Short Film AFIN 084
A Godless Country
Directed by 
Jesse Richardson
AFIN 2021 Winner · 3 awards
- 2021
- 20m
-
Australia - English
- Drama
- Historical
Stills
4 frames
Winner
Best Cinematography
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Synopsis
Moreton Bay Penal Settlement. 1832. Finn and Mary O'shea, two Irish convicts, labour under the evils of colonial Australia - a place liberty does not yet exist. But when fate takes their beloved daughter, Annie, they abscond to the bush in a desperate attempt to find a way back to Ireland - to return 'home'. Forsaken in a heartless, unforgiving land and relentlessly hunted by the convict over-seer, they must find a way back to their faith, each other and their daughter or become victims of A Godless Country.
Director's Statement
I grew up on historical movies and television series set in colonial USA. Like many, I was drawn to the frontier, a past of gold, cowboys and Indians. Very early on, however, I found myself searching for 'our' stories - stories from Australia's conveniently forgotten past. It has since been my passion to bring these ideas to life. A Godless Country was, in part , inspired by the story of the 1790 convict escape in which eleven Irish convicts attempted to walk overland from Sydney to Ireland. I was taken by their relentless pursuit of 'home'. I was moved to read a particular couple had lost a child prior which instigated their decision to take a chance in the bush. Whilst their story ended quite tragically, it stayed with me for a long time. I also wanted to explore the interplay between faith and fate, discerning what these two concepts meant in the context of being imprisoned in a far-flung and seemingly 'Godless' land. Ultimately, I wanted to create an on-screen history that gave rise to the idea that, like the Unites States and it's glorious frontier narrative, we too, have stories - and they are worthy of telling.
From the Judges
From the Judges
The cinematography draws on the Australian outback with a real eye for place, framing a story rooted in colonial-era history with care and confidence. The panel found the direction assured and the whole production richly realised, a raw and beautifully told tragedy that lingers. A short that plays with the scope and ambition of something much larger.
Director's Biography
Jesse Richardson Director
Jesse Richardson is a visionary Actor/Writer/Director of film and theatre with a passion for historical stories. He is best known for his productions of White Lines, The Pitch (feature) The Club (theatre), Red (theatre) and A Godless Country. Jesse began his journey as an actor, training at the Actors Workshop under the keen eye of master teacher Lynn Kidd. As his career progressed Jesse found a passion for writing, producing and directing his own stories - tales often neglected by mainstream Australian cinema and with a focus on colonial history. In 2013 Jesse wrote, produced and performed in the award winning "White Lines', Australia's first web series based in the world of Australian rules football. White Lines received 9 Australian Webstream Award Nominations (winning one) and gaining 'Official Selection' at the Melbourne Webfest 2014. In 2016 Jesse scored the lead in Michael Holligan's feature 'Battalion' which received world wide distribution. Jesse co-directed the feature film 'The Pitch' (2017) before producing and directing theatre productions of 'The Club'(2019) and 'Red' '2020'. Jesse is now looking to develop A Godless Country into a prequel for a slate of films set in colonial Australia.
Trailer
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A Godless Country was Winner of Best Australian Actress, Best Cinematography and Best Australian Film at the AFIN International Film Festival 2021, a Top 100 Best Reviewed and IMDb-qualifying festival.
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