The 71st Sydney Film Festival is set to kick off with a bang as it proudly presents the World Premiere of Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line at its Opening Night Gala on Wednesday, June 5, at the prestigious State Theatre. Following the screening, a vibrant post-screening celebration will light up the Sydney Town Hall, marking a milestone event in the festival’s history.
The Hardest Line unravels the pioneering narrative of Midnight Oil like never before on the silver screen. Defiant. Passionate. Vocal. Over their illustrious 45-year journey, ‘The Oils’ have left an indelible mark on modern Australia with anthems such as US Forces, Beds Are Burning, Blue Sky Mine, and Redneck Wonderland. This groundbreaking documentary features exclusive interviews with every band member, unseen live performances and studio footage, and iconic moments like the outback tour with Warumpi Band, the Exxon protest gig in New York, and the unforgettable “Sorry” suits at the Sydney Olympics, encapsulating the extraordinary odyssey of Australia’s quintessential rock ensemble.
Sydney Film Festival Director Nashen Moodley expressed his excitement, stating, “We are delighted to feature Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line as our opening film this year. This documentary not only charts the remarkable journey of one of Australia’s most influential bands but also encapsulates the ethos of an era that reshaped our cultural and political landscapes. It is a tribute to their enduring legacy and a poignant reflection on their enduring influence that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.”
Writer, director, and executive producer Paul Clarke shared his sentiments, “There exists no rock band quite like Midnight Oil. For five decades, they embodied fearlessness, dissent, and unparalleled originality. In times when Australia grappled with its own myths, they spoke the unvarnished truth. Their songs serve as a compass for navigating the fault lines of our society, articulating the turmoil of the peculiar and tumultuous eras we’ve traversed. After seven years of dedicated observation, we are honoured to unveil Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line at the Opening Night of the Sydney Film Festival.”
Executive Producer Mikael Borglund from Beyond added, “Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line is a film that resonates with our present moment. Fearless in addressing Australian political and cultural landscapes, and unflinching in confronting environmental and racial issues, ‘The Oils’ maintained their relevance over four decades by crafting music with global significance. Featuring timeless anthems, we eagerly anticipate audiences witnessing the fervor and poignancy behind the legendary Midnight Oil.”
Drummer of Midnight Oil, Rob Hirst, reflected, “With a solid management team, a resilient crew, and a tenacious lawyer, bands often find themselves shielded within a mobile sanctuary amidst the storm – the lightning strikes all around while musicians remain sheltered in a studio, on stage, or nestled inside a Tarago. This film, The Hardest Line, serves as both a revelation and a chronicle. Perhaps now, we can finally frame the past 50 years, discern collective meaning, and encapsulate it in a box labelled ‘the Luckiest Band Ever.’”
Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line is a collaboration between Blink TV and Beyond Entertainment, supported by principal production funding from Screen Australia and Australian Broadcasting Corporation in association with Screen NSW. Financed with the backing of Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Music Publishing, the documentary is set for Australian theatrical distribution by Roadshow Films. Directed by Paul Clarke, produced by Carolina Sorensen, and executive produced by Mikael Borglund, Paul Clarke, and Martin Fabinyi, the documentary promises to be a captivating portrayal of a legendary band’s enduring legacy.
Stay tuned as the full program for the 71st Sydney Film Festival will be unveiled on Wednesday, 8th May 2024, promising a cinematic extravaganza like no other.