The Choir (film)
| The Choir | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Michael Davie |
| Written by | Michael Davie |
| Produced by | Michael Davie Chris Hilton |
| Starring | Jabulani Shabangu Coleman Mgogodio |
| Cinematography | Carlos Carvalho Michael Davie |
| Edited by | Ben Deacon David Lourie Karin Steininger |
| Music by | Felicity Fox |
Running time | 88 minutes |
| Country | Australia |
| Language | English |
The Choir is a 2008 documentary film directed by Michael Davie. It profiles a choir in Leeuwkop Prison, near Johannesburg, following one prisoner over a four year period.[1][2]
Reception
[edit]Variety's Russell Edwards writes "Paradoxical images of hardened criminals with voices like angels are uplifting from the outset, but Zimbabwe-born helmer, Michael Davie transcends feel-good shortcuts to unblinkingly explore convicts’ lives. "[3] The Manawatu Standard's Peter Lampp gave it 3 stars and finishes "Anyone with a trace of humanity will emerge from The Choir with a lump in their throat and an appreciation for our simple luxuries. That African chanting and dancing grows on you, too."[4] Writing for the Age Philippa Hawker gave it 3 1/2 stars saying "THE Choir is a testimony to the redemptive power of song, but it is a thoughtful film that does not take this potential for granted."[5] Leigh Paatsch of the Herald Sun gave it 4 stars and finishes "In spite of the sweet sounds that dominate here, The Choir is resolutely tough stuff from start to finish.."[6]
Awards
[edit]- 2009 Australian Film Institute Awards
- Best Direction in a Documentary - Michael Davie - won[7]
- Best Sound in a Documentary - Sam Hayward, Phil Judd, Felicity Fox, Alli Heynes, Phil Vail, David White - nominated[8]
- Best Documentary - Chris Hilton, Michael Davie - nominated[8]
References
[edit]- ^ Groves, Don (3 June 2009), "The Choir Review", SBS
- ^ Kalina, Paul (27 May 2010), "Prisoners on the same song sheet - documentary", The Age
- ^ Edwards, Russell (25 June 2008), "The Choir", Variety
- ^ Lampp, Peter (13 May 2010), "Prison lives lifted through song", The Manawatu Standard
- ^ Hawker, Philippa (16 July 2009), "Lives that have fallen out of sync with society find redemption in the songs of a prison choir", The Age
- ^ Paatsch, Leigh (16 July 2009), "The Choir", The Herald Sun
- ^ "AFI award winners announced", if, 14 December 2009
- ^ a b "AFI awards nominations announced", if, 28 October 2009