An iconic film and culture Festival will leave the United States for the first time for Sydney, bringing Hollywood stars and music legends to the Harbour City.

The inaugural South by Southwest festival in Sydney will run from October 15-22, with well-known guests, including actress Nicole Kidman and artist Chance the Rapper.

For more than 20 years, the festival has been hosted in Dallas, Texas, where organisers brought together film and entertainment, as well as culture, education, and technology.

SXSW Sydney Managing Director Colin Daniels described the festival’s first international outing as a “remarkable milestone … monumental for the creative community.”

“Leaving Austin for the first time in its history, the launch of SXSW Sydney is a testament to the city’s vibrant ecosystem and its prominence on the global stage,” Mr Daniels said.

The festival will feature 1200 events and sessions over the week, including speaking events with the creator of Netflix hit Black Mirror, Charlie Brooker, and director Baz Luhrmann.

Australian actress Naomi Watts will also host a speaking event during the festival, which will be spread out across Sydney, including in Darling Harbour, Haymarket, and Chippendale.

NSW Tourism Minister John Graham said the festival was a “game-changer” for Sydney, attracting not only Sydney locals but national and international tourists to the events.

“SXSW Sydney is just the beginning of an unrivalled cultural events calendar over the coming months showcasing Sydney’s local talent, creativity, culture and natural beauty,” he said.