ANONYMOUS CLUB, the feature documentary from Danny Cohen that pulls back the curtain on enigmatic singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett, will screen in cinemas across Australia from Thursday March 17. This follows the news that ANONYMOUS CLUB will have its international premiere at the prestigious SxSW Film Festival, Austin, Texas from March 11-19, 2022.
ANONYMOUS CLUB is the antithesis of a rock biography. With unprecedented, intimate access to the private life of Courtney Barnett, this innovative and stylised 16mm feature documentary follows a paradoxically introverted performer and anti-influencer, who, at the height of success, is ready to walk away. Three years in the making, and all shot on 16mm film, Danny Cohen’s feature documentary reveals a woman who finds power in sharing her vulnerability. Recording her innermost thoughts on a dictaphone, Courtney begins her slow acceptance of Danny Cohen’s camera. This unique filming process mirrors Courtney’s gradual search for purpose and emergence as an artist embracing her place in the world.
Anonymous Club – Official Trailer from Film Art Media on Vimeo.
ANONYMOUS CLUB had its world premiere at the Melbourne International Film Festival in 2021, and went on to screen at the Sydney Film Festival, Cinefest Oz and Brisbane International Film Festival. Audiences around Australia, will have the chance to see this compelling and cinematic documentary on the big screen when its theatrical season commences on March 17.
Writer/director Danny Cohen comments “After three years on (and off) the road, and a blurry few months in the edit suite with legendary editor Ben Hall, it’s wild to think that piece by piece, I’ve documented a story; one of a searching woman, of tremendous personal growth, and limitless talent. I’ll be forever grateful to Courtney for this experience, and I’m looking forward to sharing the film with audiences here in Australia and internationally.”
Producers Philippa Campey and Samantha Dinning add “It’s been such a joy and privilege to work with Danny on this beautifully filmed, and thoughtfully considered feature doc. Danny’s creative collaboration with Courtney – one of our brightest and most inspiring musicians – is unique. She’s an everyday person living an extraordinary life, and Danny’s ability to bring the intimacy of their creative friendship to the big screen offers insights and reflections for us all.”
Executive producer Sue Maslin comments “This film will of course delight Courtney’s fans but it offers so much more than her extraordinary music. She takes us on a journey through a confusing and at times dark period in her life where she ultimately finds a sense of purpose in her creativity – even if she hasn’t worked everything out! We have all been through bumpy times over the past couple of years and her story is a tonic, told with the honesty and humour we could all use a bit more of right now”.
The March release of ANONYMOUS CLUB coincides with Courtney Barnett’s Australian tour dates in support of her recently released album Things Take Time, Take Time.
ANONYMOUS CLUB is written and directed by Danny Cohen, produced by Philippa Campey and Samantha Dinning, edited by Ben Hall, with a score by Courtney Barnett and Stella Mozgawa.
ANONYMOUS CLUB is a Film Camp production, with principal production investment from Screen Australia in association with Film Victoria and the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) Premiere Fund. The film was financed with the assistance of The Post Lounge, Mind The Gap Film Finance and Film Art Media, alongside private investment. ANONYMOUS CLUB is being distributed in Australia by Film Art Media, while Berlin-based specialist feature doc sales agent Monoduo Films is handling the rest of the world. Acclaimed distributor Oscilloscope Films, established by the Beastie Boys’ Adam Yauch in 2008, is looking after North American distribution.
Duration: 83 minutes | Classification: M
SCREENING LOCATIONS:
NSW: Palace Norton Street, Palace Central, Ritz Randwick, Palace Byron Bay, Civic Newcastle | VIC: Classic Elsternwick, Lido Hawthorn, Cinema Nova, Cameo Belgrave, Palace Pentridge, Palace Kino, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Westgarth, Theatre Royal Castlemaine, Sun Theatre, Thornbury Picture House | QLD: Palace Barracks | ACT: Palace Electric | SA: Palace Nova East End | WA: Luna Palace | TAS: State Theatre Hobart
Keep up to date with news on special Q&A screening events and release information at: https://www.anonymousclubfilm.com and via socials below.
Instagram: @anonymousclubfilm| Facebook: @anonymousclubfilm | Twitter: @anonymousclubf
Instagram: @courtneymelba| Facebook: @courtneybarnettmusic | Twitter: @courtneymelba
Instagram: @dannyzcohen | Instagram: @film_camp_films
