FROM AUSTRALIA: Two films about obsession by Megan Spencer

Dir. Megan Spencer, Australian

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Wed 18 November 2009 // 19:30 / Cinema

FROM AUSTRALIA: TWO FILMS about OBSESSION

WHO IS MEGAN SPENCER?

“Megan Spencer is one of Australia’s best documentary makers.” - Mick Molloy, filmmaker, ‘Tough Love’ Triple M

In Australia Megan Spencer has a profile as a film critic and broadcaster on national radio and television, and also as one of the country's most dedicated maverick documentary makers. Currently on 'sabbatical' from the media, she now works as a writer and a 'content provider' for websites in the film and music industries.

Her films are uncompromising, entertaining and singular takes on obsession. Her major titles include Heathens (AFL football fanatics), Strange Hungers: Mistress Ursula (a glimpse inside the world of BDSM), Hooked On Christmas (one suburban couple's yuletide odyssey) and her biggest project to date,  Lovestruck: Wrestling's No. 1 Fan (an intimate portrait about a woman's quest for fandom and family).

Megan's films are loved by audiences and often feared by critics! Find out more at www.myspace.com/lovestruckthemovie

THE FILMS

LOVESTRUCK: Little woman. Big obsession.

“.. A documentary with a punch to the heart as skilfully executed as anything The Rock might deliver.” – Metro, Sydney Morning Herald

"..widely accessible and unexpectedly moving... a character study with insights into its subject that have the power of an all-seeing light..[it] might knock you for a loop!” - Julian Shaw, Filmink

Eleven years in the making LOVESTRUCK: WRESTLING'S NO. 1 FAN is a 52-minute independent documentary about Australia's “No. 1” wrestling fan, Sue Parsons.

For the last 40 years Sue has dedicated her life to following professional wrestling. She has travelled to the US to attend fan conventions and stadium matches. She owns 4000+ wrestling DVDs and has plastered the walls of her house in over 3000 wrestling photos. Starting in the halcyon days of wrestling at Melbourne's Festival Hall (1960s), Sue knows - or has met - just about everyone in the business. She really is Wrestling’s No. 1 Fan.

But there is more to her story than meets the eye. We also accompany Sue on an emotional family reunion. Like the best wrestling matches Sue’s personal story is filled with drama and triumph. ‘Lovestruck’ is a portrait of family, sacrifice and survival. You have to be there…

HEATHENS: Football is their God
 
"There is more foul language in the opening three minutes of this classic short than in the entire length of Scarface" - James 'The Hound Dog' Young 3RRR-FM

"This film is hilarious from start to finish. Every football fan must see Heathens." - James 'The Hound Dog' Young, 3RRR-FM

A "record of the sound and fury of football barracking... and... the culture of the outer in all its vitriolic intensity." - Philippa Hawker, The Age newspaper

Heathens (1994) is a 30-minute observational film about fanatical Australian rules football supporters, the "Sainters" of St. Kilda Football Club, Melbourne.

Shot over 18 months it holds the record as the film with the 'most swearing per minute of screen time' and the most pirated short film in Melbourne. It broke box office records at the George Cinema in St. Kilda in 1996 when it screened to sold out audiences on its premiere cinema season.

 

Megan Spencer on Wikipedia

Lovestruck: The Movie

Interview with Megan Spencer