3 May 2024

Rats in the Ranks + Q&A with Bob Connolly

| NFSA
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Promotional image for Rats in the Ranks showing a man wearing a fur coat, standing in front of a red curtain

Rats in the Ranks (Bob Connolly, 1996)

M | 98 Mins | 1996 | DCP | AUS | D: Bob Connolly

The NFSA is proud to partner with DocPlay and Madman Entertainment to present a special screening of Rats in the Ranks, followed by a Q&A with director Bob Connolly moderated by NFSA Chief Curator Gayle Lake.

Every September Sydney’s Leichhardt Council elects its mayor. Incumbent Larry Hand is popular with the citizenry, but they don’t vote for mayor – the 12 councillors do. And politics is a bruising business; – the best policies in the world mean nothing unless you’ve got the numbers.

Rats in the Ranks is a gripping, real-life drama with a white-knuckle climax; a fascinating portrait of how politics really works. Bob Connolly and Robin Anderson – two of Australia’s most distinguished filmmakers – gained extraordinary access. Arms are twisted, favours called in, and there are deals, double crosses and damaging leaks. But right up to the vote, no one knows if the numbers will stick.

Followed by a Q&A with director Bob Connolly, moderated by NFSA Chief Curator Gayle Lake.

The details

What: Rats in the Ranks screening + director Q&A
When: Thursday 23 May at 6:30 pm
Where: National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (Arc Cinema)
Cost: $17–20. Book tickets.

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