Sweet Country

07 Nov 2018

Director: Warwick Thornton

Australia

2017

113 min

Warwick Thornton’s ravishing, agonising western is inspired by true events and set in Australia’s Northern Territory in 1929. Aboriginal stockman Sam works the land for kindly Christian preacher Fred Smith. When vicious war veteran Harry Morris returns to the area, tensions emerge and Sam is forced to defend himself. His subsequent disappearance sparks a manhunt led by Sergeant Fletcher. As Sam and his wife travel through the heat and dust of the outback, his plight exposes all the injustices of colonialism. With clipped dialogue, beautiful cinematography and impressive performances from a non- professional cast, this film, from the director of Samson and Delilah, has a rare authenticity.

Venice Film Festival 2017 – Special Jury Prize