Internationally acclaimed Australian director Phillip Noyce is to be guest speaker at the biannual Sydney Film School Festival, helping celebrate the student achievements at the Palace Academy Twin, Paddington on December 13.

The Australian born, director of films such as Rabbit-Proof Fence, Patriot Games, The Quiet American and Catch A Fire, Noyce will address audiences at the closing night of the two-night festival.

The Sydney Film School Festival will showcase over 50 student major documentaries and dramas as part of their 2006 graduation, with a gala Opening Night on December 12 and an Awards Night on December 13.

Awards for outstanding achievement in writing, direction, cinematography, documentary, editing, design and more are to be judged and presented by film industry identities.

Audiences will also be given the opportunity to vote for their favourite film.

The festival is to be followed by a graduation after-party attracting students and film identities to celebrate the accomplishments of 2006.

“Showcasing the students’ films in a two day festival for the first time gives the public the opportunity to have a glimpse at the future of Australian film culture,” said Sydney Film School Executive Director Ben Ferris.

“Many of the films in our festival have the potential to be selected for film festivals in Australia and internationally, they are high calibre short films and documentaries made by passionate, aspiring film-makers” said Ferris.

Sydney Film School is a premier creative institute for emerging filmmakers, using 16mm film and digital technologies, with a record of high quality and entertaining work.

Tickets are free and can only be booked by calling (02) 9698 2244 or by emailing info@sydneyfilmschool.com. Please reserve seats early as the nights will sell out.