From the opening scene, quoting the book of Genesis and God’s creation of night and day, Director Lawrence Johnston invites us to consider the changing face of society in the wake of industrialisation and the discovery of electricity. The film explores the notion that the introduction of electrical light has forever altered the natural cycle and pattern of human behaviour, and has facilitated our dominion over the night, a part of the day previously untouched by human intervention. The entire film is a celebration of contrasts. From the dynamic, vibrant and hectic cityscapes to the eerie tranquillity and quietude of rural vistas across Australia, the visual feast is accompanied by a similarly contrasting musical score, which compliments the ebb and flow from ecstatic vibrancy to profound beauty. The cinematography is magnificently dramatic and theatrical, with visions of rolling storm clouds, dizzying festivals, urban party life and a group of radio telescopes, that appear to dance in a strange choreographed piece while the milky way spreads overhead. Narrated with delicate, sometimes comedic and often poignant and profound voiceovers personalising the landscapes, the film explores the internalised experience of night, and its meaning for an eclectic mix of Australians.
Sarah Lancaster, Director of the Sydney Travelling Film Festival opened the evening with many thanks and recognitions of a plethora of people and organizations who contributed the success of the TFF in Newcastle. Sarah also canvassed the program for the remainder of the festival, including films such as Chak De! India, parts of which were filmed here in Australia; The Banquet, a stunningly theatrical Chinese epic reminiscent of a Shakespearean tragedy; and Saturday’s French double-bill Hunting and Gathering, and The Secret of the Grain.
While the unfortunate closure of Showcase Cinemas required a last minute relocation to the Greater Union complex on King street, the opening night was a great success and a fitting preface to the Festival itself. Toni.
