Sydney City of Film
Each year, Screen NSW awards the Sydney UNESCO City of Film Award to a talented screen practitioner. Discover the vibrant film scene in Sydney, City of Film.
Daniel Asher Smith. Dan Spielman, Joanne Froggatt, crew and Director Gregor Jordan onset of North Shore. Photo courtesy of Beach Road Pictures Pty Ltd.
In 2010, Sydney was named a UNESCO City of Film in recognition of its world-class film industry.
As Australia’s undisputed screen industry production hub, Sydney has a wealth of culture. Sydney's passion for cinematic experiences shows through our vibrant film and festival scene.
Screen NSW celebrates great homegrown filmmakers with the Sydney UNESCO City of Film Award. Each year at the Sydney Film Festival, Screen NSW gives this award to a screen practitioner whose work exemplifies innovation, culture and creativity.
Previous winners include:
- 2025 – Libby Villa and Wayne Pashley (Big Bang Sound Design)
- 2024 – Annie Lee
- 2023 – Chris Godfrey
- 2022 – Caitlin Yeo
- 2021 – Karina Holden
- 2019 – Blackfella Films
- 2018 – Warwick Thornton
- 2017 – Leah Purcell
- 2016 – Lynette Wallworth
A city of festivals
Sydney is proud to be home to a diverse array of film festivals that showcase the city, as well as the stories and storytellers of Australia.
To name just a selection: