Video Bazaar is ecstatic to present a special festive screening of the legendary Australian cult film, Wake In Fright on the 20th of December at The Garden Cinema to get you in the mood for the Christmas period.

Not often recognised as part of the yuletide canon by audiences in part due to the setting of the scorching and desolate Australian Outback, Wake In Fright, is quite possibly the most terrifying fable of what can go wrong when trying to get home in time for the Christmas Holidays. Directed by Ted Kotcheff of Rambo: First Blood fame, Wake In Fright follows John Grant, a British school teacher who becomes stranded in the small outback town of Bundanyabba, referred to as The Yabba, while on his way to Sydney for Christmas vacation. Initially planning to spend just one night in the town, Grant gets drawn into the local gambling and drinking culture, leading to a series of unfortunate events. As he descends into a nightmarish spiral, he encounters eccentric and menacing characters that challenge his sense of morality and sanity.

Exploring themes of culture clash, alienation, and the impact of the harsh outback environment on the human psyche, the film delves into the dark underbelly of postcolonial Australia and Australian masculinity as well as the destructive nature of isolation, desperation, peer-pressure and conformity.

Forget about the jolly old man in the red suit this Christmas and explore the unknown and terrifying depths of Wake In Fright with Video Bazaar. Meet the true saviour of our Christmas tale, a mysterious figure who appears in the outback to guide John Grant through his darkest hour and brace yourself for an intense and disturbing cinematic experience that has left an indelible mark on cinema.

CONTENT WARNING - This film contains strong scenes of kangaroo hunting and slaughter

This screening is presented by the cult film collective, Video Bazaar, who are proud to show this rarely screened film and are dedicated to bringing the weird and the obscure to London audiences at The Garden Cinema. Please note this event will feature an intro and carefully curated pre-show material and trailers.

Cast:
Gary Bond, Donald Pleasence, Chips Rafferty, Sylvia Kay