A Musical Mind

Sparked by the impending 25th anniversary of the Academy award-winning blockbuster Shine, this vivid theatrical film explores the power of the musical brain. Featuring exclusive, intimate footage of super-star international musicians in their private worlds, it opens an intriguing portal into the musical mind.

A glimpse into the private worlds and elite musical processes of four superstar musicians, brought together through their connection with the blockbuster movie Shine and its director Scott Hicks. We meet international rock star Daniel Johns, one of Australia's greatest musical talents. Accessing his subconscious, he escapes the chaos of existence in his musical discoveries.

American rock maestro Ben Folds finds inspiration in everyday fragments, weaving complex arrangements with a symphony orchestra, while classical pianist Simon Tedeschi surprises us with the athletic physicality that a nine-foot Steinway concert grand demands.

Threaded throughout is David Helfgott whose story inspired Shine, his love of water reflecting the fluidity of his playing that he shares with the next generation of emerging musicians.

These four enormous talents are interwoven by portraits, created on camera, by renowned artist Loribelle Spirovski. A celebration of the individuality of the creative brain, The Musical Mind explores the remarkable ability of four extraordinary musicians to channel their unique instincts and individual neurodiversity into sublime musical creations, unlocking profound emotion through the borderless language of music.

Prior to the screening will be a short 20min classical concert from pianist Matthew Ardern. Programme:
Ballade No.1 Op.23 - Chopin
Poèmes Op. 32 No.1 - Scriabin
Polonaise Op.53 - Chopin.