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"The most extraordinary, precise, deep and beautiful account of blindness I have ever read. It is to my mind a masterpiece." – Neurologist and author Oliver Sacks
In 1983, facing complete blindness after years of deterioration in his eyesight, Melbourne-born academic John Hull attempted to come to terms with this "world beyond sight" by recording hours of his thoughts and feelings onto audio cassette across a period of three years. The tapes offer a revealing and often heartbreaking account of a life in upheaval, particularly when Hull tries to describe his newborn son, whom he cannot see.
Using these recordings as their basis, writer/directors James Spinney and Peter Middleton expand upon their award-winning short film, Notes on Blindness Rainfall (MIFF 2013), and employ actors to recreate Hull's journey, creating a fascinating hybrid documentary cinema that is visually and aurally immersive. The resulting work is both deeply moving and a compelling exploration of the medium's potential.
"It's an account that makes you pause to listen – and presents the act of perception itself as cause for wonder." – Filmmaker
Explore the story further with Notes on Blindness: Into Darkness, presented as part of our Virtual Reality spotlight.
The Saturday 30 July session screens with an enhanced sound design, created specifically to be inclusive for sighted and non-sighted audience members. More info here.
