Returning to cinemas this November with a spectacular line up of exquisite dramas, charming comedies, fascinating documentaries and much-loved retrospectives, starring some of Britain’s finest talent!

The Japanese Film Festival Australia returns for its landmark 29th year with screenings in Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Perth from October to December. Since its inception in 1997, the festival has introduced Australian audiences to the dynamic voices shaping Japanese cinema, and is now one of the largest celebrations of Japanese films in the world.

Premiering to acclaim at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Lynne Ramsay’s DIE, MY LOVE is a bold, blistering, and unflinchingly raw portrait of a woman on the edge. Adapted from Ariana Harwicz’s explosive novel, the audacious drama explores postpartum psychosis through a visceral, darkly comic lens and features fearless performances from Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson. In a forgotten patch of countryside, a writer and young mother (Lawrence) is battling her demons: embracing exclusion yet wanting to belong, craving freedom whilst feeling trapped, yearning for family life but wanting to burn the entire house down. Given surprising leeway by her family for her increasingly erratic behaviour, she nevertheless feels ever more stifled and repressed, while her companion (Pattinson) grows worried and helpless. Earning widespread critical praise for her ferocious, career-best performance, Lawrence anchors Ramsay’s strikingly vivid drama with an astonishing portrayal of the often-overlooked, underlying rage and madness simmering beneath the surface in the experiences of motherhood, womanhood, and love.

Oscar-nominated provocateur Yorgos Lanthimos (Poor Things, The Favourite) reunites with stars Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons for the bold and absurdist sci-fi dark comedy-thriller, BUGONIA. The twisted social satire follows two conspiracy-obsessed young men (Plemons and rising newcomer Aidan Delbis) who team up to abduct a high-powered American CEO (Stone), convinced she is an alien bent on destroying Earth. What unfolds is a darkly twisted journey that blurs the lines between paranoia, power, and survival. Debuting to a lengthy standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival, the film has been hailed as a "masterclass in directorial control", boldly challenging audiences both emotionally and intellectually. Written by 'The Menu' co-writer Will Tracy, BUGONIA is an English-language reimagining of Jang Joon-hwan’s acclaimed 2003 Korean cult classic, 'Save the Green Planet!' - now reinterpreted through Lanthimos’ uniquely off-kilter vision.

From Scott Cooper, director of the Oscar-winning music-drama Crazy Heart, comes the gritty, soul-searching biopic, SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE. Based on Warren Zanes' 2023 book and starring Golden Globe winner Jeremy Allen White (The Bear, The Iron Claw), the highly anticipated biopic follows Bruce Springsteen's journey crafting his hauntingly raw 1982 album “Nebraska”, which emerged as he recorded Born in the USA with the E Street Band. In the early 80s, Bruce Springsteen (Allen White) is a young musician on the cusp of global superstardom. As the E Street Band rides the high of The River tour, Bruce finds himself increasingly disillusioned by the expectations of stardom. Retreating into solitude in his modest New Jersey home with nothing but a four-track recorder and his guitar, he lays bare a collection of dark, deeply personal songs that will ultimately redefine his legacy. Told through a mix of intimate moments, flashbacks, and stark Americana visuals, SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE explores Bruce’s fraught relationship with his father, his lifelong struggle with mental health, and his refusal to conform to the commercial demands of the music industry. Peeling back the layers of a rock icon at a crossroad, the film sees Springsteen confront his own demons in pursuit of truth through music, leading to an album that is widely considered to be one of his most enduring works. Co-starring Oscar nominee Jeremy Strong (The Apprentice, Succession) as music critic Jon Landau, SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE is helmed by a crew of biopic familiars, creating a real and rare visionary wonder set to be as powerful as the work it is based on.

