Our top musicals – SFF’s summer watchlist

Nashen Moodley – Festival Director

Jacques Audiard’s EMILIA PÉREZ is wildly ambitious, and quite unlike anything you’ve seen as it boldly fuses the crime drama with the musical. I found it fascinating in every moment from beginning to end.

Where to watch: In cinemas from January 16.

Justin Martyniuk – Head of Programs

PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE. I only saw this cult classic for the first time last year and it naturally blew me away. Brian de Palma before he made Carrie (Sissy Spacek was even the set dresser in this!) and and it was a complete flop at the time. Paul Williams collaborated with de Palma to create Faustian inspired rock opera that you’ll never forget – was even Oscar nominated. Also fun fact: the iconography of Winslow’s mask inspired Daft Punk when they were just teenagers.

ANNETTE. I love this movie, and I love baby Annette! Leos Carax is one of the prominent, present-day surrealist directors of our time, notably for the divisive Holy Motors (which I personally adore). Carax teamed up with the eccentric Spark Brothers to create this operatic, monumental, musical about fame, fortune and tragedy. Marion Cotillard is always fabulous, but for me, this film really earmarks the moment in Adam Driver’s career where he deviates from Stars Wars and now only collaborates with big name directors with absolutely unhinged performances.

Where to watch: Phantom of the Paradise – Available to rent on YouTube and Amazon. Annette – Streaming on SBS On Demand.

Jess Ellicott – Program Manager

It has to be David Byrne’s TRUE STORIES. Ed Lachman cinematography, Talking Heads toe-tappers and a great John Goodman combine to launch a charm offensive. Beautifully strange Americana at its best. 

Or, if you’re up for a VistaVision masterpiece that isn’t THE BRUTALIST these holidays, I heartily recommend Frank Tashlin’s highly saturated 1955 stunner ARTISTS AND MODELS. It’s underseen and an utter delight, with incredibly staged musical set-pieces and a peerless Shirley MacLaine.

Where to watch: Both available to rent on Apple, Amazon and YouTube.

Beatrix Brady – Travelling Film Festival Manager

SINGING IN THE RAIN. In my opinion, this is far and away the best musical ever made and is definitely in the conversation for one of the best films ever made. The wonder I feel when watching Donald O’Connor perform Make ‘Em Laugh is what I imagine it would have been like for Neanderthals to create fire for the first time.

GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES. Everything about this movie is just so joyous. With a concept that has the potential to have aged so poorly, it really feels ahead of its time. Orry Kelly’s costumes are bonkers, and Marilyn Monroe is so charming and completely magnetic (as always). What a treat!

Where to watch: Singing in the Rain – Available to rent on Apple, Amazon, YouTube and Fetch. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes – Available to rent on Apple, Amazon, and YouTube.

Frances Wallace – SFF CEO

MIDNIGHT OIL: THE HARDEST LINE as the Opening Night of SFF71 was one of life’s highlights.  THE HARDEST LINE covers the Oils trajectory over decades and their impact on both First Nations land rights and environmentalism across the globe.  The spontaneous concert in NYC outside the Exxon building is forever etched in my brain – do yourself a favour and relive this exceptional experience over the holiday season on ABC iview. It may not be a musical in the traditional sense, but it’s soundtracked by iconic Oils tracks from start to finish.

Where to watch: Available to stream on ABC iView.

Paul Struthers – International Documentary Programmer

SUMMER OF SOUL (…OR, WHEN THE REVOLUTION COULD NOT BE TELEVISED) took Sundance by storm in 2021, snagging both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award! While 1969 is often all about Woodstock, the Harlem Cultural Festival was happening at the same time and it was pure magic. Directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, this film captures jaw-dropping performances from legends like Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, and Mahalia Jackson, making it a celebration of music, culture, and joy. It’s a fun, powerful reminder of a moment in history that deserves to be celebrated, rediscovered, and danced to!

Where to watch: Streaming on Disney+

Joshua Forward – Head of Marketing

I can’t go past CABARET. It’s flirty, a bit dangerous, a bit kinky, anti-fascist and packed with all-time charismatic performances – what’s not to love? It’s probably redundant to wax lyrical about Minnelli in this film – but her rendition of “Maybe This Time” has all the hope and terror of your dreams coming true, bedazzled with singular Fosse flair.

Where to watch: You’ll have to dig up some physical media as it’s not currently streaming anywhere in Australia!

Dominic Ellis – Digital Marketing Manager

Musicals can be a little bit uncool. They can be goofy and a bit too earnest. This probably isn’t news to anyone. But you know who isn’t uncool? Prince. And PURPLE RAIN is peak Prince. Everything about it is dripping with cool. Watch it with your least cool friends and see the effect.

Where to watch: Available to rent on Apple, Amazon, YouTube and Fetch.

Windsor – CRM & Ticketing Manager

CHICAGO is a true holiday classic, best served with a cold gin to accompany the jazz. This is the perfect celebration of supporting women’s wrongs, finding your chosen family and following your dreams. Capture your family holiday dinner memories for TikTok by recreating the iconic Cell Block Tango (but make sure you hide the knives – unless he had it coming!).

Where to watch: Available to stream on Binge, Stan, tenplay, and Paramount TV.

Eden Tollis – Head of Philanthropy

THIS IS ME… NOW. From “Jenny from the Block” to Jennifer Lopez, This Is Me…Now is a perfect festive watch with stunning design and J-Lo’s latest music. With a non-linear structure, it shines with its earnest exploration of love and great choreography. Featuring Kim Petras, Keke Palmer, and Jenifer Lewis, it’s the perfect pick for a J-Lo afternoon – between her Super Bowl Halftime Show with Shakira and Monster-in-Law with Jane Fonda.

Where to watch: Available to stream on Amazon Prime.