The film sold out within 10 hours at the 2012 Melbourne International Film Festival[3] and before its official theatrical release on 25 Oct 2012, the film went on a sold out National Tour as special event releases with Paul Kelly and director Ian Darling appearing on stage after the screening.[4]
With a career spanning more than thirty years, this feature-length documentary explores Kelly's life from his childhood in Adelaide as the sixth of nine children and grandson of two famous opera singers, through to his reputation as one of Australia's best singer-songwriters. The relationship of Kelly's art to his life and personal journey are revealed as are the many hurdles he faced along the way.[5] The interview subjects include various members of Kelly's family, many of his fellow musicians and friends including novelists Richard Flanagan and Fiona McGregor, film director Rachel Perkins and musicians Megan Washington[6] and Archie Roach.[7]
Social impact
As part of the film's social impact and educational outreach program Shark Island Productions and The Caledonia Foundation launched Paul Kelly & The Portraits at the National Portrait Gallery by The Hon Tony Burke MP and Paul Kelly - Portrait of an Artist Schools' Education and Curriculum program by Peter Garrett and developed with the English Teachers Association NSW.[8] The report Music to Our Ears with the Music Council of Australia was commissioned to increase parental engagement to advance music education in schools.[9][10]
Paul Kelly - The Essays is a companion paperback book and e-book to the film tracking Kelly's life from aspiring cricketer as a young boy through to his status as one of Australia's best musicians.[11]
Awards and nominations
Won ATOM AWARD (2013) Best Educational/Training Resource (Primary/Secondary)
Won ATOM AWARD (2013) Best Documentary Arts
Finalist ATOM AWARD (2013) Best Documentary General
Finalist ATOM AWARD (2013) Best Documentary Biography[12]