Based on the beloved novella by Denis Johnson, Train Dreams is the moving portrait of Robert Grainier (Golden Globe-nominee Joel Edgerton), whose life unfolds during an era of unprecedented change in early 20th century America. Orphaned at a young age, Robert grows into adulthood among the towering forests of the Pacific Northwest, where he helps expand the nation’s railroad empire alongside men as unforgettable as the landscapes they inhabit. After a tender courtship, he marries Gladys (Academy Award-nominee Felicity Jones) and they build a home together, though his work often takes him far from her and their young daughter. When his life takes an unexpected turn, Robert finds beauty, brutality and newfound meaning for the forests and trees he has felled. An ode to a vanishing way of life, an ever-evolving world, and to the extraordinary possibilities that exist within even the most simple of existences, Train Dreams captures a time and place that are now long gone, and the people who built a bridge to a future they could only dream of. Directed by Academy Award-nominee Clint Bentley with a screenplay by Bentley and Academy Award-nominee Greg Kwedar, the writing team behind Sing Sing, the film also stars Academy Award-nominees William H. Macy and Kerry Condon.

Some search for battle, others are born into it.  Academy Award-nominated, BAFTA-winning filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson (There Will Be Blood) and Academy Award and BAFTA winner Leonardo DiCaprio join forces for one of the most anticipated cinema events of the year with the darkly comedic action thriller, ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER. Loosely inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel 'Vineland', Anderson has concocted an explosive combination of cutting black comedy, whip-smart political satire and edge-of-your-seat action blockbuster. When their evil enemy resurfaces after 16 years, a group of ex-revolutionaries reunites to rescue one of their own's daughter. Anderson's bold visual style and evocative character explorations are perfectly matched by powerhouse performances from DiCaprio and the fully-loaded all-star ensemble cast, including Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, Chase Infiniti, Wood Harris, Alana Haim, and Oscar and BAFTA winners Benicio del Toro and Sean Penn.

“Predator: Badlands,” which stars Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, is set in the future on a remote planet, where a young Predator (Schuster-Koloamatangi), outcast from his clan, finds an unlikely ally in Thia (Fanning) and embarks on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary. The film is directed by Dan Trachtenberg and produced by John Davis, Dan Trachtenberg, Marc Toberoff, Ben Rosenblatt, Brent O’Connor.

In August 2017, in the lead-up to national elections, Jacinda Ardern unexpectedly became New Zealand’s opposition party leader. She had just turned 37. Two frenetic months later, she was Prime Minister. Just before the final vote was in, she discovered she was pregnant. She would become only the second head of state in history to give birth while in office. Ardern quickly became one of the most recognizable leaders in the world. She drew global attention from people craving a sensitive and compassionate approach to the critical issues of our time. In private, she struggled with being a mother and proving herself to a public skeptical of women’s leadership. A series of crises - the Christchurch massacre, pandemic lockdowns, and disinformation-fueled protests outside Parliament - would test that leadership and the feminine touch she brought to it. She resigned from office in January 2023, shocking her supporters and critics alike. Going behind the scenes of her administration and her private life, PRIME MINISTER follows Jacinda for seven years as she is catapulted to the top of New Zealand politics, becomes a feminist political icon, resigns suddenly from office and continues to champion the fight against isolationism, fear, and the distortion of truth. Intimate home footage shot by her husband and audio interviews that Jacinda did while in office give us unparalleled access. Along with in-depth contemporaneous interviews, these form the emotional backbone of the story, giving viewers an unfiltered window into her years in power. The world is at a perilous political crossroads. Trust in institutions, expertise, and liberal democracy itself are under dire strain. Which direction will we go? PRIME MINISTER leaves viewers wondering what the world might be like with more Jacindas at the helm.

Great Scott! Let’s turn back the clock to 1985 and celebrate the 40th anniversary of the wildly entertaining, Oscar-winning sci-fi classic, BACK TO THE FUTURE! A global cultural phenomenon and the highest-grossing film of its year, this groundbreaking adventure from Oscar-winning filmmakers Robert Zemeckis and Steven Spielberg launched one of the most beloved trilogies in movie history. Starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, Back to the Future continues to thrill, delight, and inspire - four decades on. Film Synopsis: Marty McFly, a 17-year-old high school student, is accidentally sent 30 years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his close friend, the maverick scientist Doc Brown.

