UNSOUND: Breaking Boundaries in cinemas.

Posted byMarguerite BarbaraPosted inFilmTags:

FilmInk Presents is delighted to announce the Australian theatrical release of the AACTA Nominated and CineFest Oz film UNSOUND. The unique and deeply moving coming-of-age romantic drama about Deaf culture and Pride opened nationally in selected cinemas from 11 February 2021.

The story follows disillusioned musician Noah (Reece Noi; Game Of Thrones, When They See Us and Hit & Miss) who quits the band of his ‘90s pop icon mentor (played by legendary Aussie singer Christine Anu) and returns to his mother’s home in Sydney, seeking connection and rejuvenation. 

Clashing with his mother (screen icon Paula Duncan) over old wounds, Noah searches for solace elsewhere and soon finds himself swept up in the vibrant, passionate life of a young, emerging trans-man, Finn (Yiana Pandelis), who is a proud, Auslan-only speaker who, with his father (Patron for Auslan Stage Left and Australian entertainer Todd McKenney) runs a local centre and nightclub for his Deaf community. 

Noah and Finn together traverse new ground, sharing their languages – Noah’s music and Finn’s signs – with one another, whilst trying to work out how to be true to themselves. Through a mutual love of music from two very different perspectives, a heart-wrenching love story unfolds.

UNSOUND is veteran TV and theatre director Ian Watson’s (Doctor Doctor, Janet King, ANZAC Girls) feature film directorial debut. Ian was attracted to UNSOUND by the story’s humanity and distinct points of view. 

“For me UNSOUND deals with issues of community and identity. Finn identifies first as a member of the deaf community and secondly as a transitioning man. Noah identifies as both a member of the music and gay community. Both are in the process of self-realisation.

UNSOUND knits these two journeys together as a romance in a compassionate and unadorned way that makes the film ultimately about the transformative power of love,” says Ian Watson.

Filmed in Sydney, Australia, UNSOUND is an original script written by Ally Burnham. Various members of the represented communities were involved on the project from its development through to completion to ensure the story was entertaining and authentic. Ally comments;

“UNSOUND for me is a story of visibility. Our characters strive to be seen and heard in every aspect of their lives, highlighting the simple power of recognition; respect, acknowledgement and acceptance.

If just one young person sees this film and sees a part of themselves up there, then it’s all been worth it,” says Ally Burnham.

UNSOUND has been drawing attention from esteemed awards nationally including, winner of Best Australian Feature Film at Melbourne Queer Film Festival 2020, winner of Best Fiction Feature at the ATOM Awards 2020, winner of the Queer Screen Completion Funding Award at the Mardi Gras Film Festival 2019, Best Original Screenplay at The 2020 AWGIEs, Best Casting In A Feature Film at The Casting Guild Awards 2019 and Best Editing In A Feature Drama at The 2020 Australian Screen Editors Awards.  

Internationally, the film has been selected for competition in festivals around the world such as the 32nd Festival for Children and Youth in Vienna (UNICEF Award, Children Jury and Public Awards) and the International Film Festival of India (UNESCO-Gandhi Medal section).

Producer Tsu Shan Chambers, known for her passion for bringing awareness to social issues through telling provoking stories comments;

“UNSOUND will resonate with young audiences and old seeking out accessible stories that are reflective of today’s diverse, progressive and inclusive world.

We are all incredibly excited that our story is coming to fruition to be seen on the big screens. We have all worked incredibly hard over the past few years. I am so grateful for this team,” says Tsu Shan.

UNSOUND’s Executive Producers are Shaun Miller, David Gross, Phil Hunt, Compton Ross, produced by Tsu Shan Chambers and Distributed by Filmink Presents.

‘UNSOUND’ RELEASES IN CINEMAS NATIONALLY FROM FEBRUARY 11.
(Now playing in Melbourne & Adelaide, and from 18 March in Sydney, Canberra & Brisbane).

Interviews are available with Director Ian Watson and cast.

#unsoundfilm #shineon #coloursofyourlife 

Facebook and Instagram: @unsoundfilm

Support is available at:

QLife 1800 184 527 qlife.org.au; Lifeline 13 11 14 lifeline.org.au; Kids Help Line 1800 55 1800 kidshelpline.com.au; Beyond Blue (provide services via NRS) 1300 22 4636 beyondblue.org.au

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