Program Director Jack Sargeant takes us on a deep dive into this year’s Revelation Perth International Film Festival's music, arts and culture highlights.
Check out the programme.
'Fragments Of Paradise' – this documentary about underground/independent filmmaker, writer, poet and cinematic visionary Jonas Mekas is pretty much essential for anyone interested in the history of cinema, the artistic avant-garde and the counter-culture of the last seventy years. Mekas is an astonishing figure whose story is beautifully told here.
'Werner Herzog – Radical Dreamer' – another documentary about a great filmmaker, Herzog of course is a legend of cinema. I grew up watching movies such as 'Aguirre, The Wrath Of God' and 'Fitzcarraldo'. I’m also very happy to say we’re screening his 'Where The Green Ants Dream' at the museum as well.
'What You Could Not Visualise: Rema Rema' – a great ‘lost’ post-punk band, Rema Rema released one groundbreaking record. But this one record influenced so much of what followed, this documentary tells their story, but also the story of the period they helped to define.
'SUNLIGHT: YES' – I am very excited to be screening this documentary about Symbiotica’s exhibition in Fremantle. This film, and Symbiotica, are a testament to WA – indeed Australia’s – cultural cutting edge. It’s great to have the world premiere of this documentary at Revelation.
Jack Sargeant
'Circus Of The Scars' – a documentary about the legendary Jim Rose Circus! How could I not programme this film?
'Little Richard: I Am Everything' – This documentary tells Little Richard’s story with some great archive footage and it’s maybe the only documentary to include both John Waters and Mick Jagger. For a deep dive into a more soul-focused performer we also have the documentary 'Lee Fields: Faithful Man', which is a fascinating film about the singer and his return to the spotlight.
Finally, I’m pleased that we have 'Nam June Paik: Moon is the Oldest TV'. Like Jonas Mekas, Paik is a key figure of the 20th century avant-garde, his work as an artist, and his understanding of video and television, remains utterly groundbreaking. To me watching this film is like experiencing pure inspiration.
In the end that’s what I hope for, that people will come along and be inspired, they’ll see something they haven’t before, they’ll see the world in a different light, and maybe go and create their own work in music, film, art or even a circus sideshow. . .
Revelation Perth International Film Festival runs from 12-16 July at Luna Cinemas and The Backlot.