Narrated by Italian-Australian actress Greta Scacchi, this fascinating documentary written, directed and produced by the creators of LYGON ST - Si Parla Italiano, Angelo Pricolo, Jason McFadyen and Shannon Swan, SIGNORINELLA: LITTLE MISS celebrates the tenacity and spirit of Italian women who helped shape the Italian-Australian community. In the wake of WWII, a new wave of Italian immigrants arrived in Australia, seeking to rebuild their lives far from the devastation they left behind. Among them were women who embodied resilience, determination and a sense of adventure. From raising families while running small businesses, to transforming Australia’s food, fashion, media and cultural landscape, these women did more than adapt - they thrived. Capturing a legacy that still echoes through the community today and featuring interviews with a range of influential women including Allegra Spender, Carla Zampatti and Tina Arena, they share their stories of hardship, resilience and triumph. Through personal narratives and historical insights, this documentary is a tribute to the power of determination, creativity, and the enduring spirit of women who dared to dream.

Oscar-nominated Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, Saltburn) is Jessica in the much-anticipated next play from the team behind Prima Facie. Jessica Parks is a smart Crown Court Judge at the top of her career. Behind the robe, she is a karaoke fiend, loving wife and a supportive parent. When an event threatens to throw her life completely off balance, can she hold her family upright? Writer Suzie Miller and director Justin Martin reunite following their global phenomenon Prima Facie, with this searing examination of modern motherhood and masculinity.

Only monsters play God… From Oscar-winning visionary Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth, The Shape of Water) comes FRANKENSTEIN, a bold and haunting reimagining of Mary Shelley’s classic tale. Oscar Isaac (Ex Machina, Inside Llewyn Davis) stars as Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant yet egotistical scientist whose obsession with defying death leads to a monstrous creation. Jacob Elordi (Saltburn, Priscilla) delivers a career-best performance as the Creature - born of ambition, but doomed by rejection. Their fateful connection ultimately spells the downfall of both creator and creation. With his signature craftsmanship, del Toro conjures Gothic grandeur, rich symbolism, breathtaking production design and a sweeping, lyrical score to deliver a powerful meditation on isolation, forgiveness, and the cost of unchecked ambition. Featuring standout performances from scream queen Mia Goth (Pearl, X) and Oscar winner Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds, Django Unchained), FRANKENSTEIN is more than a horror story - it’s a soulful resurrection of a literary masterpiece.

‘Dreamgirls’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast’ director Bill Condon weaves a resplendent cinematic web of musical intrigue in the dazzling Technicolor-hued fantasy, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN, based on the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical hit. The glittering leading trio of superstar Jennifer Lopez, Diego Luna and revelatory newcomer Tonatiuh are the film’s beating heart, delivering astonishing, critically adored performances. Valentín (Luna), a political prisoner, shares a cell with Molina (Tonatiuh), a window dresser convicted of public indecency. The two form an unlikely bond as Molina recounts the plot of a Hollywood musical starring his favourite silver screen diva, Ingrid Luna (Lopez). This meticulously crafted love letter to classic movie musicals is a vivid visual and sonic feast for the senses that puts a spotlight on finding the beauty in tragedy.

In GOOD FORTUNE, a well-meaning but rather inept angel named Gabriel (Keanu Reeves) meddles in the lives of a struggling gig worker (Aziz Ansari) and a wealthy venture capitalist (Seth Rogen). Written & directed by Aziz Ansari, and starring Seth Rogan (TV’s The Studio, The Long Shot), Keanu Reeves (John Wick & Matrix franchises), and Aziz Ansari ( TVs Parks & Recreation and Master of None, This is The End).

From visionary filmmaker Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name, Challengers), AFTER THE HUNT is a gripping psychological drama that probes the complex power dynamics, trust and consent, and far-reaching consequences of silence within the charged world of academia. Julia Roberts stars as a respected college professor whose world is turned upside down when her brilliant and outspoken student (Ayo Edebiri) accuses one of her closest colleagues (Andrew Garfield) of serious misconduct. As the academic community reels from the revelation, the professor is forced to navigate a treacherous landscape of loyalty, morality, and professional ethics. Meanwhile, the turmoil awakens a dark secret from her own past - one she has long buried - that threatens to unravel not only her career but her very sense of self. Tense and emotionally charged, AFTER THE HUNT explores the ripple effects of accusation and denial within a microcosm of power and privilege, posing difficult questions about complicity and courage. This layered drama, rich in nuance and moral ambiguity, will make its highly anticipated world premiere out of competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.

