Adelaide Film Festival
Shine
2026

Shine

Simon Tedeschi AM to perform a brief piano recital ahead of the new 4K restoration premiere.


The compelling and poignant story of a young man who defies his father’s wishes to pursue his dreams. Shine is a story of rebellion and individuality through the eyes of a pianist whose only form of self-expression is found in the keys of his instrument.


Scott Hicks Q+A with Russell Torrance, ABC Classic.

Director

Scott Hicks

Runtime

105 Minutes

Country

Australia

Classification

PG

The compelling and poignant story of a young man who defies his father’s wishes to pursue his dreams. Shine is a story of rebellion and individuality through the eyes of a pianist whose only form of self-expression is found in the keys of his instrument.

Directed by South Australia’s Scott Hicks, Shine is a biographical drama based on the life of pianist David Helfgott, who suffered a mental breakdown due to trauma inflicted by his abusive father and spent years in institutions. Made in Adelaide in 1996 with a stellar cast led by Geoffrey Rush as adult David and Noah Taylor as the young and brilliant Helfgott.

The film has won many awards including Geoffrey Rush receiving the Academy Award for Best Actor.

“There are films we see and films we remember. Few leave as lasting an impression as this 1996 biopic, starring 43-year-old Geoffrey Rush in the breakthrough role that won him an Oscar.”

The Guardian

Academy Awards – Best Actor

BAFTA Awards – Best Actor

Golden Globes – Best Actor

Australian Film Institute – Best Film

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Film Credits

Director

Scott Hicks

Year

1996

Country

Australia

Type

Feature Fiction

Program Strand

Special Presentations

Producer

Jane Scott

Writer

Jan Sardi & Scott Hicks

Cinematographer

Geoffrey Simpson

Editor

Pip Karmel

Cast

Geoffrey Rush, Sir John Gielgud, Noah Taylor, Lynn Redgrave & Armin Mueller-Stahl & Googie Withers

Music

David Hirschfelder

Film Source

Roadshow Films

Genre

Biographical, Drama & Music

Join Scott Hicks for the launch of his book about the ten-year saga to realise his vision for the Academy Award-winning Shine - celebrating the film’s 30th Anniversary in conversation and Q&A with ABC’s Deb Tribe.

Book Launch

When: Wed 21 Oct, 4:00PM

Book Title: SHINE: Persistence of Vision

Venue: The Mercury Cinema

Register for free at themercury.org.au

Presented by Wakefield Press in association with Flinders University and SA Style.

Filmmaker in attendance, 24 October

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