Ishtar

Despite writing their own music (and lyrics!), delusional double act Chuck (Hoffman) and Lyle (Beatty) continually bomb in the Big Apple. A chance at a steady gig as hotel lounge singers takes them to Marrakech. There, they’re swept up in an international spy operation involving an undercover revolutionary (Isabelle Adjani), the CIA (Charles Grodin) and the fictional government of Ishtar. A big budget flop that landed Elaine May in ‘movie jail’ on release, the rarely screened and unfairly maligned Ishtar has since won praise as a prescient satire of US foreign policy, and a hilarious buddy comedy. Come for the farcical international intrigue, stay for the deliberately awful, totally endearing songs.

Limited seats are available for patrons requiring access for wheelchairs, low vision and hearing loop. Please contact our ticketing team directly on 1300 733 733 or tickets@sff.org.au to complete your booking.