DEFGLIS members attended the exclusive World Premiere of Holding the Man courtesy of PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) at the State Theatre in Sydney.
Based off the book Holding the Man by Timothy Conigrave, the true story follows the lives of Tim and his life partner John Caleo. It was love at first sight for Tim, a high school student at Melbourne’s Catholic Xavier College, when he first laid eyes on John, the Captain of the AFL team.
The relationship would span the next 15 years until the untimely death of john to HIV and then later Tim. As with all relationships there were highs and lows, Conigrave explores these facets throughout the text, highlighting intimacy, temptations, enticement, devastation and heartbreak.
Directed by Neil Armfield and Screenwriter Tommy Murphy the film stars Ryan Corr as Conigrave and Craig Stott as Caleo as well as Guy Pearce, Anthony LaPaglia and Sarah Snook.
"The beauty of Holding The Man is it has just become this beacon for so many kids growing up, which is why it has made so much connection and continues to,” said Armfield.
The screening of the world premier was presented by PwC as the grand finale of the Sydney Film Festival 2015, and was received with praise by the audience on the night.
DEFGLIS member Jake Smith was presented with a copy of Holding the Man by another member when he was coming to terms with his sexual orientation. The book played a pivotal roll in his acceptance of his sexual orientation.
The book has been recognised for its significance and place in Australian society and has been turned into a Penguin Classic, it has also been adapted into many languages.
The film opens in cinemas nationaly at the end of August 2015.
Image: DEFGLIS members Harley Dennett, Vince Chong, Jake Smith and Mick Andrews at the world premier of Holding the Man at the State Theatre in Sydney
Image by PriceWaterhouseCoopers