Adam Goodes & Stan Grant Documentary THE AUSTRALIAN DREAM Debuts Trailer
Madman Entertainment have today released the official trailer for THE AUSTRALIAN DREAM, a feature documentary that uses the remarkable and inspirational story of AFL legend Adam Goodes as the prism through which to tell a deeper and more powerful story about race, identity and belonging. Written by Walkley Award-winning journalist Stan Grant, the documentary will have its world premiere as the official opening night film for the 2019 Melbourne International Film Festival ahead of a national cinema release.
“We’re thrilled that THE AUSTRALIAN DREAM will have its World Premiere at the Melbourne International Film Festival and to share this first look with Australians,” said writer Grant. “This is the story of Adam Goodes and a moment when Australia faced the worst in itself. But it is more than that – it is the story of a country and its history. A story of pain but, above all, hope.”
“Working with Stan Grant on THE AUSTRALIAN DREAM has provided the opportunity to tell our stories in our own words along with the stories of other Indigenous Australians. Our hope is that THE AUSTRALIAN DREAM will help to reconcile the history of our country and show there is a path forward for future generations,” said Goodes.
From shy country kid to two-time Brownlow medallist and Australian of the Year, Goodes is an inspiration to many. The footy field was where he thrived; the only place where the colour of his skin was irrelevant. Goodes’ world fell apart when he became the target of racial abuse during a game, which spiralled into public backlash against him. He spoke out about racism when Australia was not ready to hear the ugly truth, retiring quietly from AFL heartbroken.
Using the stunning athleticism of Goodes at the peak of his powers as well as the game itself as the film’s backdrop, THE AUSTRALIAN DREAM prompts questions about Australia’s relationship with racism and its ability to confront its own past. This compelling, provocative and cinematic film uses interviews from both sides of the debate to ask probing and fundamental questions about what it means to be Australian and what it takes for any individual to stand up for what they truly believe in.
Featuring Goodes and all the key players from his story, including Grant, Michael O’Loughlin, Brett Goodes, Natalie Goodes, Tracey Holmes, Nova Peris, Nicky Winmar, Gilbert McAdam, Linda Burney, Paul Roos, John Longmire, Nathan Buckley, Eddie McGuire and Andrew Bolt, THE AUSTRALIAN DREAM is also a deeply personal and comprehensive exploration of Goodes’ own journey which saw him retreat from everyday life only to return determined to rise above the ugliness he had been forced to confront.
Directed by BAFTA award winner Daniel Gordon (HILLSBOROUGH), THE AUSTRALIAN DREAM is an Official Australian / UK Co-production by GoodThing Productions and Passion Pictures. Principal production investment from Screen Australia in association with Lorton Entertainment, the ABC and Film Victoria.
THE AUSTRALIAN DREAM will be in cinemas nationwide from August 22nd.
About the Author
Damien Straker is a freelance writer and film critic. He studied at the University of Sydney and graduated with an Arts Honours degree in Film Studies. He is a pop culture aficionado and enjoys talking about all films, 90s TV shows, ninjas and watching Rugby League. His favourite film directors are Alfonso Cuarón, Clint Eastwood and Alexander Payne.
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