Leave a gift in your Will

For more than 70 years, Sydney Film Festival has brought audiences together to experience the power of cinema: stories that challenge, inspire, entertain and connect us.

A gift in your Will, also known as a bequest, is one of the most meaningful ways you can help ensure that Sydney Film Festival continues to thrive for future generations. Gifts of all sizes are deeply valued because they represent a personal commitment to the future of culture, creativity and storytelling.

As a not-for-profit organisation, Sydney Film Festival relies on a combination of earned income, government support, corporate partnerships and philanthropy. Your gift can help safeguard the Festival’s future and strengthen its ability to champion filmmakers, support new voices, welcome diverse audiences, and present world-class cinematic experiences for decades to come.

Today, Sydney Film Festival stands as one of the world’s longest-running and most respected film festivals. In 2025, the Festival welcomed a record 157,000 attendees, presented 242 films from 76 countries, and awarded more than $200,000 in prizes that support filmmakers at every stage of their careers.

A bequest can help ensure that this cultural legacy continues to grow.

Your gift can help future generations discover stories that broaden perspectives, spark conversations and bring communities together.

A gift in your Will could help:

• Keep Sydney Film Festival accessible and vibrant for future generations
• Grow programs that engage young audiences
• Support emerging Australian filmmakers and screen creatives
• Expand access and inclusion initiatives for audiences
• Present international and Australian premieres
• Champion First Nations storytellers and global Indigenous cinema
• Sustain major filmmaker awards and artist development opportunities

Residuary Gift

A residuary bequest is a gift of all or part of the remainder of your estate after loved ones have been provided for and expenses have been paid.

This is often the simplest and most impactful form of bequest, as it automatically adjusts over time with the value of your estate.

Percentage Gift

You may choose to leave a percentage of your estate to Sydney Film Festival.

By nominating a percentage rather than a fixed amount, you can ensure your gift retains its intended value regardless of changes in your assets over time.

Specific Gift

A specific gift is a nominated amount of money left to Sydney Film Festival through your Will.

This option allows you to determine a precise contribution that reflects your wishes and circumstances.

Property, Shares or Other Assets

You may choose to leave shares, property, artworks, collections or other valuable assets.

If you are considering this type of gift, we encourage you to speak with our team so we can better understand your wishes.

Including Sydney Film Festival in your Will is straightforward.

While we cannot provide legal advice, your solicitor may require the following information:

Registered Name: Sydney Film Festival
ABN: 20 000 779 709
Address: Level 2, 10 Hickson Road, The Rocks NSW 2000

Example Bequest Wording:

“I give, devise and bequeath to THE SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL (ABN 84000233741), [insert details of your bequest]  to be applied for the purposes of Sydney Film Festival in such a manner as the Board of Sydney Film Festival may determine. I direct that the receipt of the Chief Executive Officer of the Sydney Film Festival be accepted by my Trustee/s as sufficient discharge for such gift.”

We strongly recommend seeking independent legal advice when preparing or updating your Will.

Speak With Your Loved Ones

We understand that family and loved ones come first when planning your estate.

Talking openly with your family and executor about your intentions can help ensure your wishes are clearly understood and honoured.

Seek Professional Advice

There are legal requirements involved in preparing and signing a Will.

A qualified solicitor can guide you through the available options and help create a Will that reflects your wishes and circumstances.

Update an Existing Will

If you already have a Will, you may be able to add Sydney Film Festival through a Codicil, a formal amendment to your existing Will.

We recommend seeking legal advice to ensure any changes are valid and properly documented.

Making a Will is a deeply personal decision, and any conversations about leaving a gift to Sydney Film Festival will be treated with complete confidentiality and respect.

Whether you have already included Sydney Film Festival in your Will, are considering your options, or simply wish to learn more, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For more information

Contact Eden Tollis for a confidential conversation at any time.