The 2nd Inner West Film Fest [IWFF] have announced the first five films from this year’s program, including actor and director Faouzi Bensaïdi’s comical road film, DÉSERTS, which premiered at the Cannes Director’s Fortnight; and the Australian premiere of DRUGSTORE JUNE, co-written, produced and starring comedian Esther Povitsky, with a side-splitting support cast, including Beverly D’Angelo, James Remar, Haley Joel Osment, Bobby Lee and executive producers Bill Burr and Al Madrigal, in this satire promising to leave audiences grinning (and groaning). Also not to be missed is writer-director Ally Pankiw’s directorial debut feature, I USED TO BE FUNNY, starring rising star Rachel Sennott (BOTTOMS; SHIVA BABY) as a promising stand-up, in this moody dramedy that’s both funny and heartbreaking in its honest and refreshing look at trauma and recovery. And, also an Australian premiere, the latest film from award-winning director/screenwriter/producer Denys Arcand [BARBARIAN INVASIONS, JESUS OF MONTRAL], TESTAMENT, which pokes fun at political correctness, identity politics, protests and cultural scandals, while humorously teasing both sides of the divisive Fence.
“The 2nd Inner West Film Fest is set to expand to various surrounding locations within the Inner West, and the festival will run continuously for 10 days, bringing communities together to celebrate storytelling,” festival co-director Dov Kornits commented “We have consciously leaned into comedy with the programming, because, let’s face it, that’s what the world needs right now. Not only will many of the films evoke laughter, but they will also challenge your cinematic sensibilities.”
IWFF will also celebrate the 45th Anniversary of writer/director William Richert’s satirical black comedy thriller, WINTER KILLS (1979), endorsed by Quentin Tarantino. The film is inspired by assassination conspiracy theories surrounding President John F. Kennedy and features an all-star cast including Jeff Bridges, John Huston, Anthony Perkins and many more.
The deadline for the Pitching Competition has been extended until 21 March 2024. This presents a unique opportunity to pitch in front of industry specialists and network with like-minded creatives. We encourage all interested participants to take advantage of this extended deadline and submit their innovative concepts for consideration. The festival has also announced this year’s Pitching competition jury:
–Award-winning actor-producer-director-writer Jeremy Sims (RAMS; LAST CAB TO DARWIN) is also the founder of Pork Chop Productions. Jeremy currently has four feature films and two television projects in development including season 2 of RFDS and EVERYTHING I NEVER DID. Jeremy is also actively involved in theatre both locally and internationally
– Emmy®-nominated director and writer Sally Aitken is renowned for her visually arresting work characterised by sensitivity and humour. Sally has had two feature documentaries, PLAYING WITH SHARKS and EVERY LITLE THING, premiere in competition at the Sundance Film Festival. Additionally, her documentary DAVID STRATTON: A CINEMATIC LIFE, premiered in official competition at the Cannes Film Festival where it garnered a nomination for the Camera d’Or.
– Producer Aline Jacques is a creative and strategic media executive who has developed and produced content across a wide range of genres for many of the world’s major broadcasters and distributors. Her credits include the ABC 3-part documentary series DESIGNING A LEGACY, INCONCEIVABLE on SBS, and HOT POTATO: THE STORY OF THE WIGGLES on Prime Video. Aline also co-founded the independent production company, SAM Content, with acclaimed documentary filmmaker Sally Aitken.
– Founder and Creative Director of The Solid State, Walter Bienz, has delivered over 400 film campaigns over the last two decades and has worked closely to execute marketing campaigns for some of the key industry players, including Universal, Roadshow, Transmission, Amazon, and Stan.
–Head of Scripted Originals at Foxtel Group, Lana Greenhalgh, specialises in strategy, development, and production for all Foxtel Group scripted commissions. Lana serves as one of the Executive Producers for the BINGE Original series LOVE ME, starring Hugo Weaving, Bojana Novakovic, and Heather Mitchell. Lana is currently working on the upcoming TV series THE LAST ANNIVERSARY, where she serves as an Executive Producer alongside John Polson, Jodi Matterson, Nicole Kidman, and others.
– Arenamedia Executive Producer Robert Patterson brings extensive experience in content creation, sales, and marketing. Robert has played a pivotal role in overseeing the national expansion of the company and forging co-production partnerships between Arenamedia and major producers in the UK and the US. As an Executive Producer, Robert has worked on a number of feature films, including EMILY, directed by Frances O’Connor, and SWEET AS, directed by Jub Clerc, which opened the 2023 Inner West Film Fest. Currently, he is in production with director Adam Elliott’s stop-motion animated feature MEMOIR OF A SNAIL.
