THE 2006 AFI AWARDS

by Mark Poole

This article was first published on Screenhub, the online journal.

I’ve been at every AFI Awards since 1986. I’ve seen the ups and the downs, the tensions. I remember seeing steam billowing out of Premier Jeff Kennett’s ears the night Madga Szubanski decided to unleash her satire on the Liberal State Government. I’ve stood up along with a Melbourne Town Hall full of people when Trevor Graham welcomed Benita Mabo onto the stage, only to see Senator Richard Alston remaining determinedly seated. I’ve heard the arguments, the criticisms, the venom aimed at funding bodies, producers, directors, writers, actors and just about everybody, including of course the AFI itself.

Over the years some people have taken issue with the AFI, whether it be because they felt unfairly cheated of a gong one year due to a rule change, or they were attached to a drama that was obliterated by a Frontline or a Kath and Kim, or simply that the food on the night wasn’t up to par.

Well the food last night was fantastic. And perhaps that was why, as much as any other reason, the mood at the after-party was so – well buoyant.

Buoyant isn’t a word often associated with Australia’s film and television industry, and perhaps it’s me, as I’ve always been a supporter of the AFI, through thick and thin, being aware of the need for a screen culture industry to support and underpin the production arm. And I always enjoy the AFI Awards night, despite the occasional skirmish generated by ruffled politicians or dented egos.

But I think it was a general mood of positivity created by the mix of our top films this year. Jindabyne, Kenny, Candy, Suburban Mayhem and of course Ten Canoes, in particular. Films so different in style and substance, not to mention budget level.

How could anyone be left unmoved by the spectacle of Peter Djigirr going up to the podium to accept the Best Director Award with veteran Rolf de Heer, and listen to his acceptance speech in his own indigenous language?

How could you fail to have your pulse raised by Emily Barclay winning the Best Actor in a Feature Film award, and moving from elation to tears before our very eyes as she reminds us that we are all participating in the AFIs because of a shared love of film?

Who didn’t have a lump in their throat when Shane Jacobson stepped up to win Best Actor, and thanked his entire family, most of whom were present, he told us, including his beautiful Dad?

And the entire audience was left reaching for their hankies when youngster Marny Kennedy won the AFI Young Actor award for her role in the children’s TV series “Mortified.”  Apparently young Marny had to take a moment to have a weep herself in the media room before continuing on.

Perhaps the only critical murmurings amongst the gathered throng came from residents of states other than Victoria. They were openly jealous of local filmmakers, blessed with a new Minister for Film, John Brumby, who just happens to be also the Treasurer, as well as being well-known as a film buff, and as he told us, a member of the AFI since 1983. Those based in New South Wales were particularly bitter on the night at the paucity of their local funds.

Television too showed abundant strength, despite the overall production downturn, with programs such as ABC’s The Chaser a popular winner for Best Comedy, as well as SBS’s RAN for Best Telefeature or Mini-Series – not to mention the fabulous Susie Porter as Best Actress, and Sue Smith’s gong for writing. And Love My Way too continued its run of success for Foxtel. (Susie of course also won an AFI Award for her role as Best Supporting Actress in Film in Caterpillar Wish.)

The evening was well paced by host Geoffrey Rush, with a good dollop of comedy that largely worked.

For me, the best element of the night was to see the AFI regaining strength and taking its place within the industry, a capable vehicle for showcasing local talent, a means for celebrating our victories and successes.

Let’s hope our future Australian film and television programs will continue to break new ground, strike up a rapport with audiences and do great business. If this year’s any indication, it’s a definite possible.