Presented by World Expeditions, the 2026 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour delivers a thrilling 3-hour adventure through the world of extreme mountain sports. Experience the most captivating short films from fearless explorers, trail runners, mountain bikers, skiers, paddlers and climbers who push boundaries across the globe. Following the legendary Banff Mountain Festival—the world's largest and most prestigious mountain celebration held annually in Canada's stunning Banff—this tour brings the very best to audiences worldwide. From over 300 exceptional films showcasing mountain sport, culture, environment, adventure and exploration, only the most outstanding award winners and crowd favourites are selected for the global journey spanning 390 communities across 35 countries. The Australian programme presents an extraordinary collection of short films captured in Earth's wildest and most remote locations. Prepare for breathtaking cinematography that transports you to impossible places, compelling stories that challenge perspectives, and heart-pounding action sequences that will leave you breathless. This is adventure filmmaking at its absolute finest. The original and the best mountain film festival is an Adventure Reels event. For more details visit www.banffaustralia.com.au

In a pandemic-shadowed New Mexico town, a standoff between a right-wing sheriff and liberal mayor ignites ideological fury - into dark, absurdist violence. Eddington (2025) is a daring genre-defying film from Ari Aster that fuses neo-Western grit with sharp social satire. Set amid the chaos of May 2020, Eddington, New Mexico is thrown into ideological turmoil as Sheriff Joe Cross - an anti-mandate, polarising figure played by Joaquin Phoenix - sparks a high-stakes conflict with progressive Mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal). This isn’t just a power struggle; it's a hallucinatory descent into paranoia, disinformation, and the erosion of community. As neighboring families fracture under fear and mistrust, conspiracies, performative activism, and a creeping paranoia propel the town to violence. Emma Stone, Austin Butler, and Luke Grimes round out a charged ensemble reflecting fractured perspectives and radicalization. Cinematographer Darius Khondji frames the landscape as both stark and surreal, amplified by Lucian Johnston’s sharp editing and Daniel Pemberton’s tense score. Premiering at Cannes in May and released in July 2025, Eddington has provoked intense debate - some calling it a necessary confrontation, others questioning its tone. Subversive, visually arresting, and emotionally bruising, this film demands viewers face the existential fractures of a society undone.

A socially awkward dad becomes obsessed with his charismatic neighbor, sparking a surreal and crashing descent into male friendship gone horrifyingly wrong. Friendship (2025) is Andrew DeYoung’s audacious feature debut - a darkly comic and surreal satire on male intimacy in crisis. Craig, a emotionally stunted PR executive, is drifting through life in suburban Clovis while supporting his cancer-recovered wife, Tami, and keeping a distant rapport with his teen son. When he meets his alluring new neighbor Austin - an affable TV weatherman - Craig’s desperation for friendship spirals into cringe-comedy territory. Tim Robinson embodies Craig’s off-kilter vulnerability, while Paul Rudd’s Austin offers effortless charm. As Craig’s intrusive attempts escalate - hallucinogenic rituals, soap-mumbo, tunnel adventures, a gun-centric breakdown - the film veers into absurd, often uncomfortable territory. Stylistically, it blends suburban realism with surrealism and whispers of Kaufman-esque unease. Following a Midnight Madness premiere at TIFF 2024, Friendship earned acclaim for its fearless tone, uncompromising satire, and audacious performances. A24’s theatrical release in May 2025 amplified its reputation as one of the year’s boldest comedies. Strange, unsettling, and laugh-out-aloud uncomfortable, Friendship is a dark mirror to modern masculinity and the yearning for genuine connection - even at the point of self-destruction.

Fundraiser for Classic Holden Car Club of the Northern Territory Inc. on 02/11/2025. Caterer: Yogis Way In a 1950s high school, a summer romance between a greaser and a sweet newcomer ignites a whirlwind of music, dance, and teenage dreams. Grease is the high-octane musical that defined a generation and continues to win new fans. Set in 1950s America, it follows the story of Danny Zuko, the cool leader of the T-Birds, and Sandy Olsson, the wholesome new girl in town. After a romantic summer together, the two unexpectedly reunite at Rydell High - only to discover that their lives and reputations might not fit so easily together. What follows is a lively mix of teenage antics, love triangles, and friendship drama, all set to one of the most iconic soundtracks in cinema history. From the charm of “Summer Nights” to the swagger of “Greased Lightnin’” and the show-stopping finale of “You’re the One That I Want,” the film overflows with memorable moments. Directed by Randal Kleiser and based on the hit stage musical, Grease blends nostalgia for the 1950s with the style and energy of 1970s pop culture. With irresistible chemistry between John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, and a colourful supporting cast, it remains a feel-good celebration of young love, self-expression, and the enduring power of music and dance.

