Sydneysiders, clear your calendar for Saturday 14th September because Sydney Underground Film Festival 2024 will be screening 2 French films in their Australian debuts. One is a surrealist comedy from cult French director Quentin Dupieux and the other is a whimsical and intimate documentary about Michel Gondry. Read on to discover these films.
Director: Quentin Dupieux
Cast: Anaïs Demoustier, Gilles Lellouche, Édouard Baer, Jonathan Cohen, Pio Marmaï, Didier Flamand, Romain Duris
ONE SCREENING ONLY: Saturday 14 September 5:30pm
Quentin Dupieux’s latest dive into surrealist comedy, Daaaaaali! explores the flamboyant life and elusive persona of the iconic Salvador Dalí – like you have never seen before. Set in the mid-1980s, the film follows Judith, a timid journalist-turned-pharmacist (played by Anaïs Demoustier, who was also in Dupieux’s previous films Smoking causes coughing and Incredible but true, both of which screened at the Alliance Française French Film Festival 2023), who embarks on a Sisyphean quest to secure an interview with the enigmatic artist. As she navigates Dalí’s labyrinthine demands and eccentricities, the film’s narrative unfolds in a series of dreamlike sequences, featuring five different actors (Gilles Lellouche (who was also in Smoking causes coughing), Édouard Baer, Jonathan Cohen, Pio Marmaï, Didier Flamand) portraying Dalí at various stages of his life, often switching mid-scene.
With Dupieux’s signature absurdity (Rubber, Deerskin) and clever practical effects, Daaaaaali! blurs the lines between reality and illusion, much like Dalí’s own art. This mockumentary is a hilarious, whimsical homage to the surrealist master, filled with playful nods to Dalí’s unpredictable nature and Dupieux’s own previous work, including Reality (SUFF 2015).
Michel Gondry Do It Yourself / Michel Gondry – L’imagicien
Director : François Nemeta
Cast : Michel Gondry
ONE SCREENING ONLY: Saturday 14 September 2pm
Michel Gondry, Do It Yourself is a whimsical and intimate documentary that dives into the eclectic mind of Michel Gondry, a visionary filmmaker known for his unique blend of creativity and DIY ethos. Directed by François Nemeta, the film offers a behind-the-scenes look at Gondry’s illustrious career, from his ground-breaking music videos for artists like Björk, Daft Punk, and The White Stripes, to his Academy Award-winning work on Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
The documentary explores Gondry’s inventive techniques, inspired by the legendary Georges Méliès and his own fantastical imagination, showcasing his journey from a French underground video artist to a Hollywood maverick. Featuring interviews with Kylie Minogue, Beck, and Jack Black, this film is a celebration of Gondry’s playful and rebellious spirit.
Are you interested in seeing either of these films? Book now to ensure you don’t miss out.
KEY INFO FOR SYDNEY UNDEGROUND FILM FESTIVAL
WHAT: Sydney Underground Film Festival 2024
WHERE: Dendy Newtown, Sydney
WHEN: Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 September 2024
HOW: Purchase individual tickets via the film pages above or purchase a pass for 3, 5 or 10 films via this link
HOW MUCH: Choose from individual tickets for $20 (or $18 if you have a concession card) or, If you’re planning on seeing 3 or more films, you may find it worthwhile purchasing a Festival pass:
- 3 Film Pass $51
- 5 Film Pass $80
- 10 Film Pass $140
Don’t forget that it’s also your last chance to watch these French films, series and documentaries leaving SBS on Demand this month.
And if you’re in Sydney, you may be interested in these shows at Sydney Fringe.
We also interviewed some of the artists behind the shows:
Joan of Arc’s story gets a radical retelling in Voices of Joan at Sydney Fringe 2024
Voilà! is a cabaret that will transport you to 1920s Paris at Sydney Fringe
And finally, if you’re looking to fill your month wherever you are in Australia with events linked to France and the Francophonie, check out our What’s on in September
