The Australian Dream, a new feature documentary which uses the story of AFL legend Adam Goodes to explore race, identity and belonging will have its world premiere at the Melbourne International Film Festival this August before a national cinema release.
Written by Walkley Award-winning journalist Stan Grant, the film documents Goodes’ life and career – from growing up as a shy country kid, to becoming a two-time Brownlow medallist and Australian of the Year, to the targeted verbal racial abuse he experienced both on the footy field and off it. And finally, Goodes’ quiet retirement from AFL after speaking out publicly about racism only to receive further backlash from a country still mired in systemic racism.
Against this backdrop, Grant asks questions about Australia’s relationship with racism, what it means to be Australian, and what it means to stand up for what you believe in, featuring interviews with Goodes himself along with key players from his story.
“We’re thrilled that The Australian Dream will have its World Premiere at the Melbourne International Film Festival and to share this first look with Australians,” says Grant. “This is the story of Adam Goodes and a moment when Australia faced the worst in itself. But it is more than that – it is the story of a country and its history. A story of pain but, above all, hope.”
For Goodes, the film “has provided the opportunity to tell our stories in our own words along with the stories of other Indigenous Australians. Our hope is that The Australian Dream will help to reconcile the history of our country and show there is a path forward for future generations,” said Goodes.
Watch the trailer for The Australian Dream below. The film will launch in Australian cinemas from August 22nd.
