Eureka Stockade, Harry Watt, 1949. Photo: NFSA.
G | 103 Mins | 1949| 35mm | AUS, UK | D: Harry Watt
In the early 1850s, the discovery of gold in Victoria drew thousands to places like Ballarat in search of fortune. Amidst strict licensing fees and terrible living conditions – and as the gap grows between the haves and the have nots –prospector Peter Lalor (Chips Rafferty) assumes the leadership of the Ballarat Reform League and leads a rebellion against the state government.
At the time of production, Eureka Stockade ranked among the most expensive films shot in Australia. This ‘Australian Western’ contributed to keeping the legend of the Eureka Stockade alive in the national memory.
Presented in partnership with Canberra Writers Festival.
The screening will be followed by a discussion with Dr Clare Wright OAM, award-winning historian, broadcaster and author of The Forgotten Rebels of Eureka. The discussion will be moderated by The Australian film critic Stephen Romei.
Presented on 35mm film prints from the NFSA collection.
CLARE WRIGHT OAM
Dr Clare Wright OAM is an award-winning historian, author, broadcaster, podcaster and public commentator who has worked in politics, academia and the media. Clare is currently Professor of History and Professor of Public Engagement at La Trobe University. She is the author of five works of history, including her groundbreaking Democracy Trilogy, comprising the Stella Prize-winning The Forgotten Rebels of Eureka (2013), You Daughters of Freedom (2018) and Ṉäku Dhäruk (2024). In 2020, Clare was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Honours list for ‘services to literature and to historical research’.
The details
What: Eureka Stockade screening + discussion with Dr Clare Wright OAM
When: 6 pm, Thursday 24 October 2024
Where: Arc Cinema, NFSA Acton
Cost: $17–20 via the NFSA website
