A celebration of Australia’s national screen and audio school and its illustrious alumni
The Australian Film Television and Radio School is marking its 50th anniversary at the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia on October 23 with an incredible program of newly restored short films from some of the School’s most celebrated alumni.
In 1973, when AFTRS was founded, inaugural Chair, Barry Jones, declared that the school must be “a revolutionary force” in Australian culture. To mark the 50th anniversary, AFTRS is celebrating this revolutionary spirit and legacy with a program of restored short films by AFTRS alumni who went onto make some of Australia’s most ground-breaking and beloved screen stories.
The selection showcases the remarkable first forays into filmmaking from some of the founding class of ’73 – Gillian Armstrong, Phillip Noyce and Chris Noonan – alongside distinguished directing alumni from the past 50 years: Ivan Sen, Cate Shortland, Robert Connolly, Sue Brooks, Catriona McKenzie and Jane Campion, whose 1986 Cannes Palme d’Or for Best Short Film prize winner Peel, is part of the program.
Gillian Armstrong, one of Australia’s most successful and acclaimed directors, will be a special guest at the screening with her AFTRS’ film One Hundred a Day kicking off the program.
Dr Nell Greenwood, AFTRS CEO said “Our first 50 years has seen AFTRS become one of the world’s top screen and broadcast Schools and a driving force in Australian culture, thanks to the vision and creative courage of graduates like Gillian Armstrong. Gill is a true trail-blazer and the breadth and quality of her work continue to inspire new generations of talent. We’re very proud to showcase these restored prints so these brilliant films can entertain and inspire new audiences.”
PROGRAM:
One Hundred A Day – Gillian Armstrong
Set in a 1930s shoe factory in Sydney, a young girl continues to work at her machine after a visit to a backyard abortionist.
Bulls – Chris Noonan
The story of young girl’s isolation living on a remote dairy farm in the late 1930s.
Caravan Park – Phillip Noyce
When their car breaks down on the way to Queensland, a family is forced to take up residence at a caravan park while the father tries to earn enough money to get the car repaired.
Peel – Jane Campion
Winner of the 1986 Cannes Palme d’Or for Best Short Film – making Campion the first woman and only New Zealander to ever achieve the honour – her first film school project was inspired by her childhood and is vividly portrayed by a real family of rambunctious redheads.
The Drover’s Wife – Sue Brooks
The Australian myth of Russell Drysdale’s painting The Drover’s Wife, retold from a different perspective.
Mr Ikegami’s Flight – Robert Connolly
Mr Ikegami is in Sydney on business. Back in Tokyo, his wife Seisuko is expecting their first child. A tale of divided loyalties.
Warm Strangers – Ivan Sen
The last moments in the life of Jess, a young Aboriginal man. Fatally wounded, he attempts to reunite with his father whom he has not seen for 15 years.
Joy – Cate Shortland
Thursday night. Late night shopping. Joy wants to have fun.
The Third Note – Catriona McKenzie
A blind woman and her neighbour discover a common bond after battling each other with sound.
To book tickets and for further details.
106 minutes | Unclassified 15+