The 24-hour SBS World Movies channel celebrates the very best of world cinema – acclaimed arthouse, the best of Bollywood, nail-biting thrillers, romantic comedies, family favourites and anime classics. Half of all titles will be in a language other than English, and the channel will broadcast over 700 films each year.
The first month of SBS World Movies is a unique mix of titles to help see you through winter. Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem unite in Loving Pablo to chronicle the volatile love affair between notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar and journalist Virginia Vallejo, throughout his reign of terror in Colombia.
Controversially banned in its home country of Kenya, Rafiki is the tender story of two women falling in love. Following critical acclaim at Cannes and around the world, filmmaker Wanuri Kahiu has taken on the Kenyan government to overturn their decision to ban the film.
Penélope Cruz stars as journalist Virginia Vallejo in ‘Loving Pablo’. Source: Universal
All day over every weekend in July, SBS World Movies presents cult classics from Studio Ghibli, the Japanese animation film studio behind Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle and When Marnie Was There. Adults and children alike, from 6am to 7.30pm each Saturday and Sunday, prepare to be transported to distant, mystical worlds from the comfort of your own home.
We dedicate Tuesdays in July to French heartthrob and lauded actor Romain Duris. Known for his versatility, Duris takes on gritty anti-heroes, witty love interests and sombre dramatic roles. Every Tuesday at 9.30pm, SBS World Movies showcases his best films, including Just A Breath Away, Odd Job, The New Girlfriend and Heartbreaker.
On Thursdays this month, we celebrate women in film, with films featuring strong female characters and creative teams airing back-to-back in prime time. Top picks include The Assassin, Blind Spot, Brick Lane and Into The Forest with Ellen Page and Evan Rachel Wood.
‘My Neighbour Totoro’ from Japan’s beloved Studio Ghibli is a delight for adults and kids alike. Source: Studio Ghibli
Throughout the year, look out for curated seasons of special programming to mark cultural events, festivals and celebrations such as NAIDOC, Lunar New Year, International Women’s Day and Mardi Gras.
As SBS Director of Television and Online Content, Marshall Heald said, “SBS World Movies is a celebration of diversity – diversity of ideas, stories, talent and content. It’s a uniquely SBS channel that will bring the very best of world cinema to Australian audiences free of charge. We can’t wait to hear what audiences think of the channel.”
SBS World Movies is broadcast in HD on channel 32 joining existing channels, SBS, SBS VICELAND, SBS Food and NITV.
