Tonight saw 33 Postcards enjoy its premiere at the Randwick Ritz, in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
The night was not only a movie premiere but also an event somewhat designed to raise awareness and funds for educational and arts programs, tied into the film.
33 Postcards enjoyed strong media support by popular radio station 2UE and benefiting Sydney Children’s Choir and their Bursary Program, giving disadvantaged kids musical and educational opportunities that would have otherwise likely been out of their grasp.
The acclaimed cast and crew of 33 Postcards enjoyed drinks and bites with their fan base, insiders, and entertainment media, and also lapped up performances from the Sydney Children’s Choir and Chinese Lion Dancers.
Then it was time for the Australian theatrical premiere of the flick.
The film was shot in both China and Sydney, Australia in 2010. It's the story of Chinese orphan Mei Mei (Zhu Lin) who for a decade of dreams about embracing her Australian sponsor Dean Randall (Guy Pearce). It's not until she reaches 16 years of age, when her orphanage travels down under to Australia to attend a Choir Festival, Mei Mei takes the opportunity to look him up. What she finds however is a far cry from the idyllic life he depicted in his postcards. Initially mismatched, together they begin a journey in search of belonging, family, redemption, love and acceptance. It's trial, tribulation, and living to fight and survive another day.
Dean is actually a convict in prison for manslaughter, so you can imagine the issues that brings on.
33 postcards won the Community Relations Commission Award at Sydney Film Festival and Victor Dominello MP NSW Minister aptly stated "33 Postcards, inspired by real life stories, explores how two individuals come together despite two different cultures, ages and unexpected circumstances." This evocative film portrays sensitively how people of vastly different cultural backgrounds can interact effectively in our society."
This is an unique and touching story that is rarely told about the relationship that some Aussies have with Chinese Orphans.
It's not quite for everyone, but if you like a story of survival, beating the odds and the world coming together as one sort of thing, this is likely for you.
Well done to everyone involved in making the event a success.
Stars:
Guy Pearce, Zhu Lin, Claudia Karvan, and Lincoln Lewis
Produced by: Australia-China co-production
Websites
33 Postcards
Randwick Ritz
Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr
Eva Rinaldi Photography
Music News Australia
