The 27th Revelation Perth International Film Festival starts on July 3, and over 12 days showcases more than 100 feature films and documentaries plus an amazing selection of creative short films.
Regarded as Australia’s leading independent film event, this is a film-lovers’ dream and a chance to enjoy incredible new film and meet the ‘who’s who’ of the local industry while supporting the creative talents of independent film makers.
Festival Director Richard Sowada has selected ten events you wouldn’t want to miss this year. He says, “we’re so proud of the 2024 Revelation program”. That he should be, the list of movies includes great movies from talented directors such as Westralia Day, Kinds of Kindness and Kim’s Video.
Richard Sowada has been an active player in the Australian Screen Culture sector for nearly three decades. He is founder and director of the Revelation Film Festival and was also the Head of Film Programs at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) for 9 years. He is currently Director of the St Kilda Film Festival. In 2018, he co-directed the Brisbane International Film Festival and also curates film programs for cultural events nationally. Sowada is also a monthly film reviewer for ABC 774, has just completed a PhD looking at the cycles of Australian film distribution and exhibition and is a passionate advocate for screen culture in all its forms.
For this year’s Revelation Film Festival, he is especially excited to see the independent film sector grow. He mentions, “what has been a dry period in the multiplex realm has turned into a boom for the independent sector and we’re amped to bring this great selection of international independent cinema to town. What’s particularly remarkable is the scale and quality of local works across all styles – it’s a great glimpse into the future, and it’s mighty exciting.”
Here are the nine events that Richard has picked for this year’s best, and his take on why they are special:
Academic Conference
July 2-3, SAE Institute Perth
This is utterly unique on the Australian and international film festival landscape. It’s imperative to encourage critical debate, research and discussion that investigate all corners of the sector.
The Academic Conference will present programs from scholars and screen practitioners. In this conference, there will be presentations discussing topics such as technology, screen culture, and AI. This conference aims to provide a platform for discussion, debate and sharing of knowledge. As the film industry continues to evolve with the changes in economic and technological environment, the Revelation Film Festivals is proud to take part in empowering film creators and enthusiasts.
Westralia Day
July 6 and 11, Luna Leederville
WA films have really come into their own and each and every one has been handpicked for our various showcases which include the greatest number of locally produced films to date.
This screening showcases a selection of short WA films. Westralia Day features three sessions with each session having three to eight short movie screenings. The first session highlights some of the best and emerging talent in WA. The second offers a variety where animation, micro-documentaries and experimental films are played. The third are films that are slightly longer, but expect complex plot and well developed scripts.
Closing Night
July 14, Luna Leederville
This is always such a great night and this year includes three films which we’ve been fortunate enough to fund in collaboration with the City of Vincent and the Department of Communities with the Life in Pictures filmmaking competition.
The Closing Night is an event for the early-career filmmakers. Films highlight the local community of Vincent with local stories, character and urban legends. See films such as Luna, Starring where viewers can see a glimpse of Luna Palace Cinema’s inner workings and the people behind this place.
International Family Animation Explosion
July 7 and 17, State Library of Western Australia
Being able to provide the opportunity to show such beautiful films to kids in what may be the first times they’ve been to the movies is always reward and this year we have two new ones. These are just great for all lovers of cinema and animation.
With a roster of international short animation films, the Revelation Festival is coming to the State Library of Western Australia. International Family Animation Explosion plays short animation films from Australia, USA, Germany, China and more. There are two sessions, one on July 7th and the second on July 17th.
Kinds of Kindness
July 7 and 9, Luna Leederville
We’ve been Lanthimos fans from the beginning having screened his first feature Dogtooth way back when – and here’s his stunning new film.
Yorgos Lanthimos is back with his new creation only after weeks since Poor Thing‘s Cannes world premier. This time, Lanthimos is reunited with his long-time writing collaborator, Efthimis Filippou, who worked with him on Dog Tooth and more.
This time, Kinds of Kindness brings familiar faces, starring Hollywood’s big names, Emma Stone and Willem Dafoe. The story follows a man tries to take control of his life, a policeman whose wife was missing-at-sea and a woman who is destined to become a prodigious spiritual leader.
Lake Mungo
July 7, Luna Leederville
One of Australia’s great horror movies and an international fan favourite is about one of the best psychological horror films you’ll ever see! What a surprise.
Lake Mungo starts off with the Palmer family facing a crisis over their missing daughter, Alice Palmer, who was eventually presumed to have drowned. After this, the family faces paranormal activities as they try to understand what is happening. The movie uncovers the story through a documentary report style mixed with home movies
Kim’s Video
July 6, Luna Palace Cinemas
This fabulous essay unfolds with great humour and warmth as we search for a famous lost video collection caught up in international politics.
Kim’s Video brings nostalgia as it reminds us of the importance of VHS and love for the archive. With a mix of political and narrative drama this film is a celebration of the age where VHS was the norm. It follows David Redmon as he searches for the missing tapes from the legendary New York video store Kim’s Video. This investigation takes him from Ney York to Sicily.
The Earth Above
July 4 to 5, Scitech
Experience the incredible Scitech Planetarium Dome in a whole new way, as Revelation brings The Earth Above… Always spectacular, these full dome experiences are perfect for the entire family.
Held in Scitech and using their dome structure, The Earth Above is a 30 minute full-dome planetarium show. In collaboration by First Nations communities across Australia, it tells the story of ancestry and a journey deep into the Country. Ancient stories connecting the entire of Australia is uncovered by the emerging relationship between research and First Nation’s knowledge.
Industrial Revelations
Jul 2 to 14, multiple venues
Our free professional development opportunities are second to none in quality and scope as it deals with everything from working with intimacy on set to the state of production, distribution and exhibition in Australia.
The Industrial Revelations is a series of events targeted towards all film practitioners and people who are interested in learning about the film industry. Topics in the event is aimed to engage the critical and creative sectors. The practices of the international independent film will be examined by issues, approaches and perspectives that are currently relevant.
See the full list of Revelation Film Festival events
With over 70 events and 100 films in the span of 12 days, there are films from many genre being screened at this year’s Revelation Film Festival. The festival takes its attendees on a mini tour around Perth, with screenings being held on venues such as Luna Palace, WA Museum Boola Bardip, SAE Institute Perth and more. Join the Revelation Film Festival team as they uncover the new names and celebrate the legends of the independent film industry.
