Press release from NFSA
On 28 November in Melbourne, Sigrid Thornton will deliver the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia’s (NFSA) 9th Longford Lyell Lecture, offering her insight into the ever-changing Australian film and television industry.
Ms Thornton will reflect on her career in film and television in the context of the changes in the industry environment over that time. Ms Thornton said: “My personal perspective on the Australian film and television industry is framed through my involvement in front of and behind the camera. I have been a strong advocate for a balanced and viable industry over several decades. I welcome the opportunity to create a forum for discussion through the NFSA’s Longford Lyell Lecture.”
The NFSA plays a vital role in the Australian film and television industry by preserving Australia’s audiovisual history and is a leader in audiovisual archiving both nationally and internationally.
The Longford Lyell Lecture series was established in 2001 as a platform to celebrate and explore film through the experience of notable identities in the film world.
NFSA CEO Michael Loebenstein said: “The Longford Lyell Lecture series shines a spotlight on cultural issues of major relevance in the art, industry and scholarship of the moving image and thereby generates valuable discussion.
“We are delighted one of Australia’s leading and most respected actors, Sigrid Thornton, will bring her extensive experience and a unique perspective to the discussion this year. This is the first time an actor will deliver the lecture, traditionally given by directors and producers.”
The title of the Lecture, Longford Lyell, acknowledges the successful Australian partnership between director Raymond Longford and co-director, producer and actor Lottie Lyell, the force behind many feature films of the early twentieth century, including The Sentimental Bloke (1919), which was restored by the NFSA from 2000 to 2004.
Former lecturers include Tim Burstall, Rolf De Heer, Bruce Beresford and Patricia Lovell.
We invite anyone interested in the Australian film and television industry to join in the discussion by following @NFSAonline, going to facebook.com/nfsaa, or for more details visit www.nfsa.gov.au