... While Sydney consolidates.(SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL)

IT IS ONE OF THE WORLD'S LONGEST-running festivals, however, it isn't one of the most renowned. Distance has played an undeniable role, and local festivals have instead focused on delivering a good film selection to their audiences. Festival director Clare Stewart and her team want to change that, and last year's introduction of an official competition is one of their strategies to achieve the international notoriety the festival deserves.

"It's very important to have international relevance" said Stewart. "We're convinced that the competition is working on an international level to attract fresher content, there's been a lot of interest from sales agents, distributors and filmmakers".

The competition recognises 'new directions in filmmaking; and jury president Rolf de Heer and his four jurors will base their decision on the following criteria: audacity, courage and cutting edge. Stewart believes these concepts are very broad but also very specific, and films can meet the criteria in different ways, from technical achievements to storytelling, subject matter and the qualities of their characters.

Three Australian films will be part of the competition, Disgrace, Missing ...