Pic by Peter Derrett A50 Man in the field of people_1.jpg

AQUARIUS

OFFICIAL SELECTION | FEATURE DOC

BYRON PREMIERE

GENRE: DOCUMENTARY | YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2024 | LENGTH: 80 MIN | COUNTRY: AUSTRALIA

DIRECTOR: WENDY CHAMPAGNE | PRODUCERS: SAM GRIFFIN

In May 1973, 10,000 artists, activists, hippies, radical students, gurus and visionaries descended on a small dairy town for 10 days of social and cultural exploration that changed a generation. Those 10 days birthed an irrepressible movement that may have been the much-needed blueprint for sustainable change.

When thousands of young people travelled the back roads of Northern New South Wales 50 years ago to camp and explore a new way of living at Nimbin Aquarius Festival something unexpected happened amongst all the bliss, drugs and drama.

Through extensive collaboration and hours of precious newly-uncovered footage, the film directs our gaze to the Festival – its inception and its aftermath - and examines the power of that one event to continue to shape history. Aquarius is about the constant struggle between the establishment and the alternative, between community and the individual.

Aquarius is a film about the people and the power of change, of unintended consequences and the radical wisdom that reaches down through generations today.

Aquarius is BBFF2024’s Opening Night Film.

Our special Nimbin Premiere will feature a Q&A.

Session Times

  • PALACE BYRON BAY

    OPENING NIGHT

    Friday 18 October

    Red Carpet Arrivals & Reception 6:30pm | Film Starts 8pm | Aquarius Rising After-Party 9:30pm

  • NIMBIN BUSH THEATRE

    NIMBIN PREMIERE

    + Q&A

    SUNDAY 20 OCTOBER

    2PM