Set in Australia’s remote Pilbara, Jub Clerc’s multi award-winning debut feature is a triumphant coming-of-age road movie that honours the power of country, community and art to transform lives.
One of those rare films that will leave you grinning from ear to ear... Sweet As is destined for ‘Aussie Classic’ status.
Screened as part of NZIFF 2023
Sweet As 2022
Visually spectacular and rooted in Indigenous Australian understanding of Country, Sweet As is authentic storytelling at its best and no wonder as Nyul Nyul, Yawaru filmmaker Jub Clerc based her multi award-winning debut feature on her own lived experience.
The film follows 16-year-old Murra who is one step away from entering the child protection system when she is sent on a photography safari into remote Western Australia. Through her camera, Murra begins a deep cultural healing. Her inner journey is finely performed by emerging star Shantae Barnes-Cowan alongside a tight and engaging cast whose nuanced expressions of youth are both familiar and timeless.
Funny and poignant, Sweet As is a new Australian classic, which has been picking up awards since its premiere at last year’s Melbourne International Film Festival. — Libby Hakaraia
“Our protagonist Murra is labelled a ‘troubled youth’, but her inner world is full of hopes, dreams, frustrations and clever insights—despite her unsafe home environment, or perhaps even because of it.” — Silvi Vann-Wall, Screenhub Australia
An open captions session will screen in Auckland at Rialto Cinemas Newmarket on Saturday 22 July and in Wellington at Embassy Theatre (Deluxe Cinemas), on Sunday 30 July.
A low-sensory session will screen in Auckland at Rialto Cinemas Newmarket on Friday 28 July and in Wellington at Embassy Theatre (Deluxe Cinemas), on Sunday 13 August.
Find out more about our accessbility screenings at our NZIFF Access page HERE.
Screening With This Feature
Maunga Cassino 2022
A Māori warrior, an Italian deserter and a scrawny rooster are trapped behind enemy lines. What could possibly go wrong?
Screening with Sweet As.