Sneak Peek: Sydney Film Festival 2012

Six weeks before Sydney Film Festival releases its full programme of 150-plus films and events, here's a look at the preview selection announced today.

In its 59th year and under the direction of new-guy Nashen Moodley (who spoke to us today), the festival continues to take a side step away from the mainstream to present a collection of handpicked and diverse, new and upcoming films from across the world. Judging by the sneak peek of 25 films lined up for the event on June 6-17, 2012, the festival already looks set to include an inspiring, entertaining and thought-provoking choice of features and docos to satisfy even the most fanatic moviegoer.

Of the 25 films announced, 22 will be Australian premieres, including the Sundance award-winning Beasts of the Southern Wild. Its story tells of six-year-old Hushpuppy, who — with the impending death of her father and the onslaught of an army of prehistoric creatures — takes off from her isolated community at the edge of the world to find her lost mother.

Then there’s British zombie movie Harold's Going Stiff — quite different from its 21 Days Later and Shaun of the Dead predecessors. Director Keith Wright brings his horror-mockumentary to Australia for the first time.

Or the next instalment from director Jack Perez, whose 2009 film Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus wasn’t exactly a box-office hit. With Some Guy Who Kills People, however, it looks like Perez's penchant for droll humour and blood, guts and gore has finally paid off. Starring Kevin Corrigan, who plays sensitive (fresh out of a mental institute) artist Kenny, it looks as though this comedy thriller is a step in a more mature direction for the filmmaker ... just a step.

If you're after something more hard-hitting, the festival will be showcasing the Sundance-award winning documentary The Law In These Parts, a series of compelling interviews with Israel's military figures. And the feature film from recently imprisoned-then-released activist and filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof, about a pregnant lawyer desperately trying to leave Iran.

There will also be not-so-hard-hitting but probably enchanting documentaries such as Woody Allen: A Documentary, which includes interviews with actors, the man himself and even his 'Mom'. And the one that might just introduce a future leader in New Zealand, Maori Boy Genius, the story so far for charismatic 16-year-old Ngaa Rauuira Pumanawawhiti, a boy who, according to his community, has been destined for leadership since childhood.

Screening at eight venues in the city this June, Sydney Film Festival will launch its full program on Wednesday, May 9. For a detailed look at all 25 films in the preview list, go to http://www.sff.org.au. Or you get more of the lowdown on the Sydney Film Festival from our interview with Nashen Moodley.