A powerful and moving film about the impact of fathers on children and society screens across Australia starting next week, accompanied by its director Justin Hunt.
The documentary, entitled Absent, is an emotional journey that reveals the impact of fatherlessness while providing hope for a better future for men and women alike. The film draws on the heartfelt stories of Metallica frontman James Hetfield, the late world champion boxer Johnny Tapia, Wild at Heart author John Eldredge, renowned author Richard Rohr, fitness model Robin Decker, prostitutes, vulnerable youth and many more.
“The film shows that fatherlessness and the father wound is a universal problem but, through stories from people such as James Hetfield and others, we begin to create understanding of the issue - and with understanding, you can begin to create change,” said Hunt.
Research shows a strong association between absence of a father and poor academic achievement, low self-esteem, criminal behaviour, delinquency, substance use and abuse, social, sexual and psychological problems, depression, and suicidal behaviour.
“So often it is difficult to know how to turn something around until you know what is at the core of the issue,” said Hunt.
“I am so excited that I will have the chance to be there for the Australian premiere and share this film with people. It’s a great launching pad for talking about how people can heal their hurts and break the cycle of absent fatherhood that has gone unnoticed for far too long and has such a negative impact on individuals and society as whole.”
When Metallica’s James Hetfield poured out his heart and pain in the lyrics of the iconic heavy metal songs he and the band created, he connected with generations of people who carried the legacy of growing up without a father.
“The thing that hurt me most, when I look back at it ... he left without saying goodbye,” says Hetfield in the movie. “He left a note, but it wasn’t even to me.”
Later reflecting on the experience of being involved in the movie and a number of American screenings, Hetfield said: “This movie has done a lot more for me than I thought it would. Justin, the crew, the books, opened my eyes to the male role in the family."
Absent has been shown at 18 festivals in eight countries, winning six awards.
As part of the National Premiere ‘Bring Back Fatherhood’ tour, Absent will screen in capital cities and some regional centres across six states and the ACT from 13-29 June, 2013.
See the tour schedule below, watch the movie trailer, and check out further information here.
TOUR SCHEDULE
Thursday, 13 June 2013
3pm Dendy Cinema, Newtown
0418 225 212
Thursday, 13 June 2013
7pm Sydney South
02 9524 2709
Friday, 14 June 2013
6.30pm Event Cinemas, Castle Hill
0406 446 899**
Saturday, 15 June 2013
1pm Avoca Picture Theatre, Gosford
02 4382 1777**
Saturday, 15 June 2013
7pm Tahmoor
0403 202 930
Sunday, 16 June 2013
6.30pm Nowra
02 4421 4602
Monday, 17 June 2013
7pm Brisbane South
07 3801 4211
Tuesday, 18 June 2013
7pm Brisbane North
07 3883 1144
Wednesday, 19 June 2013
7pm Toowoomba
0427 012 126
Thursday, 20 June 2013
7pm Townsville
07 4723 2371
Friday, 21 June 2013
7pm Cairns
07 4055 1337
Sunday, 23 June 2013
6pm Wollongong
02 42 299 744
Monday, 24 June 2013
7pm Melbourne South
03 8551 6600
Tuesday, 25 June 2013
7pm Melbourne Central
0481 288 551
Tuesday, 25 June 2013
7pm East Gosford, NSW*
(02) 4321 6400
Wednesday, 26 June 2013
7pm Canberra
0425 905 883
Thursday, 27 June 2013
7pm Hobart
0418 123 338
Friday, 28 June 2013
7pm Adelaide
08 8263 2344
Saturday, 29 June 2013
1pm Perth
0449 001 505
Saturday, 29 June 2013
7pm Nth Perth
0406 856 459
*Justin Hunt not attending screening ** Paid entry screenings
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