ADELAIDE, 16 February 2026 – Acclaimed Australian filmmaker Sophie Hyde is currently in the spotlight following the release of her most personal project to date, Jimpa. The director, known for her award-winning exploration of intimacy and family dynamics, has spent the last week engaging with audiences and media to unpack the real-life inspirations behind her latest cinematic endeavour.
Latest Updates: “Out in the Open”
As of today, 16 February 2026, Hyde is featured in a major profile on the ABC’s Australian Story titled “Out in the Open”. Introduced by Leigh Sales, the programme explores Hyde’s journey as one of Australia’s most successful directors and her decision to turn the lens on her own unconventional family for her new film.
The film, Jimpa, which stars Academy Award winner Olivia Colman and John Lithgow, follows a filmmaker navigating the complex relationship between her non-binary teenager and her hedonistic gay father. In a move that highlights the film’s personal nature, Hyde cast her own child in the production. Recent reviews from the Sundance Film Festival and Australian screenings have praised the work as a “tender” and “essential” queer family drama, though some critics have noted its deeply subjective “wish-fulfilment” themes.
Career Profile and Background
Born in 1977 in Adelaide, South Australia, Sophie Hyde has established herself as a leading voice in contemporary independent cinema. She is the co-founder of Closer Productions, an Adelaide-based collective that has been instrumental in her rise to international prominence.
Hyde first gained global recognition with her debut fiction feature, 52 Tuesdays, which was filmed every Tuesday for a year. The film earned her the Directing Award at the Sundance Film Festival and the Crystal Bear at the Berlinale, setting the stage for a career defined by innovative storytelling and a focus on queer and gender-diverse narratives.
Filmography and Key Works
| Year | Title | Role | Key Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 52 Tuesdays | Director, Writer, Producer | Sundance Directing Award; Berlinale Crystal Bear |
| 2017 | F*%#ing Adelaide (TV Series) | Director | Critically acclaimed ABC series |
| 2019 | Animals | Director, Producer | Sundance Film Festival Premiere |
| 2022 | Good Luck to You, Leo Grande | Director | Berlinale Special Gala; BAFTA Nominated |
| 2025/26 | Jimpa | Director, Co-writer | Sundance 2025 Selection; Adelaide Film Festival Opener |
Public Reception of “Jimpa”
The release of Jimpa has sparked significant conversation regarding the representation of queer families in Australian media. Public insights from the past week suggest that Hyde’s willingness to embrace vulnerability has resonated with audiences. The film’s Australian premiere served as the opening night for the Adelaide Film Festival, marking a “homecoming” for the director.
While Good Luck to You, Leo Grande (2022) brought Hyde mainstream success through its partnership with Emma Thompson, Jimpa is being viewed as a return to her roots in South Australian independent filmmaking, albeit with high-profile international talent like Colman and Lithgow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sophie Hyde based?
Sophie Hyde is based in Adelaide, South Australia, where she co-founded the production company Closer Productions.
What is Sophie Hyde’s latest movie?
Her latest film is Jimpa (2025/2026), a multi-generational family drama starring Olivia Colman, John Lithgow, and Hyde’s own child. It explores the dynamics of a queer family across three generations.
What awards has Sophie Hyde won?
Hyde has won several prestigious awards, most notably the Directing Award at the Sundance Film Festival and the Crystal Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival for her debut feature, 52 Tuesdays.
Is “Jimpa” based on a true story?
Yes, the film is deeply personal and inspired by Hyde’s own experiences and her real-life queer family. The character played by Olivia Colman is loosely based on Hyde herself.