Sydney Film Festival today celebrates its esteemed Head of Programs and Documentary Programmer, Jenny Neighbour, who after 35 years of dedication and service has decided to make the 71st festival her last. Neighbour, who joined the Festival in 1989, has been instrumental in shaping the event into the world-renowned cinematic showcase it is today.
Sydney Film Festival CEO Frances Wallace said, “This year’s Festival has been a monumental success, and it is with both pride and sadness that we, all the team and Board of Directors announce Jenny Neighbour's departure. Jenny's unparalleled dedication, vision, and passion for film have left an indelible mark on the Festival and the Australian film industry. Her contributions have been pivotal in the Festival’s growth and global reputation.”
Since joining the Sydney Film Festival, Neighbour has programmed over 2,000 documentaries, numerous short films, curated retrospectives and championed Australian and First Nation filmmaking. Her expert curatorial eye and commitment to showcasing vital, thought-provoking stories have inspired audiences and filmmakers alike.
At the Festival’s Closing Night Gala, Festival Director Nashen Moodley also honoured Jenny Neighbour’s remarkable service from the stage. “Jenny has dedicated 35 years to Sydney Film Festival and her industriousness, discernment and integrity have been vital to the festival’s development.”
“She has long served as the institutional memory and wisdom of the organisation and she will be very much missed.
“She leaves with the festival in fantastic shape, for which she should take a great deal of credit, and on the occasion of the exceptional high of a great 2024 edition,” said Moodley.
Neighbour's tenure began as Assistant to then Festival Director and CEO Paul Byrnes. Over the years, she has handled a wide range of responsibilities, from programming to guest coordination, design, copywriting, and marketing. Her efforts have ensured world-class presentation standards and secured sensational new films for the Festival each year.
Reflecting on her time at the Festival, Jenny Neighbour said: “It has been an immense privilege to work at the Sydney Film Festival for almost 35 years. My thanks to all the incredible filmmakers whose films we’ve screened, the sales agents and distributors, projectionists and venue staff, our financial supporters, our awesome festival goers, and of course the extraordinary and super dedicated festival team. It’s a very different festival from the one I joined in 1989, but the Festival’s commitment to celebrating the power and diversity of cinema has never changed – and I’m really looking forward to sitting in the audience at the 2025 Festival.”
Neighbour's career highlights include serving on the jury for AIDC, the Cork Film Festival, and the AACTA Best Indie Film Grand Jury. She was honoured with the Independent Spirit Award by the Australian Independent Distributors Association in 2019 and named the 2023 NSW/ACT Cinema Pioneer of the Year for her contributions to Australian cinema.
Sydney Film Festival extends its deepest gratitude to Jenny Neighbour for her decades of service and dedication. Her visionary leadership and passion for film will be greatly missed, and her legacy will continue to influence the Festival for years to come.
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