Catering by DeeBee Catering. *** A terminally ill taxi driver travels from Broken Hill to Darwin for voluntary euthanasia, finding friendship, love, and unexpected reasons to live along the way. Last Cab to Darwin is a poignant, warmly comic Australian road movie about life, death, and the unexpected turns in between. Rex, a Broken Hill taxi driver, has spent his life avoiding deep connections. When diagnosed with terminal cancer, he makes a bold decision: to drive over 3,000 kilometres to Darwin, where new euthanasia laws could allow him to die on his own terms. His solitary journey is quickly disrupted by unexpected passengers: a resourceful young drifter, an Aboriginal nurse with strong views, and a host of locals who challenge his assumptions. Each encounter chips away at his emotional reserve, revealing unspoken regrets and a capacity for connection he thought long lost. Directed by Jeremy Sims and adapted from Reg Cribb’s stage play, the film showcases Michael Caton in a career-defining role, alongside powerful performances from Ningali Lawford-Wolf, Mark Coles Smith, and Jacki Weaver. Sweeping Outback vistas and moments of gentle humour balance the film’s exploration of mortality, personal freedom, and the value of human connection. Ultimately, Last Cab to Darwin is less about the end of the road and more about the discoveries made along the way.

A high-end matchmaker in New York navigates romance, status, and survival when faced with a choice between love and luxury in this razor-sharp relationship drama. In this wry and poignant romantic dramedy, a New York City matchmaker renowned for pairing clients with luxury and status finds herself entangled in her own romantic predicament: torn between a glamorous financier and her devoted ex‑actor. Her journey unfolds against the backdrop of modern dating’s transactional undercurrents, offering an incisive critique of how capitalism infiltrates intimacy. With razor‑sharp dialogue and richly drawn characters, the film balances satirical wit with emotional vulnerability - presenting glamorous cityscapes alongside the quieter truths of connection. Directed by Celine Song, whose previous work earned an Oscar nomination, and featuring strong performances from Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal, the film illuminates the reassessment of what truly matters in love. A haunting, elegant score by Daniel Pemberton, aided by contributions from Japanese Breakfast and Baby Rose, enriches its tonal complexity. As the narrative unfolds, it reveals that genuine affection often defies expectations - and that love, at its most hopeful, can resist the commodifying grip of modern life.

In Thatcher‑era London, a Pakistani‑British man and his white ex‑punk revamp a laundrette while defying race, class, and sexuality norms. Set against the austerity and ambition of 1980s London, this film follows Omar, a young British‑Pakistani man who restores a decrepit laundrette with help from his childhood friend Johnny, now a disaffected punk. Their work together grows into a cautious but tender romance, unfolding amid the social tensions of race, class, and Thatcherite enterprise. From its modest television origins, the film gained a theatrical release and became a cultural landmark. It launched careers - ushering in Daniel Day‑Lewis’s rise, marking a powerful cinematic voice for Stephen Frears and Hanif Kureishi, and laying the foundation for Working Title Films and composer Hans Zimmer’s celebrated portfolios. Blending vibrant satire with heartfelt humanism, the story celebrates love’s quiet defiance amid political undercurrents. Its continued resonance, particularly at the 40th anniversary re‑release, reaffirms its place as a timeless, courageous tale of dignity and desire.

Through candid conversations with his daughter, this revealing documentary uncovers the private life of satirist John Clarke - a visionary who spoke truth with wit. But Also John Clarke is a deeply personal and affectionate documentary exploring the life and legacy of one of the antipodes’ most beloved satirists. Directed by his daughter, Lorin Clarke, the film weaves together a series of candid conversations, archival footage, television highlights, and cherished personal letters to reveal the man behind the laugh lines. Spanning a career that included iconic personas like Fred Dagg, razor-sharp Clarke & Dawe mock interviews, and inventive political satire, the film traces the evolution of his irreverent but thoughtful humour - from childhood skepticism to cultural icon. Interwoven with tributes from peers and glimpses into his creative process, it offers both warmth and wisdom. Set to debut at the Melbourne International Film Festival, this intimate portrait celebrates a quietly revolutionary figure who always trusted his audience’s intelligence. It’s a gentle, insightful tribute to a life lived with subtle subversion, depth, and abiding humanity.

Designed to mesmerise and enthral, the Ocean Film Festival World Tour showcases a 3 hour celebration of our oceans composed of sublime footage taken above and below the water’s surface. This unique collection of short films from around the globe document the beauty and power of the ocean, and celebrate the divers, surfers, swimmers and oceanographers who live for the sea’s salt spray; who chase the crests of waves; and who marvel at the mysteries of the big blue. The films feature captivating cinematography, complete with awe-inspiring underwater scenes and fast-paced wave sequences that have been captured from unbelievable vantage points. Inspiring and thought-provoking, the Ocean Film Festival World Tour is filled with moving footage, touching interviews and insightful narrations. Each of the festival’s films conveys a deep respect and appreciation for the world’s oceans and the creatures that call them home. Find out more at www.oceanfilmfestival.com.au

A special screening in tribute to Akio Hoshi, beloved local musician and restaurateur. The evening will begin with a live performance by some of Akio’s friends from the Darwin music community, followed by a screening of Plotting the Northern Stars, a film in which Akio features. Plotting The Northern Stars is a thrilling, heart-warming documentary that follows an ambitious emerging artist on a six-month odyssey to create a multicultural musical masterpiece in the heart of Northern Australia.

