Film series: Outsiders in Australian cinema 12 May – 24 June 2011

By Robert Herbert, curator, film (until June 2017)

Still from Night cries 1990, photo: courtesy of Ronin Films — Still from *Night cries* 1990, photo: courtesy of Ronin Films

To the mainstream, the outsider’s perspective commands attention. Outsiders often look, think and behave differently, their attitudes threatening the existing order. This film series explored the outsider in Australian cinema and the conflict that can arise between conformity and individuality: from characters trapped between two cultures to those at the bottom of the social scale, criminals, loose cannons, black sheep and those with unusual dreams and passions.

The series screened at the Art Gallery of New South Wales from 12 May to 24 June 2011 in conjunction with the newly refurbished Australian galleries.

Films

12 May – Crocodile dreaming (director Darlene Johnson, Australia, 2006, 35mm)
12 May – Night cries (director Tracey Moffatt, Australia, 1990, 35mm)
12 May – Wind (director Ivan Sen, Australia, 1999, 35mm)
13 May – Dingo (director Rolf de Heer, Australia, 1991, 35mm)
16, 20 May – Cherith (director Shirley Barrett, Australia, 1987, 16mm)
16, 20 May – Cane toads: an unnatural history (director Mark Lewis, Australia, 1987, 16mm)
23, 27 May – Bingo, bridesmaids and braces (director Gillian Armstrong, Australia, 1988, 16mm)
23, 27 May – Satdee night (director Gillian Armstrong, Australia, 1973, 16mm)
23, 27 May – Love letters from Teralba Road (director Stephen Wallace, Australia, 1977, 16mm)
30 May, 3 June – Sweetie (director Jane Campion, Australia, 1989, 35mm)
6, 10 June – Fran (director Glenda Hambly, Australia, 1985, 35mm)
13, 17 June – Return home (director Ray Argail, Australia, 1990, 35mm)
20, 24 June – Animal kingdom (director David Michod, Australia, 2010, 35mm)