Sydney Film Festival’s Programming team works non-stop to review thousands of submissions every year, attend premiere screenings across the world, unearth the best local talent, and select award-winning films from film festivals across the globe. Meet the programmers and curators behind the 2025 SFF program.

Over the last two decades, Nishtha Jain has played a major role in revitalising the field of Indian independent documentary, with her films – works of searing observation steeped in themes of feminism, class, and caste – receiving numerous awards at festivals the world over.

50 years after Bruce Petty’s iconic artwork graced the cover of the Sydney Film Festival program guide, we’re bringing it back for a new generation.