DIFF 2026 is just around the corner, and our Programming Committee is already scouring the globe for the very best local, national and international cinema to bring to Darwin audiences. But why wait until September? We’re bringing the festival spirit forward with a special one-night-only screening on June 18. The perfect taste of what’s to come. Book your tickets now and join us for this exclusive event, then save the date for the full Program Launch on August 10. We can’t wait to share what’s in store. *** BIRDS OF WAR follows London-based Lebanese journalist, Janay, and Syrian activist Habak over 13 years, using personal archives to tell a love story across war, revolutions and exile. Young BBC reporter Janay Boulos first contacts Syrian cameraman Abd Alkader Habak (“Habak”) for footage during the final months of the four-year battle for Aleppo in 2016, one of the bloodiest and most decisive turning points in Syria’s brutal civil war. Their professional relationship deepens as Janay discovers more about the extraordinary young man documenting the violence for her reports. Through texts, video exchanges, voice messages, and shared moments from afar, the bond between them strengthens, while at the same time Habak’s world becomes increasingly perilous amid chemical attacks and continuous bombardment. When an act of compassion puts Habak in danger and he is forced to flee Syria, he and Janay’s relationship enters a new phase: for the first time, they meet in person, in Turkey. Distance, war, cultural differences and familial judgements temporarily fade as the two wrap themselves in a cocoon of safety, away from the terror back home. Still, they are never far from the question that would soon enough come to haunt them: Would it be possible for two people from such disparate worlds to build a life together? *** Viewer advice: This film contains strobe effects. *** Strictly no food or drink permitted in the MAGNT theatrette.

Our fabulous FLEXIPASS is back for 2026! At $150 you'll get to experience the magic of DIFF at member's prices. Already a member? Purchase a FLEXIPASS and recieve a special MEMBERS ONLY thank you gift during the festival in September. More details to come! ✨ What’s included in your FLEXIPASS? ✅ 10 Entries to any General Admission DIFF screening - that's $15 per entry ✅ Share it with your friends, family or film-loving crew ✅ Use it how you like - see 10 films yourself or spread the love! Our FLEXIPASS is the ultimate way to enjoy the festival - flexible, affordable and perfect for those who want to dive into bold stories, global gems and local favourites. Grab your FLEXIPASS now and get your festival started with our preview event on June 18 and save the date for our program launch on August 10! *** CONFIRMATION EMAIL You will receive an email confirmation of your purchase. This is not your FLEXIPASS. Please allow three (3) business days for staff to contact you to let you know your pass is ready for collection. IMPORTANT INFORMATION Passes can be used at any general admission paid screenings at DIFF, excluding premium price ticketed events for a maximum of 10 uses. Passes are flexible and can be shared with others to purchase multiple tickets to the same screening. Passes are valid for use at DIFF in the year of purchase only. BOOKINGS Passes can be used to book online and for entry on the door. Tickets are not guaranteed unless booked in advance. In person Deckchair Cinema (10.00am – 7.00pm) Online diff.net.au/box-office Email [email protected] All screenings will start promptly on time. If a screening sells out, DIFF will release ‘no-show’ bookings as early as 10 minutes after the scheduled start. Passes are not replaceable, treat them like cash. Member gifts - you must be a member at the time of your FLEXIPASS purchase to receive a MEMBERS ONLY gift. Limited to one gift per member.