Cinema of the Atomic Age Free Lunchtime screenings

WHERE: The Block, Creative Industries, Queensland University of Technology

WHEN: 22 July, 29 July, 5 August (12 noon)

TICKETS: Free | No booking required

CONTACT: ciprecinct@qut.edu.au

FREE LUNCHTIME FILM SCREENINGS

Presented in conjunction with multi arts showcase 10 Minutes to Midnight at The Block.

Across the exhibition period QUT is hosting free lunchtime screenings of important films about nuclear weapons testing and use CINEMA OF THE ATOMIC AGE. Click here for program.

 

Wed 22 July
Silent Storm
Directed by Peter Butt (2003)

This Australian documentary reveals the story behind a controversial case of officially sanctioned “body-snatching”. In 2001, Melbourne laboratory scientists discovered thousands of jars containing ashed human bone. Unknown to the Australian public, between 1957 and 1978, secret bone samples from over 21,000 dead Australians were collected from morgues and hospitals as scientists measured national levels of Strontium 90 – a deadly by-product of nuclear testing. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, the film follows celebrated scientist and whistleblower Hedley Marston, as he takes on the official claims that the 1950s atomic testing in Australia posed no threat to the Australian public, and exposes Strontium 90 contamination of Australian milk supply.

Running time: 52 minutes

A Film Australia National Interest Program. Produced in association with SBS Independent. 
© 2011 National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.

 

Wed 29 July
Eclipse of the Man-Made Sun 
Directed by Amanda Stewart & Nicolette Freeman (1990)

Presenting a contemporary analysis of the imagery and official language that has been used to describe nuclear energy and weaponry since World War II. Using a rich archive of period footage, animation and commentary by media analysts, the film explores nuclear mythology in the atomic age, revealing how popular US and Australian references have obscured the true significance of military action, the A-bomb and international pro-nuclear trends since the 1950s.

The film has been widely screened and awarded at international film festivals, including the highly regarded Amsterdam Documentary Film Festival, the San Francisco Film Festival and the Yamagata Documentary Film festival.

Running time: 55 minutes

 

Wed 5 August
Nobody Told Us Anything 
Directed by Charles Stewart (2014)

Between 1952 and 1967, in the largest Tri-Service operation since the D-Day landings, over 20,000 servicemen participated in British Nuclear Weapons Tests in Australia. The documentary presents this story through archive footage and candid interviews with the survivors and their children, revealing the costs in human terms of Australia’s atomic test legacies. This timely and relevant exposé has been created by celebrated film maker Charles Steward in partnership with the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association and other survivors of nuclear testing.

Running time: 1 hour 36 mins

 

Presented by: Alphaville & QUT Precincts

Address: The Block a multi arts facility in the Creative Industries Precinct,  Cnr Musk Avenue and Kelvin Grove Rd,  Kelvin Grove Qld, 4059