WHAT THE FEST

A celebration of extreme, unusual and unmissable cinema, WHAT THE FEST delivers an unparalleled selection of classic masterpieces, cult hits and new features. Featuring the season premieres of Jane Giles and Ali Catterall's love-letter to the world's wildest cinema, SCALA!!!, as well as prizewinning mystery thriller GAZER from Ryan J. Sloan, expect the truly unexpected at WHAT THE FEST, only at Nova. 

WHAT THE FEST! Classic Americana and avant-garde European sensibilities collide with Zen Buddhism and the Bible in Alejandro Jodorowsky's cult classic EL TOPO. ... more

Jun 15th, 2025

WHAT THE FEST! Gaspar Noe's dream project, ENTER THE VOID, is a fantastical and psychological out-of-body experience set in and above the neon-lit nightclubs of Tokyo ... more

WHAT THE FEST! Packed with exuberant sets, stunning shots, a stirring soundtrack, Wisit Sasanatieng's Thai 'western' TEARS OF THE BLACK TIGER was the first Thai film to be selected for competition at the Cannes Film Festival, premiering in ... more

Jun 18th, 2025

WHAT THE FEST! David Cronenberg's daring CRASH is an unmatched psychological and erotic journey featuring an all-star cast of 1990s talent, including James Spader, Holly Hunter, Deborah Kara Unger, and Elias Koteas. ... more

Jun 16th, 2025

WHAT THE FEST! Winner of the Cannes Grand Prix in addition to Best Actress and Best Actor for its two leads, Michael Haneke’s psychological drama has become a staple of his filmography, and a film that still dominates discussion today. ... more

Jun 15th, 2025

WHAT THE FEST! Based on the 1958 science fiction classic, director Chuck Russell and screenwriter Frank Darabont reimagine the tale of a squishy yet deadly outer space mass which invades a small town before its citizens and a secretive government science ... more

Jun 16th, 2025

WHAT THE FEST! An unnerving and hypnotic psychological mystery, Ryan J. Sloan’s debut GAZER premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Afflicted with a rare and fatal condition that affects her ability to perceive time and causes sudden blackouts, single ... more

Jun 18th, 2025

WHAT THE FEST! Rex and Saskia are enjoying a holiday in France. When the pair stop for fuel, Saskia disappears without a trace... Praised upon release, George Sluizer's psychological thriller THE VANISHING descends into the mind of a serial killer, buildi ... more

Jun 16th, 2025

WHAT THE FEST! Based on the award-winning book Scala Cinema 1978-1993 , SCALA!!! documents the history of a former cinema turned nightclub and live music venue in Pentonville Road, London, England. and a testament to the power of cinemas. ... more

Jun 16th, 2025

WHAT THE FEST! A commercial disappointment upon its release, John Carpenter's adaptation of John W. Campbell Jr's Who Goes There has since become one of cinema's most influential films, referenced in Sinners, Together, Stranger Things, The Hateful Eight a ... more

Jun 15th, 2025
New & Noteworthy
Closed Caption eNews Anniversary Party Double Feature Sundays WHAT THE FEST Espresso Cinema Whiffy Waters MDFF met First Nations Acknowledgement