April 17, 2014
Much-loved Australian actor John Wood will be coming to Nanango on May 16-18 for this year’s Big Screen Film Festival.
The Logie-award winning actor – probably best known for his role as Snr Sgt Tom Croydon in “Blue Heelers” – will be the special guest star at the opening night red carpet event at the Nanango Cultural Centre on Friday, May 16.
John’s career has spanned several decades including the TV hits “Rafferty’s Rules” and the recent ABC series “The Dr Blake Mysteries”.
He will introduce the opening night feature film, “Healing”, as well as his short film, “Waiting for Robbo”.
The Big Screen Film Festival is being brought to the South Burnett by the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia in partnership with South Burnett Regional Council. It is supported by the Heritage Nanango Community Bank and Screen Queensland.
“We are very excited that John Wood will be here in Nanango to be a part of this fantastic event,” Heritage Nanango Community Funding chairman Wendy Zerbst said.
“Since Heritage Nanango began sponsoring this event, we have been able to assist the organisers to bring Sigrid Thornton, Martin Sacks, Magda Szubanski, and now John Wood to Nanango to introduce us to a great variety of films.”
Big Screen Co-ordinator Annie Parnell said there would be a number of opportunities to meet John.
On Saturday, May 17, John will introduce a new Australian comedy film, “Backyard Ashes”, at a gala fundraiser for drought relief.
There’s some backyard cricket fun planned with John before the film starts.
This year’s Big Screen Film Festival also includes several sessions for younger viewers, including screenings at both Nanango and the Kingaroy of the new hit, “The Lego Movie”, which features animation from Australian company Animal Logic. Shorts from the NFSA collection and ABC Open will screen with most films.
Tickets to all events and sessions at the Nanango Cultural Centre are available from the South Burnett Regional Council offices and Thorps Showcase Jewellers in Kingaroy Shoppingworld, and at the door before each session.
Tickets for screenings at the Satellite Cinema in Kingaroy are available at the cinema.
- More information is available on Facebook
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BIG SCREEN FESTIVAL PROGRAM
Friday, May 16 – 11:00am (Nanango)
“The Railway Man” – Based on a true story, a victim from the Thai-Burma Death Railway sets out to find those responsible for his torture. An extraordinary and inspiring story of heroism, humanity and the redeeming power of love. Stars Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman. Tickets are $5, Pensioners free.
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Friday, May 16 – 6:30pm (Nanango)
OPENING NIGHT – Meet John Wood
“Healing” – A powerful, moving story of redemption, the discovery of hope and the healing of the spirit – in the most unlikely place for the most unique men, through the most unusual catalyst – beautiful, fearsome, proud eagles, falcons and owls. Stars Hugo Weaving, Don Hany, Xavier Samuel and Justine Clarke. “Waiting for Robbo” – A short comedy starring John Wood and Rhys Muldoon. Tickets $20 including refreshments.
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Saturday, May 17 – 11:00am (Nanango)
“Ginger Meggs” – Featuring John Wood in this tale of Jim Bancks much-loved comic strip character brought to life. Plus ABC Open short “Ketchup”. Tickets $5, canteen available.
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Saturday, May 17 – 2:00pm (Nanango)
“The Squatter’s Daughter” – Rivalry between two sheep stations, one managed by a strong-willed woman, the other by a weak-willed man. Drama, comedy, an extravagant bushfire scene and the grandeur of Frank Hurley’s photography feature in this NFSA Collection classic, directed by the legendary Ken G Hall. Free.
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Saturday, May 17 – 6:30pm (Nanango)
GALA DROUGHT FUNDRAISER – with John Wood
John Wood will introduce his latest film “Backyard Ashes” and share stories about his career at a gala fundraiser. The greatest backyard cricket challenge ever, between Dougie and his pompous English neighbour, Edward, as they battle it out for the ashes from a “cat”-astrophic accident during a routine backyard match. Plus “This Sporting Life” – NFSA gems from the vaults. Tickets are $15 which includes a chocolate fondue fountain with a donation to drought relief charity.
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Sunday, May 18 – 10:00am (Nanango) and 11:00am (Kingaroy)
“The Lego Movie” – An ordinary Lego mini-figure, mistakenly thought to be the extraordinary Master Builder, is recruited to join a quest to stop an evil tyrant from creating disaster. Plus ABC Open short “Ketchup”. Tickets: $5, with canteen available in Nanango.
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Sunday, May 18 – noon (Nanango)
The Queensland premiere of the documentary “The Man From Cox’s River”, plus an ABC Open short film, “The Spokesman”. Can a mission to save a mob of brumbies in an inaccessible wilderness bring a fiercely independent horseman and National Parks Ranger to see the world through each other’s eyes? A thrilling real-life adventure. Tickets $5.
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Sunday, May 18 – 2:00pm (Kingaroy)
“Satellite Boy” set in the magnificent Kimberley. Pete lives with his grandfather (David Gulpilil) in an abandoned drive-in cinema in the desert. When it is threatened with demolition, 10-year-old Pete and his best mate Kalmain take off through the bush to the city to save his home. Plus ABC Open short film “What Do You Wish For?” A story about Murgon woman Shona Muckert and her dream to walk again. Tickets $5.
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Sunday, May 18 – 2:30pm (Nanango)
“Tracks”, the true story of a young woman on a 3200km trek across the deserts of West Australia in the 1970s, with her four camels and Diggity the dog. Stars Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland) and Adam Driver (Girls) and the stunning desert landscape. Based on the international best-seller book by Robyn Davidson.
