The Joys of the Women (30th Anniversary)

Synopsis

In occasion of the 30th Anniversary of The Joys of the Women film, Palace Cinemas in association with CO.AS.IT are proud to present for one night only, a screening of the documentary that made The Joys of the Women choir and its musical director and ARIA award-winning singer/songwriter Kavisha Mazzella (AM), household names.

In addition to the screening, the night will include a performance by Kavisha Mazzella and a Q&A with Mazzella filmmaker Franco Di Chiera and cinematographer Simon Smith, hosted by Mariangela Stagnitti (Ordine Della Stella D’Italia) of Donne Siciliane and the Italian Women’s Business Network.

Released in cinemas in 1993 and broadcast on ABC-TV, director Franco Di Chiera’s film was the first of a new wave of documentaries about community choirs. Jointly produced with Andrew Ogilvie of Electric Pictures, it was realised in cinemas nationally, attracting rave reviews and nominated Best Documentary in the Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards. It screened at film festivals here and overseas. The film captures with wit and warmth the larger-than-life characters of the choir and follows Mazzella’s musical journey to find the lost songs of a generation. She was awarded an Order of Australia for her work.
Mazzella’s song, 'Wedding Sheets’, which features in the film, won a WAMIA award for Best Folk Song and the music clip and hand-written lyrics are on permanent display at COASIT Museo Italiano. The film’s music CD became one of ABC Enterprises' top-selling sound-track albums.

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the documentary that captured the story of the Joys of the Women choir, their members rich stories and the passion of its musical director and ARIA award-winning singer/songwriter, Kavisha Mazzella.