Have a chinwag with John Jarratt at Blyth Cinema
John Jarratt, an icon of Australian movies and television, from Better Homes and Gardens to Wolf Creek, is bringing his latest film, “What About Sal?” to the big screen, with a special screening, followed by an intimate Q&A session at Blyth Cinema.
This talented Aussie is more than just an actor. Not only did he write “What About Sal?” he also directed and stars in the heartwarming tale about a young man with Down Syndrome whose mother is dying of cancer. Sal in his 30’s embarks on a journey to find his father – a rock band singer, played by John, who his mother had a one-night stand with 30 years ago.
I was lucky enough to chat with John earlier in the week and our conversation was like cracking a beer with your favourite mate. This Aussie legend is as down-to-earth as they come. A champion of Australian Film, it’s evident that his passion runs deep for the industry he’s been a part of for over 50 years.
This latest project is close to his heart. Jarratt says the inspiration for “What About Sal?” was “gifted” to him after a chance encounter at a footy match where he found himself sitting next to a young man with Down Syndrome. A fellow South Sydney fan, he was accompanied by his aging mother. John was taken in by the enthusiasm and zest for life this young man exuded. “He was so full of joy” John remarked. “I wondered what would happen if his mum passed away and he didn’t have anybody. Then I thought – that’s a bloody good idea for a film.”
With Gerard O’Dwyer, winner of Tropfest’s Best Male Actor Award in mind, John knew he had found the ideal leading star for the role. John first encountered Gerard’s exceptional talent in the early 2000’s. A dedicated “McLeod’s Daughters,” fan, in which John portrayed the easy-going Aussie farmhand Terry Dodge, Gerard affectionately refers to him as Terry to this day.
With over a hundred films under his belt, John knows the film industry like the back of his hand, prompting his decision to tour like a rock star – premiering “What About Sal?” with Q&A sessions throughout the eastern states of Australia. Luckily for me, he’s managed to schedule a South Aussie trip, with Blyth, my local country cinema, being his only regional stop.
No stranger to South Australia, John’s presence on screen has been a fixture for generations against familiar South Aussie backdrops. Beginning with “Picnic At Hanging Rock,” partly filmed at Martindale Hall in the Clare Valley fifty years ago, to “McLeod’s Daughters,” filmed near Gawler at Freeling, and iconic outback scenery featuring in Aussie cult horror films and series “Wolf Creek,” John has left an indelible mark. When asked about his favourite place in our beautiful state, he didn’t hesitate to mention “Maggie Beer’s Farm, enjoying lunch overlooking the lake.”
And in an exciting development for the “What About Sal?” team and the Australian Film Industry, Gerard, John, and Kaarin Fairfax, who plays Sal’s mother, were all nominated for Best Actor and Best Actress at the prestigious Septimius Awards being held this August in Amsterdam. A thrilling moment as “What About Sal?” breaks through into the European market.
“What About Sal?” premieres at the Piccadilly Cinema on July 31, followed by Semaphore Odeon on August 1 and Blyth Cinema August 2.
Q & A with John Jarratt “What About Sal?”
Where: Blyth Cinema
When: Friday, August 2
6:30pm Drink on arrival
7:00pm Movie
8:40pm Q & A session
Tickets: $20
