By Luan Minh Nguyen
“Opening night is set to bring our guests into the future of screen storytelling,” said Artistic Director Amanda Duthie of her unconventional choice of opening. “It will be like the Royal Adelaide Show of film.”
The biennial film festival that has been crucial in giving birth to the likes of Ten Canoes, Look Both Ways, Samson and Delilah, Snowtown, Charlie’s Country, and this year’s Cargo and Sweet Country, will launch this evening with a glittering and interactive event they have coined ‘Digital Carnivale’.
The 11-day film festival, which this year brandishes the slogan ‘Vive Le Punk’, will kick off at the Tonsley Innovation Precinct, a hi-tech precinct which was born after the closure of the Mitsubishi plant at the location in 2008.
As per the location, virtual reality will strongly highlight the futuristic side of the night. Audiences will be able to experience the world premiere of The Summation of Force VR, realistically take part in a mythical cricket game between two characters, or sit by the fire and join indigenous elder Nyari Nyari Morgan as he embarks on an emotional journey towards Western culture in Collisions by Lynette Wallworth. Another world-first 360° virtual reality program called Greetings to Spirit of Place with Kaurna Cultural Bearer/Artist Karl Telfer will also be presented.
Other interactive programs include Adelaide_Portal and Fledging Flights. The former is an audio-visual, full-body experience which allows the audience to meet strangers in 15 different countries around the world, whereas the latter is a work in progress by internationally acclaimed artist Sue Austin, who developed the world’s first underwater wheelchair back in 2015.
The party will welcome special guest Margaret Pomeranz, who is to receive a Don Dustan Award, which she will be sharing with long-time collaborator David Stratton. There will also be South Australian food and drinks, accompanied by beats from DJ Andre, a highly renowned figure in Adelaide club life. A short film drive-in will also be available.
