Press release from TM Publicity
The Matilda Candidate, which follows the hilarious journey taken by filmmaker, Curtis Levy, as he stands for election to the Australian Senate on the platform that Waltzing Matilda should be the national anthem, premieres on ABC 1 at 9.35pm on January 26 in special Australia Day viewing and, this week, has been invited to screen in Documentary Fortnight 2010, at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
This is MoMA’s annual festival of non-fiction film and video, to be held February 17- March 3.The Documentary Fortnight series, now in its 9th year, provides an intense examination of recent national and international film and video documentary. The program includes a wide range of subjects and styles by established and emerging filmmakers.
Curtis Levy fervently believes that Australia has what it takes to stand on its own feet as an independent republic. During the film Levy uncovers what he sees as convincing evidence for Waltzing Matilda becoming the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Unfortunately his efforts are somewhat undermined by his own campaign manager, who unexpectedly turns out to be – of all things – a monarchist.
The Matilda Candidate explores a surprising undertow of deeper issues concerning culture and identity, revealing the parallels between the early white history or Australia when Waltzing Matilda was created and the Australia of today. The film makes it painfully obvious why Australians have been so slow to take the bit between their teeth and become a Republic.
The Matilda Candidate introduces some fabulous contemporary versions of Waltzing Matilda showing that the song has what it takes to become a truly Australian national anthem, rather than a covert song of Empire, which is how Levy views Advance Australia Fair.
Filmmaker Curtis Levy has made some provocative and insightful award-winning films (The President Versus David Hicks and Hephzibah). Now he sets out to challenge the very basis of Australia’s current status as a constitutional monarchy. While Australian politicians are afraid to challenge the status quo, The Matilda Candidate bravely presents what may be the key to Australia’s future.
The Matilda Candidate screened to rousing applause at the 2009 Melbourne International Film Festival.