Faraway Downs
Faraway Downs
The world premiere of Baz Luhrmann’s Faraway Downs, an inspiring epic adventure and reimagined extended version of Luhrmann’s 2008 film Australia, told in six chapters. A special conversation and musical performance to follow the exclusive screening.
Starring Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, Bryan Brown, Brandon Walters, Ben Mendelsohn, David Wenham and Jack Thompson, the story centers on English aristocrat Lady Sarah Ashley (Kidman), who travels halfway across the world to confront her wayward husband and sell an unusual asset: Faraway Downs, a million-acre cattle ranch in the Australian outback. Following the death of her husband, a ruthless Australian cattle baron, King Carney (Bryan Brown) plots to take her land, and she reluctantly joins forces with a rough-hewn cattle drover (Hugh Jackman) to protect her ranch. The sweeping adventure-romance is explored through the eyes of young Nullah (Brandon Walters), an Indigenous Australian child caught up in the government’s Draconian racial policy now referred to as the Stolen Generations. Together, the trio experiences four life-altering years, a love affair between Lady Ashley and the drover, and the unavoidable impact of World War II on Northern Australia.
Director’s note: “I was inspired to re-approach my film Australia to create Faraway Downs because of the way episodic storytelling has been reinvigorated by the streaming world. With over 2 million feet of film from the original piece, my team and I were able to revisit anew the central themes of the work. I am honored to world premiere Faraway Downs in Australia, the place that has inspired me and my work my entire life, and with a partner like SXSW Sydney who deeply recognizes the intersection of film, television and music with storytelling.” —Baz Luhrmann.
The event will begin with a special performance from featured Faraway Downs soundtrack artist, Electric Fields, followed by the screening of Faraway Downs. Stick around post-screening for a conversation with director/producer/writer, Baz Luhrmann, and producer and production/costume designer, Catherine Martin, cinematographer, Mandy Walker, and consultant, Steven McGregor. Musical artist Budjerah will close the event with an on-stage performance.
World Premiere
Doors open at 4.30pm.
Starring Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, Bryan Brown, Brandon Walters, Ben Mendelsohn, David Wenham and Jack Thompson, the story centers on English aristocrat Lady Sarah Ashley (Kidman), who travels halfway across the world to confront her wayward husband and sell an unusual asset: Faraway Downs, a million-acre cattle ranch in the Australian outback. Following the death of her husband, a ruthless Australian cattle baron, King Carney (Bryan Brown) plots to take her land, and she reluctantly joins forces with a rough-hewn cattle drover (Hugh Jackman) to protect her ranch. The sweeping adventure-romance is explored through the eyes of young Nullah (Brandon Walters), an Indigenous Australian child caught up in the government’s Draconian racial policy now referred to as the Stolen Generations. Together, the trio experiences four life-altering years, a love affair between Lady Ashley and the drover, and the unavoidable impact of World War II on Northern Australia.
Director’s note: “I was inspired to re-approach my film Australia to create Faraway Downs because of the way episodic storytelling has been reinvigorated by the streaming world. With over 2 million feet of film from the original piece, my team and I were able to revisit anew the central themes of the work. I am honored to world premiere Faraway Downs in Australia, the place that has inspired me and my work my entire life, and with a partner like SXSW Sydney who deeply recognizes the intersection of film, television and music with storytelling.” —Baz Luhrmann.
The event will begin with a special performance from featured Faraway Downs soundtrack artist, Electric Fields, followed by the screening of Faraway Downs. Stick around post-screening for a conversation with director/producer/writer, Baz Luhrmann, and producer and production/costume designer, Catherine Martin, cinematographer, Mandy Walker, and consultant, Steven McGregor. Musical artist Budjerah will close the event with an on-stage performance.
World Premiere
Doors open at 4.30pm.
when and where
date and time
SAT, OCT 21, 2023
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Presenters
