DIFF-LICIOUS
The 2025 Darwin International Film Festival (DIFF) is shaping up to be a beauty, with 11 days and 35 film sessions across five venues, with music, food, and special industry events.
WORDS TIERNEY WHITE
IT’S THE TIME of year both cinema lovers and makers anticipate, as local, national and international gems light up the big screen during the last days of (fingers crossed) the Dry season in the Top End.
With screenings predominantly held at the iconic Deckchair Cinema, satellite sessions have become a regular fixture on the program over the years, and 2025 is no different. An exciting new partnership with City of Palmerston sees a free program roll out in Palmerston, and Darwin Ski Club’s on deck with seaside screenings, in the spirit of the Deckchair experience with flicks by the sea.
The 2025 DIFF is curated under the direction of newly appointed Festival Manager Erin Lucas, who says the program’s been tailored to ensure DIFF is accessible to diverse audiences, and champions filmmakers at whatever level they find themselves.
“There’s a strong celebration of filmmakers at all different stages of their careers. We’ve programmed emerging filmmakers – whether short films or debut feature films – right through to seasoned filmmakers making award-winning films, which is awesome because it’s really showcasing what the film industry is, here in the NT, Australia, and around the world,” she says.
“As part of that, we’ve also been able to expand and program different films to attract a different audience. An example of this is the family program we have, which is predominantly happening in Palmerston, so we’re trying to reach everyone.”
A particularly exciting element each DIFF is its film premieres, and the special guests in attendance to present their work. One such film is Yurlu | Country, which had its world premiere at Sydney Film Festival earlier in the year.
The film tells the inspiring story of late Banjima Elder Maitland Parker, who called his ancestral land “Poison Country” from decades of asbestos contamination. Before his passing last year, Maitland spent his days on the film as a parting act to raise awareness for his Country. He never got to see the film, but his legacy lives on.
Director Yaara Bou Melhem is in town to present the film with cinematographer Tom Bannigan and members of the Parker family. She says film festivals are integral to the ecosystem of the film industry, giving films that inspire a call to action the chance to shine.
“I think for a social justice documentary like this, which has a campaign for change built around it, it’s really important to have that recognition … The Banjima Native Title Aboriginal Corporation are planning strategic litigation to remediate Wittenoom after six years of inaction,” she says.
“But this is also a film, and we are filmmakers, and we really thought that, kind of by stealth, we’re bringing in these social justice themes into something that is beautiful to watch and experience, and a part of the world, and a family and a community, that most people will never get to experience otherwise.
“We think the best way to bring people into this story, and bring them along the journey with Banjima, is through the emotional pull of a film like this.”
Another powerful story shared on the big screen for opening night is a Territory one. The late David Gulpilil AM loved to share his culture and wanted the world to see his funeral, his Bäpurru. The legendary Yolŋu actor from Arnhem Land brought authentic Indigenous representation to Australian cinema, which catapulted him into the spotlight in 70s.
Journey Home, David Gulpilil documents the more than 4000km journey of his body from Murray Bridge in South Australia to his Homeland of Gupulul in Arnhem Land, where he was born, as his final wish. Part of Gulpilil’s funeral proceedings took place at the Deckchair Cinema, his films gracing the big screen many times over the years, with the addition of Storm Boy to the program this year. The opening night event is set to be a very special and emotional evening, with family members and the creative team in attendance.
In exciting news, the first three episodes of eight-part series Top End Bub screens at the Deckie, with special guests from the cast and crew in attendance, including actor and writer Miranda Tapsell. The precursor to this locally made series has also been programmed, with a free screening of feature film Top End Wedding at Darwin Ski Club.
Another exciting addition this year reaches across the ocean. Curated by Dili International Film Festival Director Lena Lenzen, DIFF2DIFF presents an eight-part showcase of short films that celebrates emerging voices from Timor-Leste’s growing film scene.
Harnessing the opportunity to celebrate the many facets of NT art and culture, food and music also stars across the Festival. An exciting music program has been put together to showcase local singer-songwriters each night, with local food vendors on deck to fill hungry tums.
An exciting food and flick event returns to this years’ DIFF after last year’s successful event at Hilton Darwin. This year, foodies can enjoy a screening of classic Hollywood flick Casablanca, as they dine on a feast prepared by Darwin Catering Co. at Darwin Ski Club. This gorgeous evening of cinema, cuisine, music, and coastal splendour screams dreamy.
Of course, no DIFF would be complete without incredible industry events to connect the Territory’s thriving film scene. Staying true to its tenet of fostering local film development and networking, DIFF welcomes back the two-day NT Screen Summit, presented by Screen Territory.
Whether you’re a filmmaker, movie lover, or in it for the food, music, and festival atmosphere – no matter your budget – DIFF dishes out all the good things.
Darwin International Film Festival
WHEN THU 11 – SUN 21 SEP
COST FREE - $22 | FLEXI PASS $140
INFO diff.net.au
SPECIAL EVENTS
Film Festival Feast
Enjoy a special screening of Casablanca at sunset. Bask in the golden glow of a Darwin sunset as Darwin Ski Club transforms into a tropical Art Deco dream, with vintage touches that transport you straight to the glamour of the 1940s. Enjoy live music by Zilwa and indulge in a three-course feast curated by Darwin Catering Co. that showcases local seasonal ingredients at their finest. Bougie.
WHEN SAT 20 SEP | 6PM DOORS, 7PM FILM
AT DARWIN SKI CLUB
COST $130
DIFF in Palmerston
DIFF magic makes its way to Palmerston, with a selection of family-friendly screenings for everyone to enjoy every Saturday night during DIFF. Grab a feed from local food trucks and enjoy pre-film entertainment by Fairy Jill from 6pm.
WHEN SAT 13 SEP, 6PM | THE CANTERVILLE GHOST, 7PM
SAT 20 SEP, 6PM | BOOKWORM, 7PM
AT GOYDER SQUARE
COST FREE
DIFF2DIFF
Dili International Short Film Showcase brings eight vibrant stories from our Timor-Leste neighbours, offering a rare glimpse into their creativity, humour, and heart. Presented by visiting filmmaker Adi Pereira, DIFF’s third ever international guest, enjoy a cultural exchange of cinema, told through bold, original voices.
WHEN SUN 14 SEP | 11AM
AT MAGNT
COST $10
David Gulpilil Retrospective
This special series shines a light on David Gulpilil's career in an act of remembrance and legacy. Enjoy a selection of feature length and short films that celebrate the diversity of his talent. WHEN STORM BOY | TUE 16 SEP, 11AM
WALKABOUT | WED 17 SEP, 11AM
SHORT FILM SHOWCASE | FRI 19 SEP, 11AM
AT MAGNT
COST $10
NT Screen Summit
Presented by Screen Territory, the NT Screen Summit returns with a dynamic two-day program and a phenomenal line-up of guests, from top creatives and producers to national commissioners and decision-makers. Designed for professionals in content production and those exploring careers in screen or games development, this industry symposium looks at the stories, the talent, and the craft shaping Australia’s screen future.
WHEN SAT 20 & SUN 21 SEP
AT CDU WATERFRONT
COST FREE
Image: NT Tourism
