The 90s was the decade for iconic Aussie films, such as
Muriel's Wedding, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, and of course,
Shine. Now all of these films are commemorating their 20th anniversaries, Canberra's National Film and Sound Archive has been instrumental making sure they're celebrated accordingly.
The 13-14 August 2016 is Shine Weekend in Canberra. Shine's film producer has had the film digitally restored to celebrate the 20th anniversary. In addition to this, Canberra will host
three exciting events with special guests including: actor Geoffrey Rush, producer Jane Scott, director Scott Hicks, screenwriter Jan Sardi and the film's subject, pianist David Helfgott.
1. The Making of Shine
13 August 4pm, Arc cinema, Canberra, ACT $5.This discussion will feature the Canberra-based team behind the movie Shine (1996). The team will chat about
releasing the film to the Australian market, as well as share some behind-the-scenes documentaries recorded during the film's production.
2. Shine Q&A with Geoffrey Rush and filmmakers
13 August 2016, 6:30pm, Arc cinema, Canberra, ACT, $20/$15
A screening of the digitally-restored 2K print of Shine will be followed by a
discussion with Geoffrey Rush, director Scott Hicks, producer Jane Scott and writer Jan Sardi. The Shine team will discuss making the film, as well as the personal impact the film had on their lives at the time, and since its release. This is a great opportunity to enjoy an intimate discussion with established professionals in the film industry. There will also be a
mini-exhibition of original costumes and documents (including posters and early drafts of the script) available on the night.
Shine (1996, M) film synopsis:A former child prodigy, David Helfgott (played by Alex Rafalowicz, Noah Taylor and Geoffrey Rush) had a brilliant career as a concert pianist ahead of him. During his 20s, he suffers a breakdown, which leads to him spending a year in isolation without music. David then meets an astrologer, Gillian (Lynn Redgrave) and an unexpected romance develops. David's relationship with Gillian helps him regain the confidence to return to his concert pianist career.
3. David Helfgott celebrates: in recital
14 August 2016, 4:30pm, Arc cinema, Canberra, ACT, $95
Shine weekend wouldn't be complete without a performance from the main character from the film,
David Helfgott, live in Canberra. Helfgott will perform The 'Rach 3', which is renowned as one of the most technically demanding piano concerti ever written, and the piece Helfgott aspired to master throughout the film Shine. Helfgott will be joined by internationally acclaimed pianist Rhodri Clarke as he once again rises to the challenge of performing an arrangement of the concerto for two pianos. This performance is
part of an international tour that will also see Helfgott perform at the Sydney Opera House.
Photo: David Helfgott in June 2009 (detail) by David Phillips. Image sourced from www.nfsa.gov.au 