The further we go, the closer we become. From legendary Australian filmmaker Bruce Beresford - the acclaimed director behind four-time Oscar winning dramedy ‘Driving Miss Daisy’, as well as ‘Mao’s Last Dancer’ and ‘Ladies in Black’ - comes the poignant, funny and heartwarming family story, THE TRAVELLERS. When charismatic stage designer Stephen Seary (Luke Bracey) returns to his small hometown in Australia to say goodbye to his dying mother, what was meant to be a brief visit unravels into a whirlwind of chaos, drama, and at times downright funny moments. As Stephen navigates family responsibilities, a difficult relationship with his father (Bryan Brown), run-ins with old friends and past lovers, and a ticking clock to return to Europe for a major opera production, he’s forced to confront what truly matters. Shot in regional WA with support from Screen Australia, the family drama stars celebrated Aussie actors Luke Bracey, Bryan Brown and Susie Porter. It’s a moving portrait of family, identity, and the inescapable pull of home.

Directed by Josh Boone (The Fault In Our Stars) and based on the best-selling novel by Colleen Hoover, REGRETTING YOU arrives as the highly anticipated second adaptation of Hoover’s novels following last year’s BookTok blockbuster, 'It Ends With Us'. The touching romantic drama features an all-star cast led by Allison Williams (M3GAN, Get Out), Mckenna Grace (Gifted, Ghostbusters: Afterlife), Dave Franco (Together, Now You See Me), and Mason Thames (The Black Phone, How to Train Your Dragon). The film centres on the strained relationship between young mother Morgan Grant (Williams) and her teenage daughter Clara (Grace), exacerbated by Morgan's husband Chris's (Scott Eastwood) tragic death, as they face what’s left behind after a devastating accident reveals a shocking betrayal and forces them to confront family secrets, redefine love, and rediscover each other. A heart-wrenching exploration of the complexities in mother-daughter bonds, grief and first love, prepare your emotions - and maybe your tissues - for another moving adaptation from the mind of the #1 New York Times bestselling author.

A wolf and mountain lion team up when a meteor unleashes a virus turning zoo animals into zombies. They join forces with other survivors to rescue the zoo and stop the deranged mutant leader from spreading the virus.

Six brave puppies, captained by a tech-savvy ten-year-old boy, Ryder, set off on a Christmas adventure in the brand new Paw Patrol holiday special.

In a sedate corner of Massachusetts circa 1970, JB Mooney (Josh O’Connor) an unemployed carpenter turned amateur art thief, plans his first big heist. When things go haywire, his life unravels.

For the first time, Chainsaw Man slashes his way onto the big screen in an epic, action-fueled adventure that continues the hugely popular anime series. Denji worked as a Devil Hunter for the yakuza, trying to pay off the debt he inherited from his parents, until the yakuza betrayed him and had him killed. As he was losing consciousness, Denji’s beloved chainsaw-powered devil-dog, Pochita, made a deal with Denji and saved his life. This fused the two together, creating the unstoppable Chainsaw Man. Now, in a brutal war between devils, hunters, and secret enemies, a mysterious girl named Reze has stepped into his world, and Denji faces his deadliest battle yet, fueled by love in a world where survival knows no rules.

Based on an unbelievable true story, Roofman follows Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum), a former Army Ranger and struggling father who turns to robbing McDonald’s restaurants by cutting holes in their roofs, earning him the nickname: Roofman. After escaping prison, he secretly lives inside a Toys “R” Us for six months, surviving undetected while planning his next move. But when he falls for Leigh (Kirsten Dunst), a divorced mom drawn to his undeniable charm, his double life begins to unravel, setting off a compelling and suspenseful game of cat and mouse as his past closes in.

Four years ago, 13-year-old Finn killed his abductor and escaped, becoming the sole survivor of The Grabber. But true evil transcends death … and the phone is ringing again. Four-time Academy Award® nominee Ethan Hawke returns to the most sinister role of his career as The Grabber seeks vengeance on Finn (Mason Thames) from beyond the grave by menacing Finn’s younger sister, Gwen (Madeleine McGraw). As Finn, now 17, struggles with life after his captivity, the headstrong 15-year-old Gwen begins receiving calls in her dreams from the black phone and seeing disturbing visions of three boys being stalked at a winter camp known as Alpine Lake. Determined to solve the mystery and end the torment for both her and her brother, Gwen persuades Finn to visit the camp during a winter storm. There, she uncovers a shattering intersection between The Grabber and her own family’s history. Together, she and Finn must confront a killer who has grown more powerful in death and more significant to them than either could imagine. From returning visionary writer-director Scott Derrickson, Black Phone 2 is written again by Derrickson & C. Robert Cargill, based on characters created by Joe Hill. The film is produced by Jason Blum, Derrickson and Cargill. The executive producers are Joe Hill, Adam Hendricks and Ryan Turek.

