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"The prestigious Cannes International Film Festival kicks off this week with Australia’s hopes and prayers riding on a low-budget offering called Samson and Delilah.
Samson and Delilah has been selected for competition in the Un Certain Regard, the category which is reserved for films with a particular focus on personal vision and cultural expression.
Previous Australian film’s Ten Canoes, Japanese Story and Love Serenade have been thrust into the international spotlight after being selected for the Un Certain Regard.
Director Warwick Thornton regarded the news of the film’s selection in the prestigious category as hilarious.
“We made a little film with a big name and now we are going to a big festival with an even bigger name.” he said.
“From little things, big things grow.”
The film, set in a remote Aboriginal community in the Central Australian desert, tells the story of two young Aboriginal lovers.
Australian film critics have applauded the film for its uncompromising look at Aboriginal life in remote communities.
Margaret Pomeranz, from ABC TV’s At the Movies, described the film as “one of the most wonderful films this country has ever produced”.
Glowing reviews have lead to Australian audiences to see the film en masse.
This week figures showed the film had the highest screen average for any Australian film released nationally since 2001.
The screen average of over $17,000 is regarded as massive within the film industry and is the highest since the highly successful and critically applauded Lantana.
Luna Palace marketing and promotion manager Tony Bective said the audience response to the film had been outstanding at Luna Leederville.
“It has been one of our record films to date. The response to the film has been overwhelming.” he said.
“It’s very exciting because it shows that a film of this type and calibre, with a difficult subject matter and a different story, can be extremely popular.”
Tony also believes the film is in a very good position to win at Cannes.
Director Warwick Thornton was very excited about the audience response to his film.
“It is a great feeling to know that as I fly off to France, the Australian public is looking after our baby Samson and Delilah.” he said
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