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This stunning three-part series shows the work of three of Australia’s talented new generation of documentary filmmakers. Each compelling story explores how sexuality and the body work as driving forces in the creative process.
Muscle
Natasha Gadd, Australia, 2008, 26 minutes
Muscle unflinchingly follows three-piece physical performance troupe Acrobat (Simon Yates, his partner Jo-Ann Lancaster, and collaborator Mozes) as they set off on tour following a difficult and dramatic period of physical and emotional collapse. With candour and intimacy, Muscle delves beneath the stylized, artificial realm of circus performance to explore the complex relationship humans have with their bodies and the devastating impact on the heart and mind that results when the body proves, ultimately, to be fallible.
Best Director in a Short Documentary, 2008 Australian Directors Guild Awards
Skin
Rhys Graham, Australia, 2008, 26 minutes
Skin examines the relationship between artist Ex de Medici, equally renowned for her vivid paintings as for her groundbreaking tattooing, and Geoff Ostling. Geoff is a 65-year-old retired history teacher, a gay man in the leather community and a devoted church going Christian, whose body has been etched with a tapestry of flowers by Ex’s needles and ink. The film charts their journey as Geoff’s body suit — their collaborative artwork — is completed after 25 years. Now entirely tattooed, Geoff is forced to confront his mortality as he and Ex undertake to have Geoff’s skin preserved and exhibited after he dies.
Best Short Documentary, 2009 Worldwide Short Film Festival, Canada
Heart
Amy Gebhardt, Australia, 2008, 26 minutes
Shot with tender intimacy, Heart explores the origins of creative inspiration when artist Jacqui Stockdale embarks on a portrait of her long time muse, Rose. The film cuts between archival and present day footage, exploring the heart of this sixteen-year-long artistic collaboration and love affair between Jacqui and Rose. As past storms of their personal life swirl around them, we witness the changing nature of love within the artistic process.
Best Documentary, 2008 Melbourne International Film Festival
Directors’ biographies
Amy Gebhardt has won awards for her work as writer/director/ cinematographer in both drama and documentary. By combining her background in cinematography, performance and documentary, Gebhardt is committed to telling stories that visually inspire and push notions of the human spirit.
Rhys Graham’s work traverses drama and documentary. He has directed a number of short films and music videos including Words from the City, which he co-directed with Natasha Gadd.
Prior to moving into film production, Natasha Gadd was Cinema Programmer at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image for which she curated a number of programs featuring expression and resistance in contemporary culture.
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