Sydney | UNESCO Cities of Film

Sydney, Australia, was designated as a UNESCO City of Film in 2010.

What does this mean for Sydney?

Being a part of the international UNESCO Creative Cities Network means that our city can:

commit to increasing participation in the screen sector by people from underrepresented parts of Sydney and continue to build on the growing numbers of people from diverse cultural backgrounds and young people.
work to make a strong impact on gender equality, inclusion, innovation, advancing sustainable cities and communities, while showcasing the diversity Sydney offers.
build Sydney to be recognised as Australia’s global city of film, while working to increase international production and post-production work in the city and New South Wales.

Sydney is Australia's major screen production centre, internationally recognised for its world-class studios, post and VFX facilities, acclaimed cast and crew. A city of unique and diverse locations, Sydney has doubled for New York, Tokyo, Paris and London on the big screen. 60% of all Australians employed in screen production are based in Sydney and its state, New South Wales.

What makes Sydney a City of Film?

World-class film facilities

Sydney is home to Fox Studios Australia, the largest integrated facility in the Southern Hemisphere. Located close by downtown Sydney, this is where major international productions such as Peter Rabbit, Alien: Covenant, Hacksaw Ridge, The Great Gatsby and The Wolverine, came to life. Sydney is also an international leader in Digital/Post/VFX with several world-class facilities based in the city, including Marvel Studios and Disney-owned visual effects company, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM).

Festival City

Sydney has a rich history of both making and watching films. Sydney Film Festival is one of the oldest film festivals in Australia, and sits in the annual film calendar alongside the Antenna International Documentary Film Festival, the Academy accredited Flickerfest short film festival, and Queer Screen Film Festival. These events are a selection of the festivals that reflect the eclectic cultural diversity of Sydney and showcase the breadth and diversity of the industry skills and city-wide support available.

Filming Incentives

Through Screen NSW (New South Wales), Sydney City of Film has worked with local communities and the Sydney film sector to create incentives for international production companies Incentives such as the International Footloose Production fund can be accessed in addition to the Australian Federal Government’s incentives, helping both the Australian film sector and offering more opportunities for filmmaking. Create NSW also offers a range of funding opportunities for
production and audience development.

Screen Production

Scene from Hacksaw Ridge, directed by Mel Gibson

The performers are spectacular. The crews are first rate from the runners to the director of photography. A+ visual & special effects departments with state of the art facilities for studio & post production. The whole package is as good or better than anywhere in the world.

Mel Gibson, Director, Hackshaw Ridge

Peter Rabbit™ (2018)

The global success of PETER RABBIT™ is a testament to the world-class live action, VFX and animation talent here in Australia and Animal Logic’s strong partnership with Sony Pictures and Olive Bridge, all made possible with the invaluable support of the Made in NSW Fund.

Animal Logic CEO and producer Zareh Nalbandian

Screen Industry and Audience Development

Screen NSW provides support for screen industry development and professional development for practitioners from emerging to established practitioners and support for small film festivals touring to more than 70 regional venues across the State. Sydney City of Film programs support the continued growth and development of a creative sector that returns significant economic benefits, large numbers of jobs and high cultural and social returns to the community.

Diversity and Inclusion

Sydney City of Film, through Screen NSW, is committed to increasing participation by people from under-represented parts of the community. Screen NSW is one of 20 organisations that form the Screen Diversity and Inclusion Network, committed to working together towards an inclusive and diverse screen industry. There are now growing numbers of people from diverse backgrounds, developing their skills and screening finished works.

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