Australia’s premiere film festival is proud to announce the inclusion of Under The Volcano to its Official Selection program. The music documentary comes from WA producer Cody Greenwood (The Beeman) with direction from Gracie Otto (The Last Impresario), and will screen to CinefestOZ audiences after it’s successful World Premiere at SXSW in Austin, Texas – a mecca for film and music industry names from across the globe.
The film will screen as the Closing Night event at Margaret River HEART, engaging audiences with a filmmaker Q&A after the screening, to hear how this unique story was unearthed. Arrive ahead of time to walk the red carpet and enjoy the pre-film entertainment, glitz and glamour.
Under the Volcano charts the rise and fall of AIR Studios Montserrat, the recording studio at the centre of the pop universe in the 1980s. Built by Beatles’ producer Sir George Martin, AIR Studios Montserrat was a custom-built, state-of-the-art recording facility tucked away on a Caribbean paradise.
CinefestOZ CEO Malinda Nixon said having Under The Volcano feature in this year’s program is just one example of a new wave of WA filmmakers taking risks with storytelling.
“It’s such a unique opportunity to share the stories and hidden history of this iconic studio, and what a coup that it has been so creatively retold by WA filmmakers,” she said. “Under The Volcano will resonate with fans of music, documentary filmmaking, and of course invoke a nostalgia for pop culture from the 80s.”
“We’re incredibly proud to have Greenwood attend the festival to promote her latest projects – of which she has four in the festival program! It’s a testament to her talent, her drive and the creativity of her team that we’re showcasing her work so prominently.”
Through personal accounts and backed by a blistering soundtrack, Under the Volcano is the definitive account of George Martin’s Studio at the end of the world, a place that generated a perfect storm of talent, technology and isolation, ushering in music that would live on long after the last tape rolled.
Featuring interviews with iconic recording artists including Sting, Jimmy Buffett, Mark Knopfler, Andy Summers, Stewart Copeland and Nick Rhodes, filmmakers were offered exclusive access to the studio as it stands today.
Greenwood said they’re honoured to be premiering the film to audiences at CinefestOZ.
“Whilst Under The Volcano may be a film that is global in nature, I’m so excited for the film to be screened at home in Western Australia – amongst the places, people and organisations that have given me endless inspiration to bring this film to life,” she said.
“The support of Screenwest has been instrumental in being able to showcase 4 films at this year’s CinefestOZ festival, each with a story that I hope will remind audiences of the talent that exists amongst the WA film industry. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with some of the best emerging and established directors in the country, and extend enormous gratitude to CinefestOZ for presenting these films at this year’s festival’.
The film was supported by Screenwest and Screen Australia. Rikki Lea Bestall, CEO of Screenwest said, “Cody is such a talented Western Australian producer, and we are so pleased that with the support of Lotterywest, we have been able to support her to make this documentary which has already achieved global buzz. We look forward to Western Australian audiences seeing some very famous faces, and becoming engrossed in the story and epic soundtrack!”
Under The Volcano will host it’s WA Premiere as the Closing Night film on Saturday 28 August at Margaret River HEART, with tickets available to purchase online now.
The full film program for this year’s CinefestOZ will launch this Thursday 29 July with an exciting array of new and established filmmakers premiering their work. Download the official CinefestOZ app to search session times, book tickets and build your calendar of events during the festival.
CinefestOZ would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land we live and work on, and pay our respect to the Elders past, present and future.
CinefestOZ thanks Presenting Partner Tourism WA, Premium Partners Screenwestand City of Busselton and Community Partner Rio Tinto. The festival acknowledges its strong support from Lotterywest and Screen Australia.