Canteen, in collaboration with Dancing Road Productions, Kojo Entertainment and The South Australian Film Corporation, recently hosted a double film night at Adelaide Studios. The money raised from the evening has been generously donated to make sure that Canteen's free counselling and peer support services keep helping young people dealing with cancer, reducing feelings of isolation and anxiety, – be it their own, their parents or siblings. The event held on 11 August featured screenings of two captivating films, iconic South Australian film Black & White and the creature feature Carnifex, treating attendees to an unforgettable cinematic experience that included a Q & A session with the filmmakers. Guests included Gavin and Pippa Wanganeen, film producer Anna Vincent, and Black & White’s director of photography Geoffrey Simpson.
Guests enjoyed a selection of Vineyard Road’s finest wine with a board of beautiful food. A highlight of the evening was a silent auction where guests were offered the chance to bid to take up ‘money can’t buy’ experiences, with all proceeds helping support young people impacted by cancer. This included behind-the-scenes access to film and TV sets, a chance to intern in the film industry, and exclusive set memorabilia.
The Q&A session took place following the films, with Carnifex director Sean Lahiff and producers Helen Leake AM and Gena Ashwell taking the stage. The fact that Black and White was directed by Craig Lahiff, the late father of Sean and produced by Helen, who with Gena Ashwell produced his son Sean’s debut feature film made this an incredibly special moment. The audience were enthralled by the profound artistic legacy behind the productions and loved hearing about life behind the scenes of a film.
It was great to see some of our young people relishing a well-deserved break and being treated to an unforgettable evening. Each of them left the night with a goody bag, which included a Carnifex DVD and an exclusive keepsake from the film's set, generously provided by the film's producers.
This exclusive charity film screening night, enriched by its blend of cinema, generosity, and nostalgia, showcased the vibrant tapestry of South Australian filmmaking while uniting the audience in a shared appreciation for film. Thank you to the help and generosity of those who attended on the night, with the help of their support Canteen continues to provide advice, free counselling, and a safe space for young people to connect.
A heartfelt thanks goes to everyone who played an instrumental role in contributing to such an incredible night, including Vineyard Road, Kojo Entertainment, SAFC, Dancing Road Productions and Jonny’s Popcorn Delights.
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