It's almost time to bid farewell... Acclaimed period director Simon Curtis (Downton Abbey: A New Era, My Week with Marilyn) reunites with Oscar-winning writer and creator of the beloved period drama franchise, Julian Fellowes, for DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE – a moving and majestic final chapter to one of cinema’s most cherished British sagas. The cinematic return follows the Crawley family and their staff as they enter the 1930s. When Mary finds herself at the centre of a public scandal and the family faces financial trouble, the entire household grapples with the threat of social disgrace. With secrets revealed, old flames rekindled, and long-standing loyalties tested, the Crawleys must embrace change while the staff prepare for a new chapter with the next generation leading Downton Abbey into the future. Featuring the return of dazzling Highclere Castle favourites, this cinematic event promises to deliver wit, romance, and regal splendour in classic Downton Abbey fashion. Fifteen years in the making, don’t miss the unforgettable final instalment to this Emmy and Golden Globe-winning phenomenon.

There’s no going back… An electrifying new sci-fi action spectacle erupts onto the screen with Disney’s explosive, TRON: ARES. Directed by Joachim Rønning (Young Woman and the Sea, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales), this high-octane third instalment in the TRON franchise is a bold follow-up to Joseph Kosinski’s TRON: Legacy, pushing the boundaries of the digital frontier once again. The story follows Ares, a highly advanced Program, who is sent from the digital world into the real one on a high-stakes mission - marking the first contact between humanity and an A.I. being. As worlds collide, so do ideologies, setting the stage for pulse-pounding action, jaw-dropping visuals, and a battle for the future of both realms. Oscar winner Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club, Morbius) leads as Ares, joined by Greta Lee (Past Lives), Evan Peters (X-Men franchise), Gillian Anderson (The X-Files, The Crown), and Oscar winner Jeff Bridges (The Big Lebowski, Hell or High Water) - a powerhouse ensemble to match the film’s stunning scale. And fuelling the digital mayhem? A thunderous original score by Grammy Award-winning rock legends Nine Inch Nails.

From acclaimed director Jay Roach (Meet the Parents, Bombshell) and Oscar-nominated screenwriter Tony McNamara (The Favourite), THE ROSES is a biting satirical black comedy that reimagines Warren Adler’s 1981 novel ‘The War of the Roses’. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman, the film delves into the unravelling of a seemingly perfect marriage. Life seems easy for picture-perfect couple Ivy (Colman) and Theo (Cumberbatch): successful careers, a loving marriage, great kids. But beneath the façade of their supposed ideal life, a storm is brewing – as Theo’s career nosedives while Ivy’s own ambitions take off, a tinderbox of fierce competition and hidden resentment ignites. With a stellar supporting cast including Kate McKinnon, Andy Samberg, Allison Janney, and Ncuti Gatwa, THE ROSES offers a contemporary twist on a classic tale, exploring themes of ambition, identity, and the complexities of modern relationships.

KANGAROO is a heart-warming family comedy about ex TV personality, Chris Masterman, who becomes stranded in an Outback town outside Alice Springs. There, he teams up with 12-year-old Indigenous girl Charlie. The pair form an unlikely friendship and work together to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned joeys in the remote but stunning Outback community - an endeavour that proves to be life-changing for them both.

In the new chapter from DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed 2022 action-comedy hit about a crackerjack criminal crew of animal outlaws, The Bad Guys are struggling to find trust and acceptance in their newly minted lives as Good Guys, when they are pulled out of retirement and forced to do “one last job” by an all-female squad of criminals. Based on the New York Times best-selling book series by Aaron Blabey, The Bad Guys 2 reunites the film’s all-star cast and filmmakers. Returning to their roles as The Bad Guys are Academy Award® winner Sam Rockwell as dashing reformed pickpocket Mr. Wolf; Marc Maron as safe-cracker Mr. Snake, Craig Robinson as master-of-disguise Mr. Shark, Grammy winner Anthony Ramos as the short-fused Mr.Piranha and Golden Globe winner Awkwafina as expert hacker Ms. Tarantula, aka “Webs”. The A-list comedic cast includes the return of Zazie Beetz as Diana Foxington, BAFTA winner Richard Ayoade as Professor Marmalade, Emmy winner Alex Borstein as police chief Misty Luggins and Lilly Singh as Tiffany Fluffit.

