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Festival Hub

The Hub at Lower Town Hall is where Sydney Film Festival steps off the screen.

<p>Sydney Film Festival 2025 &#8211; Opening Night VIP Pre Reception Party at The Hub, Lower Town Hall, Sydney &#8211; Wednesday 4th June, 2025<br /> Photographer: Belinda Rolland © 2025</p>

Connect with fellow filmgoers and filmmakers, participate in special events and exclusive talks, or grab a drink and a bite to eat with friends as you discuss your Festival faves. The Hub is your space to enjoy your way — you’ll see. While you are there, enjoy a drink from one of our beverage partners – Kirin Ichiban and Mount Yengo Wines.

The Hub address:
Lower Sydney Town Hall
483 George St Sydney NSW 2000
Entry via Druitt St

Open Thurs 4 – Sun 14 June

OPENING HOURS

Saturday & Sunday 10.30am – Late
Monday (public holiday) 11.30am – Late
Tuesday – Friday
(Closed Wed 3 June)		 4.30pm – Late

Happy Hour

Enjoy Happy Hour specials on select beverages between 4:30pm and 6pm each day of the Festival.

TALKS, EVENTS & PARTIES at the Hub

See more
Past Event
Guest
Event
The Academy Awards: A Deep Dive
“What’s your favourite season? - Awards.” The Oscar race may be over—but with the first major premieres at Cannes, it’s just beginning again. Join us for a lively deep dive into everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the Academy Awards and more.
Past Event
Guest
Event
Australiaarrghh! Horror’s Moment in the Australian Sun
Australian horror has emerged as a defining force in contemporary cinema, with films like The Babadook, Talk to Me and Relic signalling both creative and commercial momentum. This panel explores why the genre is thriving now—and what gives Australian horror its distinctive edge. Join filmmakers from Leviticus, and Saccharine. Moderated by Freak Me Out curator Richard Kuipers.
Past Event
Event
Dendy Awards Ceremony and Celebration
Following a screening of all short films nominated for the Dendy Awards for Australian Short Films at Event Cinemas, find out who are the winners of five prestigious cash prizes, and celebrate alongside Australia’s most exciting filmmakers.
Past Event
Event
French Girls – Premiere Party
Strike a pose. Following a premiere screening of the new Australian film French Girls, join members of the film team for a tres chic celebration full of amusmant in honour of the new film, and the entire Sartorial: Fashion on Film program strand.
Past Event
Guest
Event
In Conversation with Peter Weir – The 2026 Ian McPherson Lecture
Presented in partnership with the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS), this year’s Ian McPherson Lecture is a landmark celebration of a lifetime of screen achievement.
Past Event
Event
Letterboxd Members Meet-Up
What are your four favourites? Meet up with fellow film fans from around Sydney and afar and chat about your picks for the Festival (and for life).
Past Event
Guest
Event
Masterclass with Kleber Mendonça Filho
Join recent Oscar nominee for Best Picture (The Secret Agent) and this year’s jury president Kleber Mendonça Filho for an in-depth masterclass on his distinctive approach to storytelling.
Past Event
Event
Platform Pitch – For Film’s Sake Incubator
Back for a fourth year, the For Film’s Sake Incubator challenges emerging filmmakers to form new collaborations and develop original projects over just four days. Their ideas will be pitched live to an expert industry jury—complete with on-the-spot feedback and a live audience.
Past Event
Guest
Event
SFF Film Trivia Nights
Sydney’s most prestigious film trivia trophy is back up for grabs!
Past Event
Guest
Event
Short Story Long: From Shorts to Features
This year, the Festival welcomes back a number of Dendy alumni with new feature films, alongside works emerging from short film initiatives supported by Screen NSW and Screen Australia’s First Nations Department.
Past Event
Event
Umm Kulthum Celebration with Live Music
An evocative afternoon celebrating the legacy of Umm Kulthum — the diva, the lady, the singer, the human; whose storytelling through music has shaped generations.
Past Event
Guest
Event
Women in Film with Ari Wegner
Join the Screen Vixens annual gathering for a conversation with Academy Award nominated cinematographer Ari Wegner (The Power of the Dog).
Past Event
Event
The World’s Best Whistle
Hear mastery of an instrument we all possess – the whistle – from the world’s best, at this special event hosted by Mark Humphries. Follows a premiere screening of new documentary Whistle.
Past Event
Guest
Event
AI and the Budget Filmmaker
What does AI offer filmmakers working with limited resources whilst honouring the work of artists? This forward-looking discussion considers how emerging technologies are reshaping creative workflows, opening new possibilities for storytelling at the lowest budget levels.
Past Event
Event
Body Blow – Premiere Party
The pulsing energy of new Aussie film Body Blow bursts off the screen and into The Hub, at this post-premiere party featuring incredible live performances from stars Paul Capsis, Tim Pocock and more!
Past Event
Guest
Event
Local Talent, Global Storytelling
Presented by Screen Australia this session explores global storytelling through a uniquely Australian lens, and why international perspective is increasingly vital to the industry. Join Selina Miles (Silenced), Camilla Mazzaferro (Whistle) and Andy Huang (Replica) moderated by Screen Australia’s Richard Huddleston.
Past Event
Guest
Event
Masterclass with Andrey Zvyagintsev
Direct from Cannes, the two-time Oscar nominated director will lead a masterclass giving insight into his extraordinary filmography, including his new film Minotaur. In conversation with Jason Di Rosso of ABC Radio National’s The Screen Show.
Past Event
Event
Microbudget Champion: Mark Jenkin
Featuring international voices including microbudget champion Mark Jenkin (Bait, SFF 2019; Rose of Nevada, SFF 2026), this session examines the creative possibilities and challenges of working outside the traditional system. Mark will appear online while Rose of Nevada Executive Producer Neil Fox will appear in person
Past Event
Guest
Event
Microbudget Filmmaking: Aesthetics of the Possible
ABC Radio National's The Screen Show comes to the Festival as host Jason Di Rosso leads a candid discussion with filmmakers on the highs and lows of low-budget production. Featuring voices from across the program, including Hyun Lee (French Girls), Anthony Frith (Mockbuster) and 2025 alumni Christian Byers (Death of an Undertaker).

Filmmaker Lounge

Filmmaker lounge proudly presented by Constellation Creatives

<p>Sydney Film Festival 2025 &#8211; Closing Night After Party at The Hub, Lower Town Hall, Sydney &#8211; Sunday 15th June, 2025<br /> Photographer: Belinda Rolland © 2025</p>
<p>Sydney Film Festival 2025 &#8211; Glendronach Masterclass &amp; Unexpected Gin Horror Happy Hour at The Hub, Lower Town Hall, Sydney &#8211; Friday 13th June, 2025<br /> Photographer: Belinda Rolland © 2025</p>
<p>Sydney Film Festival 2025 &#8211; Opening Night VIP Pre Reception Party at The Hub, Lower Town Hall, Sydney &#8211; Wednesday 4th June, 2025<br /> Photographer: Belinda Rolland © 2025</p>
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Aboriginal FlagTorres Strait Flag

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.

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Search films, venues, guests...
Explore
Browse All Films A-ZTickets and FlexipassesView Calendar
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What's playing at the State Theatre?Official CompetitionWhat's on at the Hub?
Search films, venues, guests...
Explore
Browse All Films A-ZTickets and FlexipassesView Calendar
Suggested Searches
What's playing at the State Theatre?Official CompetitionWhat's on at the Hub?