his two daughters. When he creates a role for his actress daughter Nora (Renate Reinsve - multi-award winner for Trier’s The Worst Person in the World), she turns it down. The actress who then takes the part (Elle Fanning) finds herself drawn into complex family dynamics. “…another rich and humane look at existence from a filmmaker wise to the endless nuance of being a person in the world, for better or worst.” - Vanity Fair Screening with short film Many Histories - Many Stories. Presented by special guest Petrit Abazi. For three hundred years before settlement Macaasan merchant sailors of Sulawesi traversed the Banda and Arafura Sea to trade with North Australian coastal Aboriginal people. Pearl shell, trepang, tobacco and metal were exchanged, but deeper still, histories, innovation, family and blood ties.

A spectacular, apocalyptic ride guaranteed to spark lively conversations. A father arrives with his young son at a rave in the mountains of southern Morocco, searching for his missing daughter. Thinking she may have become part of this subculture, they follow a group of ravers pursuing another party even deeper in the desert. Described by Time Out as “startlingly original, jarringly hilarious and deeply disturbing,” Sirât won the Jury Prize at Cannes 2025.

David Gulpilil - Remembrance and Legacy screening Set against the sweeping beauty of South Australia’s Coorong, Storm Boy is a tender tale of friendship between a lonely boy and an orphaned pelican. Poetic and profoundly moving, this classic Australian film explores the bonds between humans, nature, and the wisdom of those living quietly on the margins. *** Strictly no food or drink permitted in the MAGNT theatrette.

Winner - Best Director, Best Actor and the International Critics’ Prize, Cannes 2025. In the 1970s, with Brazil under military dictatorship, academic Marcelo has powerful enemies - but hopes to find safety by assuming a secret identity. A witty and highly original film which pays homage to the ‘70s while portraying the terrors of this era and how its truths are being uncovered by agents of a new generation. “….a powerful film that ranks not just as one of the best films of the Cannes Film Festival, but one of the best films of the year.” (Awards Watch)

Screen Territory’s “NT on SCREEN” & DIFF present… Celebrate NT on Screen with an exclusive screening of the highly-anticipated new Prime Video series follow up to Top End Wedding, Top End Bub starring Miranda Tapsell and Gwilym Lee. After a family tragedy, high flying lawyer Lauren and her husband Ned abandon their city lives and return to the tropical north of Australia where they discover they are now the guardians of Lauren’s orphaned young niece Taya. The special event screening is supported by Screen Territory under its “NT on Screen” banner in collaboration with DIFF, marks the opening of Screen Territory’s premium industry event, the NT Screen Summit, and will feature the first three episodes of the 8-part series, with special guests from the cast and crew in attendance! With special guests Miranda Tapsell, Joshua Tyler, Shari Sebbens, Rosemary Blight, Ben Grant, Libby Collins

In celebration of the new Prime Video series Top End Bub, we take you back to where it all began with this FREE screening of Top End Wedding. Bookings encouraged, walk ups welcome. Bursting with heart, humour, and the breathtaking beauty of the Northern Territory, Top End Wedding is a joyous romantic comedy about love, identity, and reconnecting with family. Miranda Tapsell charms as bride-to-be Lauren in this uplifting journey to reunite her parents and pull off her dream wedding.

This tender, genre-blending sci-fi dramedy from Pavlo Ostrikov shares the story of a lonely Ukrainian space trucker who thinks he is the last human alive after Earth’s destruction. With deadpan humour and aching sincerity, it’s a cosmic love story about connection, hope, and the quiet defiance of reaching for someone in the void. Completed against enormous odds after the invasion of Ukraine, the film won the 2025 Boston Science Fiction Film Festival ‘Best Feature’ Award.

David Gulpilil - Remembrance and Legacy screening Nicolas Roeg’s Walkabout is a hypnotic, visually stunning exploration of survival, culture, and connection in the Australian outback. When two city-bred siblings are stranded in the wilderness, they are guided by an Aboriginal boy on his ceremonial journey. A poetic, unforgettable masterwork of visual storytelling. *** Strictly no food or drink permitted in the MAGNT theatrette.

We Bury the Dead reimagines the zombie genre as an atmospheric meditation on grief and survival. Daisy Ridley delivers a quietly gripping performance as Ava, a woman searching for her missing husband in post-apocalyptic Tasmania, where the dead don’t always stay buried. While Mark Coles Smith is unlike anything you’ve seen him in before! This visually stunning, emotionally resonant thriller premiered at South by Southwest (SXSW). It has made its way around the Australian Film Festival circuit and now reaches Darwin for its Northern Territory premiere. Presented by special guest, director Zak Hilditch.

YURLU | COUNTRY is a deeply moving and beautifully captured documentary chronicling Banjima Elder Maitland Parker’s final year as he fights to heal his ancestral land that has been devastated by asbestos contamination. Through breathtaking cinematography and intimate storytelling, the film captures a powerful legacy of cultural resilience and environmental justice. Winner of the Doc Edge 2025 The Edge of Impact award. With special guests director Yaara Bou Melhem, cinematographer Tom Bannigan, family of Maitland Parker, Marjorie Hughes, Coreen Parker, Carmel Parker and Renira Parker, ECNT Director Kirsty Howey, and Peter Garrett - environmentalist, activist, former politician, and lead singer, Midnight Oil. Sponsored by Environment Centre NT