When a little girl’s monster drawings magically come to life, she and her family must team up for a fun, heartfelt adventure full of surprises. Sketch is a heartwarming and imaginative family film about what happens when childhood creativity comes to life - literally! When young Amber’s monster-filled drawings magically leap off the page, her small town is soon buzzing with colourful, quirky creatures that are anything but ordinary. Alongside her brother Jack and their well-meaning dad Taylor (played by Tony Hale), Amber sets out to bring order to the playful chaos and learn a little more about herself along the way. Filled with humour, warmth and a whole lot of imagination, Sketch is a lighthearted adventure that gently explores big emotions like grief and change through fun, family-friendly storytelling. With sweet moments and wild monster fun, it’s a story that celebrates creativity, teamwork, and the magic that happens when families come together. Whether it’s your little one’s first cinema trip or a weekend outing for the whole family, Sketch offers something special for viewers of all ages.

A wealthy recluse invites his favourite estranged folk duo to his remote island, forcing a reckoning of their past, their music, and themselves. The Ballad of Wallis Island unfolds as a quietly powerful meditation on artistic fallout, nostalgia and middle-aged disillusionment. Charles (Tim Key), a socially awkward lottery winner, invites his favourite defunct folk duo - Herb (Tom Basden) and Nell (Carey Mulligan) - to his private island for a one-night-only reunion concert. But what begins as an indulgent fantasy quickly exposes the scars left by decades of unspoken tension, bruised egos, and creative estrangement. David Kerr’s direction leans into stillness, awkwardness and the poetry of silence, while the live-performed folk songs function as both confession and emotional glue. Mulligan’s understated presence brings surprising weight, while Key and Basden are pitch-perfect in navigating absurdity and vulnerability. Set against the eerie quiet of a windswept Welsh island, the film is a portrait of three people searching - perhaps in vain - for meaning in the art that once defined them. With its minimalist aesthetic, melancholic humour, and piercing insights into human connection, The Ballad of Wallis Island is a beautifully measured adult dramedy that lingers like a half-forgotten melody.

When a New York writer inherits her late friend’s Great Dane, she finds herself in an unexpectedly heartwarming journey through grief, humour, and healing. The Friend is a quietly touching film about unexpected companionship, gentle healing, and life’s small surprises. Naomi Watts stars as Iris, a reserved New York writer navigating the loss of her closest friend and mentor. Her already quiet life is upended when she inherits his beloved Great Dane - a towering, soulful presence who doesn’t quite fit into her apartment or her plans. At first, Iris and her new housemate seem impossibly mismatched. But as the days pass, the dog’s calm loyalty and odd habits begin to fill the silent spaces left behind by grief. What unfolds is a warm, reflective story about adjusting to change, rediscovering purpose, and finding comfort in new routines. With light humour, thoughtful moments, and a strong emotional core, The Friend is a gentle, character-driven story that blends introspection with quiet charm. Based on the best-selling novel by Sigrid Nunez, it explores how even the smallest acts of kindness - whether offered by a person or a pet - can help us take the next step forward.

A successful stage designer returns home for a farewell visit, stirring up past loves, familial conflict and the pull of a life abroad in equal measure. A successful stage designer abruptly leaves Europe for what he believes will be a tender farewell to his dying mother in his childhood town. What unfolds is a portrait rich in emotional texture—a return that unearths unresolved tensions with his estranged father, rekindles past romances, and is disrupted by the eccentricities of old friends and a spirited sister. Filmed amid the landscapes of regional Western Australia, the film captures the spirit of small‑town life with warmth and subtle humour. Director Bruce Beresford, acclaimed for his gift in melding gentle comedy with emotional truths, delivers a narrative that is at once personal and universal. Anchored by a compelling performance from Luke Bracey, supported by Bryan Brown and Susie Porter, the film reveals the way home can be both a beginning and an ending. A thoughtful dramedy about legacy, belonging and how love persists even amidst the messiness of family.

A serene, cinematic reflection on compassion and inner peace as the Dalai Lama, nearing 90, addresses the world directly, offering timeless guidance. This evocative documentary offers a rare and intimate encounter with one of the most revered spiritual leaders of our time, who speaks directly to the viewer with warmth, clarity, and compassion. Through gently framed conversation, rare archival footage and cinematic visuals, the film invites reflection on inner peace, empathy, and our shared responsibility in a turbulent, interconnected world. Created by Swiss filmmakers with an eye for visual poetry and emotional truth, the film balances the personal with the universal. From its gala premiere at an internationally renowned film festival to its thoughtful festival circuit presence, the film has already resonated with audiences seeking mindful storytelling and soulful insight. With a thoughtful score, tranquil landscapes and the presence of a guiding voice, this documentary unfolds as both a visual meditation and a gentle call toward harmony - an invitation to pause, reflect, and carry forward a message of compassion.