No. 76 (2022) FRANKLIN Sept 20th.

 

Film No. 76 (2022)  September 20th.  11.50 PM   NOVA, Cinema 4,  Lygon St. Carlton,  Victoria.

 "We've made up our minds that we are going to get on with the job. We are going to dam the Franklyn" (Tasmanian premier of the day, Robin Grey, announces his government's plan to build a concrete wall across The Franklyn River in the states deep south).

Nominee Best Documentary; Kasimir Burgess at the AACTA Awards 2022.

FRANKLIN is a well crafted documentary blending a contemporary theme with a time in Australian history that will forever be remembered. The damming of the Franklin River was an eleven year saga (1972 - 1983) which, with the help of films like this, will continue to remind the world, (and Australians in particular) that motivated, determined people have real power!   

Like the river, running as an artery through the Tasmanian wilderness, the minor story of Oliver Cassidy retracing his father Michael's paddle of 50 years ago, holds FRANKLIN on an even keel as the important aspects of the story are told. The Franklin River was Michael's playground. His connection to the river and the role he played alongside fellow activist and friend Bob Brown meant the Tasmanian State Government would be held to account with such intensity that international eyes burnt deep into this otherwise innocuous small state's affairs.

Kasimir Burgess (THE LEUNIG FRAGMENTS) is a multiple nominee and award winner for his documentaries. FRANKLIN will stand as one his best. He has created an engaging story, an inspirational recreation, which can now become a tool for historical, political and scientific education for many. FRANKLIN is an important story, there is so much to learn from it.

These significant events catapulted Dr Bob Brown into federal politics and he remains the highest profile law maker for environmental awareness in Australian history. World renowned botanist David Bellamy joined in to help with the cause. The "two-hander" he pulled with another protestor, had the world laughing at Australian law enforcement. FRANKLIN grabs this moment perfectly. 

Okay, I admit it, I'm a bit of a lefty. A sentimentalist even. Good storytelling will often contain elements of the David v Goliath trope. FRANKLIN is all about D v G. Catch it on the BIG SCREEN while you can.  10GUMS.