GET ready to do the Bogo Pogo - the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA) has launched online exhibition Strictly Ballroom: Behind the Curtain for the film's 25th anniversary.
Baz Luhrmann's debut film has become an Australian classic. It tells the story of young dancer Scott whose unconventional moves prove controversial in the conservative world of ballroom dancing.
Despite this, he and his unlikely new partner Fran, prepare for the Pan Pacific championships.
The film won eight of its 13 nominations at the AFI Awards. It also received the Award of the Youth at the 1992 Cannes Film Festival, and three BAFTAs. Born as a stage show in 1986, Strictly Ballroom was also adapted into a successful musical in 2014.
Actor Paul Mercurio, who played Scott, said the film hadn't aged.
"It's still relevant, and it moves people in exactly the same way it did 25 years ago," he said.
"We all need to feel good, we want something that makes us feel like getting up and dancing."
Tara Morice said the role of Fran defined her career.
"It's a great honour that it's still loved by the audience," she said.
"People have told me that every time they get sad, they get out the DVD and watch it. Kids have studied it for the HSC. It's become part of Australian film history, and that's such a great feeling."
Fans are treated to lots of new material in Strictly Ballroom: Behind the Curtain including:
- A brand new interview with Paul Mercurio and Tara Morice.
- Original sketches of the costumes by Angus Strathie.
- 1991 behind-the scenes-interview with Catherine Martin, talking about the world of Strictly Ballroom.
- 1992 interview on The Movie Show following the film's premiere at the 45th Cannes Film Festival. Margaret Pomeranz talks to Baz and Paul about audience reception.
- Oral history interviews with Paul, Tara, producer Tristram Miall, choreographer John O'Connell, composer David Hirschfelder and singer John Paul Young (on the impact of the 'Ballroom Remix' of Love Is in the Air).
- Original poster and publicity materials.
Click HERE to see the online exhibition.
