Australian Film: Desert Redux
Two very different Australian films are on the Darwin Festival bill this year, including the ‘neo western’ meets ‘outback noir’ film Goldstone and political revenge fable Terror Nullius.
Goldstone producer David Jowsey told us more about the award-winning film, shot in the dusty remote Queensland town of Middleton.
Tell us about the premise behind Goldstone and some of the themes explored in the film.
The story is about the power and corruption in the country. Goldstone is a sequel to the first movie Mystery Road – it follows the further crime solving adventures of Detective Jay Swan, played by Aaron Pedersen, with themes exploring the history and identity of Australia.
Can cinemagoers expect a similar style and storyline to Mystery Road or something very different?
It’s similar to Mystery Road in that it’s a western genre with a compelling mystery crime to solve. However, it adds a great buddy cop character to Detective Jay Swan and a rich soundtrack, too.
What went into making the film in remote Queensland?
It was difficult – we started with no accommodation, power, water or internet. Middleton is really remote.
It was difficult – we started with no accommodation, power, water or internet. Middleton is really remote.
This was one of the last films to feature Tom E. Lewis – what was he like to work with?
Tom E. Lewis was wonderful. He is an Australian screen legend.
Tom E. Lewis was wonderful. He is an Australian screen legend.
The film has received international recognition and a swag of award nominations and wins – what is it about the film that’s made it so successful?
I think Ivan Sen is an amazing writer and director. Goldstone is entertaining and accessible to audiences worldwide – but it’s also saying something powerful about us.
I think Ivan Sen is an amazing writer and director. Goldstone is entertaining and accessible to audiences worldwide – but it’s also saying something powerful about us.
How does it feel to have Goldstone screening as part of Darwin Festival?
Very happy – love Darwin.
Very happy – love Darwin.
Goldstone | Mon 13 Aug | 7.30pm | Deckchair Cinema | See the event listing
Terror Nullius | Mon 20 Aug | 7.30pm | Deckchair Cinema | See the event listing
Thumbnail and header: Goldstone
Inset above: Terror Nullius
