From Cannes to Cremorne: What can I still see at the Hayden Orpheum for the Sydney Film Festival?

What do Tilda Swinton, maverick Japanese chefs and a cave-diving anaesthetist have in common? They’re all part of the Cremorne Orpheum’s eclectic Sydney Film Festival line-up this year.

While we’re now halfway through the program (which ends this Sunday) and some sessions have already sold out (sorry, Jodie Foster fans), there’s still plenty to see at the Orpheum – one of the city’s most beloved venues – without crossing the bridge.

The north shore program includes Australian premieres, one world premiere, special guest Q&As, and a few book-to-screen adaptations.

And our local representatives are excited.

“The Sydney Film Festival brings life, vitality and culture to the State Significant heritage listed Cremorne Orpheum – it will allow people who have never been to the Festival to be part of it and that is a great thing for our community,” North Sydney’s Mayor, Zoë Baker, told us.

“I am a long-time festival attendee and love to be immersed in the unexpected. I always look forward to the Festival documentaries. If I can get tickets, I’m excited to see Eddington and The Ballad of Wallis Island,” she added.

The Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace - the cinema’s full title - was successfully listed last year on the state heritage register after ongoing campaigning by the Cremorne Conservation Group.

Take risks

The bulk of the flicks appearing on the Orpheum’s screens are documentaries and dramas.

Many of them can be classified as world cinema, and there are three wonderfully uncategorisable films (Tilda Swinton-starring The End, Japan-set Spirit World, and the Serbian Eighty Plus).

Most films are making their Australian premiere at the festival, with one even making its world premiere (Robert Sarkies’ environmental drama Pike River, where the director will be in attendance as special guest). 

“There should be something for everyone,” North Sydney Councillor Chris Holding told the Lorikeet. “It’s good to push your boundaries and take some risks.”

The councillor - who worked with the Cremorne Conservation Group to get the Orpheum successfully State-heritage listed - was at the cinema on Saturday to see Richard Linklater’s Texas-set musical drama Blue Moon. He went in blind: “I always try to watch a movie without too much prior knowledge. No spoilers.”

So what should you see?

German medical thriller Late Shift is currently rating highly on the popular movie reviewing app Letterboxd, with a 3.9/5, and offbeat Aussie-directed drama The Ballad of Wallis Island 
has promising early reviews too.

At the Lorikeet, we’re excited to see Australia’s own Cate Shortland as a special guest at the retrospective screening of her tender debut film Somersault on Friday evening.

If you’re fascinated by old ways of life being integrated into modern (Nordic style), see Folktales. If culinary feats and mavericks thrill you, check out Tokito.

The most experimental on the Orpheum’s line-up is probably the uncategorisable musical The End, starring Tilda Swinton and selling fast.

One of the buzziest late additions, horror auteur Ari Aster’s Eddington, is also selling fast. If you miss out on tickets, you can see the movie Ari (no relation) if emotionally raw French conversation pieces are your thing.

Deep dive into a deep dive?

Warringah’s recently re-elected MP Zali Steggall is excited for one film in particular.

 “There’s a great line-up at the Orpheum for this year’s Sydney Film Festival. My pick would definitely be Deeper. Dr Richard Harris captured the world’s attention during the heroic Thai cave rescue — it’ll be fascinating to see more of what drives him as he takes on the world’s deepest cave dive," the MP told the Lorikeet.

The film screened on Tuesday with Dr Richard Harris himself appearing as a special guest, so if you see the MP around, make sure to get her review (does she have a Letterboxd?).

North Sydney Councillor Shannon Welch thinks the Festival is a boon for our local economy, nightlife, and screen industry.

“The festival draws film lovers from across Sydney to Cremorne, which benefits surrounding restaurants, cafes, and small businesses. It turns the suburb into a buzzing hub of activity, particularly in the evenings,” the councillor told the Lorikeet.

“Hosting screenings at the Hayden Orpheum adds gravitas and charm — the art deco cinema is not just a venue, but a destination. SFF's presence helps keep this iconic site active and relevant, celebrating both film and architectural heritage.”

SFF runs until this Sunday. Check out the full program here.