John Hillcoat

Ghosts… of the Civil Dead

1988 Australia
82min • English. Finnish subtitles
K16
Theme: Rokumentti Warm-Up
12.11.2018 | Time 16:30 | Venue: Tapio 2 | BUY TICKET

A rare film treat for Nick Cave fans

The Rokumentti Festival week starts off with the debut film of the Australian director John Hillcoat (e.g. The Road), which was mainly penned by his friend, Nick Cave. As well as making his acting debut as a maniac killer in the film, Cave also composed its bleak soundtrack with The Bad Seeds band members Mick Harvey and Blixa Bargeld.

The film takes place in the not-too-distant future, in a maximum security prison housing the nastiest scum of society in the middle of nowhere. It is a cold and tough place, where Big Brother observes even the smallest movements of the inmates. The film is loosely based on the Jack Henry Abbott novel “In the Belly of the Beast”; the original story is combined with actual prison events. Pursuing and being in control form the core of this timelessly topical story. The film is a rare treat for everyone interested in Nick Cave, alternative cinema or dark Gothic style.

The screening is part of KAVI’s (National Audiovisual Institute) Joensuu Autumn Programme.