Demonstrator

Demonstrator (1971)

Australia Explodes!

The story of a university student who leads a protest against an Asian security conference in Canberra which has been organised by his father the Australian Defence Minister. His life and his demonstration become disrupted.

Date of release
1971-04-05
TMDB
8.0 / 10 (1)
Runtime
1h 52m
Genres
Drama
Director
Warwick Freeman

Casting

Interesting facts

  • Filmed in: Australia

Demonstrator is a 1971 film directed by Warwick Freeman.

Production

David Brice, a newsreader with CTC7 in Canberra, optioned a book by Don and Elizabeth Coleman. He met some ACT solicitors to raise funding and approached experienced TV producers Warwick Freeman and Jim Fishburn. They formed Act One (The Fund) and commissioned FFI (Freeman Fishburn International) to make the movie.

The film began shooting in September 1970 on location in Canberra. The only imported actor was Kenneth Tsang from Hong Kong. Students from the Australian National University appeared as extras and Prime Minister John Gorton told government departments to assist wherever possible, provided no direct expenditure was made.

We finished it on budget, or under, and on time. But the relationship with Act One became strained. What was I directing? A great story? Actors? The performances? A drama of the times? I don't really remember. We were all new to it and the job was functional. Get it shot, in the can, and make it audience friendly. I do remember ensuring that all the screen requirements for movies of the day were intact.

Noel Ferrier called it "an odd little beauty" with "the most boring nude love scene ever filmed" and felt the performances of himself and Slim de Grey "were unintentionally hysterical."

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