Rites of Passage

This was a great movie, really interesting stories and characters. I'm very impressed that the movie was made by people without film/script experience. I would have liked to know more about what happened in some of the stories, as they got me hooked! It took a little while to get a grasp of the weaving of the stories, though it wasn't long before it was easy to follow the various plot lines.

It was awesome to see a variety of local people and places. The project guidelines have allowed the audience to hear some fantastic perspectives that may have otherwise been unseen and unheard. Referencing the production through including screening at the end gave a bit of an insight into the work that went on to get the movie up and running. Well done to all the cast and crew.

"Directed and edited by Phillip Crawford, Rites of Passage is among the most remarkable and moving films produced in Australia in recent years. The freshness and spontaneity of the storytelling masks a disciplined cinematic technique in which seemingly random and disconnected episodes are brought together to form a satisfying whole.

It is an example of community filmmaking in the most literal sense. The film is essentially a co-operative enterprise involving scores of young people (and many older ones) in Wollongong's southern suburbs, all of whom have shared in some way in the creative process as performers, extras or production assistants. The result is a picture of day-to-day life among a cross-section of Wollongong's multicultural working-class community that has the unmistakable ring of authenticity. These youngsters aren't following some pre-ordained script or contrived narrative; they are revealing their own lives in a film charged with truth and raw humanity.

The success of Rites of Passage owes much to a set of ten principles to which all participants were bound. They are enunciated on-screen at the start of the film and essentially have to do with ideals of sharing and co-operation, a rejection of elitism and a sense of equality among all those taking part. The result could easily have been muddled and unfocused. But the naturalism and honesty of the performers goes well with the stories they tell – the pains of family breakup, a boy's love for his dog, the efforts of local teachers to instil in their charges an understanding of literature and a talent for self-expression. Visually striking in its mixture of colour and heavily-filtered black-and-white cinematography, film combines a sense of immediacy with a strange mood of timelessness. The final sequence is brilliantly suspenseful. Rites of Passage will not be easily forgotten."

Evan Williams, film critic, The Australian, (1981-2014)

This isn't a documentary but it is far from fiction. The eclectic style, using a dizzying array of film types and techniques takes a little getting used to but this film thrives on it. The story lines develop gradually and the cast, though inexperienced, show some remarkable talent. This film gives a close up, no holds barred insight to the lives of young people growing up in the suburbs. All the usual elements are here - young love, conflict, temptation, adults who don't understand,risk taking, sex, drugs the lot. The subject matter is dealt with honestly and there is no glossing over the tough lives these kids grow up in. Yet there is an incredible resilience, humour and definitely hope. I came away feeling a bit sad but at the same time full of admiration for the achievements of everyone involved.

We were fortunate to be able to show this film to members of our organisation. These are people who work with and mentor young people - many of whom have had experiences like those in the film. It was hard-hitting and very moving. Anyone who works with young people - parent, mentor, grandparent, youth worker who wants to understand the worlds our young people live in, must see this film.

We see the challenges our young people face and their strength and resilience grow as they overcome them. What is particularly inspirational is that it was the young people themselves who made the film - they acted, filmed and told their stories from their perspective. You will laugh and you will cry - but most of all you will celebrate with them as overcome challenges, gain understanding and find they too have skills, knowledge and accomplishments and a place in the world.

genius ! Unscripted & so achieves poignant reality within each scene by using cinematographic techniques to grab the viewer and pull them into the life of each young person. Rites Of Passage is Well worth watching - after all, we've all been teenagers & these guys are no different. At it's simplest, Rites is Local kids growing through their circumstances. This movie has immense positive impact in the lives of the young actors - and this is beautifully conveyed to those who watch it. Weather you identify with a character, or just knew someone like them, Rites Of Passage will make you remember good times, & bad, awaken your empathy, and if you are anything like me, it will linger in your mind for years and drive you to question some of your own choices.