PRETTY GOOD FRIENDS

Australia’s first mumblecore film is set to premiere in Sydney and should provide an alternative cinematic experience for audiences who are disillusioned by the regurgitation of multi-million dollar blockbusters.

A sub-genre of independent films, these movies are characterised by low budgets, improvised dialogue, minimal technical resources, small casts and crews, and are ordinarily filmed by handheld cameras.

The story focuses on Jules (Jenni Townsend), a twenty-something year old, who relocates from Adelaide to Melbourne and moves in with her girlfriend Sam (Rain Fuller) and her partner. Friendships, new beginnings and the struggles of youth are explored and the explosive change which Jules ultimately brings into her friend’s life.

Dialogue is paramount to plot in this dramedy which also ignites subtle romantic themes that lead to an unpredictable and strangely satisfying conclusion.

Production values are obviously low, but this award-winning film (which is clearly a labour of love) should inspire up-and-coming filmmakers, and also resonates that respectable films can be produced with minimal resources and an abundance of talent. (MMo)

★★★

SYDNEY SCREENING: Feb 7, 6:30pm. Chauvel Cinemas, 249 Oxford Street, Paddington. $15. Tickets & info: www.trybooking.com