BASTARDY

VALE JACK CHARLES

[His family have given permission for his name and image]

For forty years and with infectious humour and optimism, Jack Charles has juggled a life of crime with another successful career – acting.  Since founding the first Aboriginal theatre company, Jack has performed with Australia’s most renowned actors and directors in features, TV series and plays.

Filmmaker Amiel Courtin-Wilson follows Jack over seven years – blurring the line between director and accomplice as Jack traverses the criminal and acting worlds. However, the law finally catches up and when Jack faces a jail sentence he might not survive, he is forced to decide if he can go straight for the first time in his life.

Bastardy is the story of one man’s journey into the light.

W/D Amiel Courtin-Wilson.

84 & 55 mins. 2008. Financed by Screen Australia, Film Victoria, MIFF Premiere Fund and the ABC.

Australian & International Distribution: Film Camp

BUY NOW on DVD (world)

WATCH NOW on Vimeo (world)

WINNER Grand Jury Prize FIFO International Documentary Film Festival 2010

WINNER Australian Film Critics Circle Best Documentary Jury Prize 2009

WINNER Best Documentary Human Story ATOM Awards 2009

NOMINATED Best Documentary, Best Direction, Best Editing Australian Film Institute Awards 2009

NOMINATED Best Documentary Sydney Film Festival 2009

NOMINATED Best Documentary Asia Pacific Awards 2009

Official Selection Aboriginal Australian Film Festival Paris 2016

Official Selection Melbourne International Film Festival 2008

Official Selection Singapore International Film Festival 2009

Official Selection Sheffield International Film Festival 2009

Official Selection Mexico International Film Festival 2010

Official Selection Kiev International Film Festival 2010

Official Selection International RADO Film Festival Cameroon 2010

Official Selection London Australian International Film Festival 2010

Screened National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) Timeline Exhibition

Screened ACCA as part of the Sovereignty Survey Exhibition 2017

Screened at The Barbican, London 2014