In 2015 Open Channel secured grants from the Department of Premier and Cabinet (Victorian Government) and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (Federal Government) to produce a series of short films to commemorate the Anzac Centenary.
Open Channel collaborated with both experienced and emerging filmmakers to produce six insightful and moving films that explore the untold stories of the First World War, focusing specifically on the impact felt at home in Australia, and the lasting effects of the war that shaped a nation.
On Wednesday, 2nd March 2016, a series launch was held at Treasury Theatre. Following a moving and inspiring address from the Hon John Eren MP, Minister for Veterans (Victoria), along with an introduction from Open Channel Executive Director, Cristina Pozzan and series Co-Creator and Writer, Chris Thompson – the films were screened to an audience of cast, crew, industry practitioners, government representatives and those who contributed to the research of the series.
Photos from the series launch are available here.
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The full series is available to purchase through ATOM’s The Education Shop online either on DVD or to stream.
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SCREENING DETAILS
ABC iview – From 7.00am, Sunday, 24th April CLICK HERE TO WATCH
Shrine of Remembrance – Screened twice on Anzac Day 2016, at 9.00am and 11.00am
PUTTING A BRAVE FACE ON IT
Director: Kate Gorman
Producer: Alexandra Curtis
Writers: Chris Thompson & Sari Braithwaite
Featuring: Jane Bayly, Blake Davis
Synopsis: For Gordon Wallace, his physical scars were a visible reminder of the horrors he endured during World War I. Upon his return home, it was his wife Evelyn who bore the brunt of his frustrations and disappointment.
DOING OUR BIT
Director: Natalie Cunningham
Writer: Chris Thompson
Featuring: Jane Clifton
Synopsis: Many women found ways to support and encourage the troops, from home in Melbourne. Miss Mulholland organised a bazaar, which raised funds towards the construction of a soldiers memorial fountain in Mordialloc.
ON THE MARGINS
Director: Sari Braithwaite
Writer: Sari Braithwaite
Featuring: Max Brown, Tim Lee
Synopsis: Samuel Tongway was born in Australia, the son of Chinese immigrants. After enlisting to fight in World War I, he was told his services would not be required, as he was not of “sufficient European blood”.
EVERY NIGHT’S A GALA NIGHT
Director: Kate Gorman
Writer: Chris Thompson
Featuring: Mick Preston, Lindsay Fox
Synopsis: During World War I, Seattle showmen The Phillips Brothers played host to a series of carnivals at Melbourne’s Luna Park, in order to raise funds for wounded Australian soldiers.
ECONOMIC CONSCRIPTION
Director: Sioban Tuke
Writer: Sari Braithwaite
Featuring: Lisa Hanley, Dr Clare Wright
Synopsis: In 1914, Adela Pankhurst, daughter of celebrated suffragette leader Emmeline, migrated to Australia. It wasn’t long before she was imprisoned for inciting protests against wartime food shortages.
SIX AND OUT!
Director: Logan Mucha
Writer: Chris Thompson
Featuring: Ben Geurens
Synopsis: As President of the Templestowe Cricket Club and Head Teacher of the Templestowe State School, Robert Searby felt, as much as any, the personal tragedy that came with watching a generation of young men be sent off to war.
Series Creators: Marc Gracie & Chris Thompson
Series Producer: Monte Macpherson
© Open Channel 2015