Olmo

Directed by Fernando Eimbcke

United States

2025

84 mins

Unclassified 15+

Olmo is stuck at home with his family, whilst his crush throws a party nearby. The mission: sneak out with the stereo. A winning combo of humour, heart and disco illuminate this 1979 New Mexico set charmer. Berlinale 2025.

If ever there was “a film we need right now”, it’s this winning story of love and family out of New Mexico from Fernando Eimbcke (Lake Tahoe, SFF 2008). It’s 1979, and Olmo (Aivan Uttapa, superb), aged 14 and with the dial on his adolescence turned all the way up, has a desperate crush on neighbour Nina. He also has a bedridden father requiring constant care, a roller skating-obsessed sister, and a devoted mother trying to save the family from eviction. But Olmo’s primary concern is how to get his family’s stereo system to Nina’s party tonight – which just might lead to his horny, hormone-fuelled dreams becoming a reality. Effortlessly combining teen angst comedy with heartfelt working-class family drama, Olmo rings exquisitely true at every turn. Plus, the soundtrack rocks!

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.

“Unfolds with the warm glow of a memory piece but none of the gooey sentimentality.”

Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter

“Spare, minimalist treatment, compassion and wry, deadpan humour define this story about the tragicomic efforts of the titular teenager to make his way, against all the odds, to a party.”

Jonathan Holland, Screen International

“In these dark times, here is a film that shines a light and becomes urgent, even necessary, by simply providing a window into the humanity of a single family, one in many ways that is universal. Olmo gives us hope and lifts the heart.”

Pete Hammond, Deadline Hollywood Daily

“Unfolds with the warm glow of a memory piece but none of the gooey sentimentality.”

Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter

Tickets

Wed 4 June 2025, 6:30pm

Past Event

Event Cinemas George Street - Cinema 9

Event George St - Cinema 9

Fri 6 June 2025, 6:15pm

Past Event

Dendy Newtown - Cinema 1

Sun 15 June 2025, 6:30pm

Past Event

Event Cinemas George Street - Cinema 11

Event George St - Cinema 11

See more, save more with a Flexipass or Youth Pass

Sydney Film Festival acknowledges Australia’s First Nations People as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land, and pay respect to the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, upon whose Country SFF is based.

We honour the storytelling and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.

Don’t miss a thing!

Whether you’re in Sydney or one of our rural locations, sign up to our newsletters for all the latest news and offers.

SFF

About

Support

General Enquiries

Ticketing Enquiries

Office Hours

MONDAY – FRIDAY: 9AM – 5PM AEDT

Discover