
THE HISTORY OF SUFF
The Sydney Underground Film Festival is entering its 17th year in 2023.
SUFF is a not-for-profit annual film festival. The first festival was held in September 2007 and has taken place every year since. Not even a pandemic could stop SUFF, as the festival continued online for two years in 2020 and 2021. The year 2022 marked a return to in-person screenings, with a 4-day festival and this year we are excited to continue that momentum and invite you to the 2023 Festival held at Dendy Cinemas Newtown.
To date, the festival has screened over 1,600 films from more than 30 countries in the past 16 years. SUFF is an integral part of Sydney’s film industry and screen culture, providing not only audiences with access to otherwise underrepresented features, documentaries, and shorts, but also providing screen practitioners and the local industry with screening, networking, and development opportunities.
SUFF is more than just a film festival; it’s an artistic and community-driven enterprise with a desire to create memorable screen-based experiences that capture a unique culturally connected audience. It's for anyone and everyone who want to watch and discuss films and increase their filmmaking skills in an inclusive, welcoming, and fun environment.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Sydney Underground Film Festival is dedicated to nurturing an alternative film culture through the promotion of independent and experimental films. The festival seeks to support filmmakers (especially those who operate outside established film industry infrastructures) by providing a platform for exhibition, exposure and critical discussion.