DreamWorks Animation elevates its global smash streaming series into its first ever cinematic adventure with Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie. In the new film, Gabby (Laila Lockhart Kraner, reprising her role from the series) heads out on a road trip with her Grandma Gigi (four-time Grammy Award winner Gloria Estefan) to the urban wonderland of Cat Francisco. But when Gabby’s dollhouse, her most prized possession, ends up in the hands of an eccentric cat lady named Vera (Oscar® nominee Kristen Wiig), Gabby sets off on an adventure through the real world to get the Gabby Cats back together and save the dollhouse before it’s too late. The all-star comedic voice cast includes Saturday Night Live powerhouses Ego Nwodim, Kyle Mooney and Melissa Villaseñor, as well as Emmy nominee Thomas Lennon (Reno 911!, American Dad!), Jason Mantzoukas (Invincible, Big Mouth), and Fortune Feimster (Fortune Feimster: Crushing It, Velma). The beloved series voice cast reprises their roles as Pandy Paws, CatRat, Cakey, DJ Catnip, Baby Box, MerCat and more.

Earning one of the biggest standing ovations at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND is a heartwarming, critically adored British dramedy starring three-time Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan. Directed by James Griffiths (A Million Little Things, Episodes) based on his award-winning 2007 short film, ‘The One and Only Herb McGwyer Plays Wallis Island’, this fresh, charming and emotionally resonant tale of miscommunication, lost love and renewed hope stars UK comedy veterans Tom Basden and Tim Key, who also co-wrote the film, alongside Sian Clifford, Akemnji Ndifornyen and Carey Mulligan. After agreeing to do a private gig on a remote island, international music superstar Herb McGwyer (Basden) is perplexed to learn that he’ll be playing for an audience of one - eccentric lottery winner Charles (Key). And the seaside concert he’s set to do? That’s actually a reunion show for McGwyer Mortimer, the folk-rock duo that launched his career years before. Reuniting with his ex-bandmate and former lover Nell (Mulligan) after nearly a decade of estrangement stirs up old feelings - made even more complicated by her husband Michael (Ndifornyen) having accompanied her on the journey. As the musicians re-engage with their back catalogue in preparation for the big show, Herb and Nell find their musical chemistry remains as strong as ever, but old wounds soon begin to resurface, jeopardising everything. Somehow, amiable Charles must find a way to manage a collection of strong personalities if he’s to witness his dream performance.

When satirist John Clarke died in 2017, the world mourned an icon. A defining comedic voice who wrote and appeared in numerous films and TV productions, and who – in a beloved double act with Bryan Dawe – skewered political hypocrisy for almost 30 years on current affairs shows, he gave away very little about his own life. At home, by contrast, he was an open book. In a remarkable series of recorded conversations between John and his daughter, writer/director Lorin Clarke, he traces his steadfast resistance to authority back to his childhood and offers delightful insights into his four decades in the entertainment industry. Weaving together personal anecdotes, a rich television archive, tales from international comedy greats and riches from more than 200 boxes of Clarke’s work and letters, this MIFF Premiere Fund–supported documentary is a deeply personal insight into a legend of the antipodean screen, and a tribute to the disruptive power of creativity.

In 1980s India, Shazia Bano’s world falls apart when her husband, Abbas, abandons her and their three children after marrying a second time. At first, Abbas agrees to pay monthly maintenance for their children, but when he stops, Bano takes the bold step of going to court. In response, Abbas tries to silence her by pronouncing triple talaq. What begins as her personal struggle soon grows into a national debate about faith, women’s rights, and justice. Bano’s courage turns her into a symbol of resistance against patriarchy. Inspired by the landmark Supreme Court of India judgment in Shah Bano vs. Ahmed Khan, Haq is the story of an Indian woman’s fight for her rights.