Cockatoo Island Film Festival

Get ready because Cockatoo Island is about to add yet another chapter to its colourful history. For five days in October, the jewel of Sydney Harbour’s crown will be transformed into a state of the art cinema complex and cultural precinct.

From October 24-28, Australian and International filmmakers and celebrities will converge upon Cockatoo Island to share their work with each other and an audience of over 40,000 film lovers. 

1,000 of those patrons will have the opportunity to camp on-site and immerse themselves fully in this unparalleled cinema event, which includes nightly red carpet galas, glamorous parties, live music and the inaugural Cockatoo Island Classic yacht race.

Featuring the largest competitive film program in Australia, Cockatoo Island Film Festival is a showcase for foreign and local film productions, connecting the Australian and International screen industry and presenting a comprehensive program of panel discussions, forums and master classes.

Supporting the competitive selection will be premiere screenings of major new releases, classic cinema, a program devoted to young people and children, a special program of low-budget indie works, as well as raucous, rowdy, and outrageous midnight screenings. The festival promises to be the most surprising and entertaining festival experience on offer in Australia and beyond.