The upcoming documentary ‘Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line’ is set to open the 71st Sydney Film Festival on June 5th. The film, written and directed by Paul Clarke, chronicles the 45-year journey of the legendary Australian rock band Midnight Oil.
Known to fans as ‘The Oils,’ the band has been both successful and contrarian throughout their career, producing anthems such as ‘U.S. Forces,’ ‘Beds Are Burning,’ ‘Blue Sky Mine,’ and ‘Redneck Wonderland.’
Beyond their music, Midnight Oil has been known for their activism, including an Exxon protest gig and wearing ‘Sorry’ suits at the Sydney Olympic Games.
The documentary promises to capture the spirit of an era that reshaped Australia’s cultural and political landscapes. It features timeless anthems and behind-the-scenes footage, offering audiences a glimpse into the power and passion of Midnight Oil.
‘This documentary not only chronicles the formidable journey of one of Australia’s most influential bands, but also captures the spirit of an era that reshaped our cultural and political landscapes,’ said Sydney Film Festival director Nashen Moodley.
‘When Australia was creaking under the weight of its own myths, they told us the truth,’ said director Paul Clarke. ‘Their songs pinpoint the fault lines in our culture, they rage against the strange and dangerous times we’ve lived through, and they offer hope.’
The full program for the 71st Sydney Film Festival will be announced on May 8th.
