Facing The Music

Bob Connolly and Robin Anderson are a most extraordinary filmmaking duo. They're hands on, Bob shooting, Robin doing sound, they take their time deciding on their next subject and then they go in close for a long period of time. Having had major success with their New Guinea trilogy, First Contact, Joe Leahy`s Neighbours and Black Harvest and with Rats in the Ranks, they turned their attention to the plight of universities and with one woman's situation in particular. She's Anne Boyd, Professor of Music at Sydney University.

This is a truly fine and very moving documentary, combining the personal and the political to perfection. Composer and academic Anne Boyd was a brilliant choice through which to depict the frustrations and anguish of many people working in universities – she's a wonderful character. And of course there is also the music. It's hard to go past this as one of the great Australian films.

Comments from David Stratton: A masterly documentary from Connelly and Anderson who have already produced some of this country's finest documentary films. This study of the head of Sydney University's Music Department is not only a portrait of a woman radicalised under pressure; it's also a potent expose of what's happening to education in this country because of government neglect. High drama, with great music too. An exceptional achievement.