27A

SYNOPSIS: Based on a true story this award winning feature film is extraordinary for it's social awareness and the fact that it was one of the first feature films made at the rebirth of Australian production in the early 70's. it is the story of Bill Donald, an alcoholic who is committed to a hospital for the criminally insane until he can prove his eligibility to be released. Bill Donald is a liar, a cheat, an alcoholic and a human being trapped in a bureaucratic nightmare.  At a time when farce and sex were all the go 27A brought gravitas to the Australian scene.  Inspired by the work of Ken Loach in the U.K. the film is rooted in a social realism that connected it to an international tide.  The films won best film and best actor at the Australian Film Institute Awards.  Not bad for film makers aged in their early twenties.  Producer, Haydn Keenan is still the youngest winner of best film in the history of the awards.