The film details how phage therapy works and follows the progress of three patients,leaving viewers in as much suspense about the outcome as the doctors involved. The importance of the work is emphasised by Professor Jon Iredell who warns:“It’s estimated antibiotic-resistant infection will be one of the biggest killers of humans within a generation,more than cancer.”
Isabel Darling,the writer,director and co-producer ofThe Carnival (Thursday,February 22,8.40pm),is also the director of photography and contributed to the sound recording. She spent years chronicling the lives of the Bell family and her investment of time and effort,and her sensitive,observant eye are rewarded in this engaging portrait. It’s probing and revealing,but never feels intrusive.
Most of the Bells are involved in a continually touring carnival,travelling from town to town in a convoy of caravans and trucks,as the family has for generations. The film captures their life on the road:setting up,presenting and packing up their roadshow,and moving on. Yet whileThe Carnival depicts the particular pleasures and challenges of their lifestyle,as well as the impact of the 2019 bushfires and the 2020 pandemic,it also reveals concerns common to many families:financial pressures and generational tensions;succession plans in a family business;the different experiences for sons and daughters.
It’s clear that,even with its considerable challenges,the Bells relish this lifestyle and are proud of their history. On a visit to Sydney,Elwin snr narrowly eyes the high-rise apartments blocks,remarking that it would be like living in a birdcage and adding,“a caravan’s only small,but at least you can move it if you want”.
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The final film,Psychedelics:Stepping Into the Unknown (Thursday,February 29,8.40pm),was unavailable for preview. It follows research into the use of psilocybin in therapy to treat people suffering from anxiety disorders. Made by Blackfella Films and shot over two years,it features interviews with doctors and patients about the treatment.
Australia Uncovered premieres on Thursday,February 8 at 8.40pm on SBS and SBS On Demand.
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