FLICKS ON THE ROAD
Sydney Film Festival’s Travelling Film Festival returns to a cinema near you, this year, celebrating the life and legacy of the late great David Stratton.
WORDS TIERNEY WHITE
EACH YEAR, SYDNEY Film Festival compiles a shortlist of films to feature at over 50 cinemas across the country, which it has done for more than 50 years.
The Travelling Film Festival (TFF) was founded by David Stratton in 1974, who you may remember from film review programs The Movie Show and At The Movies, co-hosted with Margaret Pomeranz.
The former actor and film critic passed away in August this year, but his work over the years ensured film was always at the forefront of conversation and culture, whilst encouraging robust analysis.
With the creation of TFF, he ensured films were able to be screened in remote areas, and this legacy continues with the 2026 TFF, which makes tracks to cinemas in Alice Springs, Katherine, and Darwin from February.
TFF Manager Beatrix Brady says Stratton had a huge influence on her.
“I know my relationship with cinema was impacted by David Stratton, and it’s a huge honour to continue what he started.
"Film has the power to open our eyes to different cultures and new perspectives, but also to help us understand one another more deeply.”
Making the cut this year, with screenings at each stop in the NT, is No Other Choice by Park Chan-wook, which was selected for the Venice 2025 Official Competition. After being unemployed for several years, a man devises a unique plan to secure a new job – eliminate his competition.
Also featured on the program is The Golden Spurtle by Constantine Costi. This Aussie made, crowd-pleasing documentary is set in a picturesque Scottish village, where contestants from around the globe have gathered for the annual World Porridge Making Championship.
Deaf by Eva Libertad was selected for the Berlinale 2025, and sees a happy Spanish couple – one Deaf, one hearing – encounter strains on their tight bond when a new baby leads to drastically different experiences of parenthood.
In Joachim Trier’s film Sentimental Value, Winner of the Cannes Grand Prix, Trier and Renate Reinsve reunite following The Worst Person in the World (2021). This intimate family drama about the power of art includes actors Stellan Skarsgård and Elle Fanning alongside an excellent ensemble cast.
With more films to be announced, Brady says TFF is thrilled to return to the Northern Territory, ensuring Stratton’s legacy of screening films outside of major capital cities continues.
“The Northern Territory hosts some of the most dedicated films fans in the country, packing out cinemas, whether it’s a hot Oscars favourite or a groundbreaking indie film you can only see with us. Our celebration of cinema around the country wouldn’t be complete without the NT!”
TFF Darwin
WHEN THU 19 – SUN 22 FEB
AT BCC Casuarina
TFF Katherine
WHEN THU 19 – SUN 22 FEB
AT Katherine Cinema 3
TFF Alice Springs
WHEN FRI 27 FEB – MON 2 MAR
AT Alice Springs Cinema
INFO sff.org.au
Image: Peter Weir & David Stratton, 1975
