Sydney Film Festival 2026 Unveils Diverse Lineup Featuring Hugh Jackman and Peter Weir
A new wave of international cinema arrives in Sydney, anchored by A-list talent and a rare public appearance by Peter Weir
The Sydney Film Festival 2026 has officially released its programme, presenting a sprawling selection of 248 films drawn from 81 different countries. The lineup is designed to challenge audiences with diverse international cinema, ranging from adaptations of Albert Camus' works to genre-bending narratives that tackle pressing social issues. Among the most anticipated entries is the dark, revisionist take on the classic legend, The Death of Robin Hood, directed by Michael Sarnoski and starring Hugh Jackman.
Sarnoski, known for his previous work on the Nicolas Cage vehicle Pig, helms this A24 production with a provocative approach to the source material. Taglines suggest a story where the legend was a lie and the hero was never who he seemed, positioning Jackman as a figure who cannot be trusted when a beloved character is at stake. This entry promises to be a significant draw for fans of the actor and those interested in reimagining historical myths for a modern era.
The festival also highlights a new direction for Algerian filmmaker Malek Bensmaïl with Leviticus. This adaptation of The Meursault Investigation reclaims the story of Albert Camus' The Stranger, granting a voice and identity to the famously unnamed Arab victim from the original novel. It stands alongside other Camus adaptations in the programme, including a new cinematic version of The Stranger, reflecting a broader cultural interest in the author's legacy.
Horror remains a dominant force in the 2026 schedule, with a particular focus on films that address toxic beauty standards and conversion practices. One notable entry is Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, described as a psychosexual horror co-starring Hannah Einbinder and Gillian Anderson. The film follows a filmmaker hired to resurrect an 80s slasher franchise who becomes entangled in a blood-soaked world of desire and fear.
Another standout in this genre is the Australian debut feature from Adrian Chiarella, which generated significant buzz at Sundance. The film explores a conservative Christian community where two teenage boys are forced to undergo gay conversion practices, unleashing a sinister force that stalks them. This narrative exemplifies the festival's aim to showcase socially conscious stories that utilise the malleability of the horror genre to deliver important messages.
Beyond the screen, the festival offers a rare opportunity to engage with one of Australia's most celebrated directors. Peter Weir, the acclaimed creator of Picnic at Hanging Rock, Gallipoli, and The Truman Show, will make a public appearance to deliver the free Ian McPherson lecture. This fireside conversation with Rob Carlton marks a notable exception to Weir's usual reluctance to court media attention, offering audiences a unique insight into his career.
The programme further enriches the cultural tapestry with titles such as Olivia Wilde's remake of The People Upstairs, featuring a star-studded cast, and Clara Law's latest work following exiled Hong Kong women. Additionally, the international selection includes Árru, a fierce drama about a reindeer herder in Sápmi fighting to protect ancestral lands from mining projects, ensuring the festival remains a true celebration of global storytelling.