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Boss Cat

Directed by Genevieve Clay-Smith
Australia
2026
99 mins

Synopsis

A rousing World Premiere about family, friendship and the power of krumping. A heartwarming Sydney production made with an inclusive cast and crew from Bus Stop Films.

Twenty-three-year-old Sonja (Olivia Hargroder) lives with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and must fight for her independence following the tragic loss of her mother. Distant grandmother, Doris (Penny Downie, The Crown), becomes the guardian to Sonja and her younger sister, Emma (Julia Savage, Blaze, SFF 2023). But when Doris tries to sell the family home and uproot their lives, Sonja defends her right to her home, lifestyle, friends and boyfriend, Michael (Chris Bunton, Nude Tuesday, SFF 2022). Inspired by her new friend Hakim (Elijah Williams), Sonja stands up to Doris by expressing herself through krumping, an energetic dance style that releases frustration. A stirring debut about individuality and independence.

Tickets

Sun 7 June 2026, 5pm
State Theatre
Assisted ListeningWheelchair
Mon 8 June 2026, 2pm
Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace - Cinema 5
Wheelchair
  • Program Strand
    Features
  • Year
    2026
  • Classification
    All Ages
  • Country
    Australia
  • Language
    In English
  • Director
    Genevieve Clay-Smith
  • Producer
    Deanne Weir, Michele Turnure-Salleo, Dianna La Grassa, Eleanor Winkler
  • Cast
    Olivia Hargroder, Penny Downie, Julia Savage
  • Screenwriter
    Genevieve Clay-Smith
  • Cinematographer
    Kent Marcus
  • Editor
    Adrian Rostirolla
  • Genre
    Australian, Women Directors, Women’s Stories, World Premieres, Family, Disability
  • Premiere
    Australian Premiere
  • Company Credits
    Australian Distributor: Madman Entertainment

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Sydney Film Festival acknowledges Australia’s First Nations People as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land, and pay respect to the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, upon whose Country SFF is based.

We honour the storytelling and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.

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