The Survival Of Kindness
The sixth London Australian Film Festival opens with THE SURVIVAL OF KINDNESS, a powerful dystopian drama that marks the long-awaited return of master-filmmaker Rolf de Heer (Ten Canoes, Bad Boy Bubby, Charlie’s Country).
When BlackWoman – played by Congolese refugee, and first-time actor, Mwajemi Hussein – is abando ned in an outback cage, her escape precipitates a journey through pestilence and persecution, from desert to mountain to city.
Winner of the FIPRESCI Prize at the 2023 Berlin Film Festival, this stunningly quiet meditation on identity and belonging sees de Heer taking dual inspiration from Black Lives Matter and the Covid pandemic to craft a gripping, almost wordless parable of epic proportions.
This opening gala screening will be followed by an exclusive, pre-recorded Q&A with the film’s director, Rolf de Heer. Australian snacks and sweets will be on sale, and a raffle will be held before the screening.
With thanks to Fandango and Vertigo Productions.
“A singular vision of cool, fierce intensity from a filmmaker who shows he has plenty of innovative ideas to explore in his creative arsenal yet.” – The Canberra Times (Jane Freebury)
WHY WE CHOSE THIS FILM
Laila (LAFF Director): “This film stuck to me. Like all de Heer’s films do. There’s something about his films that talk to my soul. Wake me up. Put questions in my brain. He’s up there with Peter Weir for me and I’m so proud to open with this film, it’s extraordinary”
Stephen (LAFF Co-Programmer): “I’m so excited to be opening this year’s festival with the long-awaited return for Rolf de Heer. His first feature since the death of his friend and collaborator David Gulpilil shows all the power and urgency of his earlier films, with a newfound desire to reflect on the many injustices of the contemporary world. This is the best dystopian road movie in years, and the tension doesn’t let up until the final frame.”
Stephen (LAFF Co-Programmer): “I’m so excited to be opening this year’s festival with the long-awaited return for Rolf de Heer. His first feature since the death of his friend and collaborator David Gulpilil shows all the power and urgency of his earlier films, with a newfound desire to reflect on the many injustices of the contemporary world. This is the best dystopian road movie in years, and the tension doesn’t let up until the final frame.”
