Burning.

At this year’s 70th Sydney Film Festival, the $40,000 Sustainable Future Award will be presented to a film that explores the social, economic, political, and environmental consequences of climate change and highlights the urgent need for action to mitigate its effects.

With the Sustainable Future Award increased from $10,000 to $40,000 in its third year, the Festival is now leading the world in offering the biggest cash prize for a film tackling climate change and sustainability. The prize money is funded by a syndicate of passionate Australian climate activists led by Amanda Maple-Brown.

Sydney Film Festival Director Nashen Moodley said, “SFF is immensely proud to be able to further support and acknowledge filmmakers who are using their craft to create impactful films that address the global climate emergency and inspire audiences to take action.”

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“We are honoured to lead the global community in rewarding filmmakers for their contributions to advancing the conversations surrounding climate change and are excited to see the films submitted for consideration for this year’s Festival.”

The 2023 winning film will join ranks of Australian filmmaker Eva Orner’s Burning, the inaugural Award winner in 2021, and Karl Malakunas’s Delikado, the 2022 winner. The Sustainable Future Award will be presented to a narrative or documentary film of any length, with the winning film to be announced at the Festival’s Closing Night Awards Ceremony, Sunday 18 June 2023.

Sydney Film Festival runs in cinemas from 7-18 June 2023. For more information and updates please visit sff.org.au.