Lights, camera, action! Castlemaine Documentary Festival invites the community to attend two free public screenings at The Village Square Castlemaine.
CDOC director Claire Jager said the two fabulous music docos featured extraordinary performances and great storytelling and were well-suited to being screened outdoors on a Saturday night.
The first film Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami will hit the big screen this Saturday April 16 from 7.30pm.
Larger than life, wild, scary and androgynous – Grace Jones plays all these parts. Yet here we also discover her as a lover, daughter, mother, sister and even grandmother, as she submits herself to our gaze and allows us to understand what constitutes her mask.
Ms Jager said audiences could expect electrifying concert performances and intimate, personal footage that showcased the life and talent of singer and actress Grace Jones.
“She just doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. Sophie Fiennes the filmmaker doesn’t sacrifice any of the enigma.
Fiennes lets her be her magnificent self, following her stilettos,” Ms Jager said.
April 23 will see the screening of Wash My Soul in the Rivers Flow, a cinematic reinvention of a legendary concert starring Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter from 7.30pm.
It was by chance the future singer-songwriter, Archie Roach, met Ruby Hunter, the woman who would be his collaborator and the love of his life. This new film celebrates their unique partnership. A story in song about a woman, a man and a river. The film tells of loss, love and the healing power of music.
“This is such a beautiful, emotional music doco,” Ms Jager said.
“The emphasis is very much on the performances of Archie and Ruby and the connection and chemistry they shared. It’s spine-tingling. “And the offstage dynamic is warm and funny.
“Archie talks about the almost accidental origins of his all-time classic, They Took the Children Away, and his live rendition is one of the film’s highpoints.
“How could he possibly have imagined that song would go on to have the independent life that it does have?”
The countdown is also on until CDOC’s annual July Documentary Festival. Early Bird ‘Blind Courage’ Tickets are on sale now until the Program Launch on May 13. Grab yours today at cdocff.com.au
