Sydney Premiere

BLACKBIRD

Sat 10th August | 6.30pm | Dendy Opera Quays

Dir: Jason Buxton, Canada, 2012, 103 min | Cast: Connor Jessup, Alexia Fast

A powerful riveting drama about violence and prejudices in a small town community.

A reckless and essentially empty online threat made to another classmate rapidly escalates into Sean Randall’s worst nightmare when the teenager is arrested and incarcerated at Waterville youth prison for allegedly planning a Columbine-style attack on his school. The struggle to get through his time in prison is only compounded when, despite his attempts to change people’s perceptions, it seems he will be permanently stigmatized by his small town community.

Blackbird offers a fresh perspective on dramas about anti-social behaviour, with a gritty representation of the cycle of physical and psychological violence in communities and institutions. Jessup gives an impressive performance as a misunderstood student struggling to express himself and be accepted, but hitting up against systemic prejudices.

“Blackbird offers a series of subtle revelations that challenge expectation without a hint of soapbox grandstanding or raging primal screams.” – Canada.com

Best Canadian First Feature Film award, 2012 Toronto International Film Festival.