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. The Adelaide Film Festival (AFF) celebrates the 30th anniversary of Shine and the new 4K digital remastered release.
2026
Shine
2026
Shine
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
Film Credits
Director
Scott Hicks
Year
1996
Country
Australia
Type
Feature Fiction
Program Strand
Retrospectives
Producer
Jane Scott
Writer
Jan Sardi & Scott Hicks
Cinematographer
Geoffrey Simpson
Editor
Pip Karmel
Cast
Geoffrey Rush, Sir John Gielgud, Noah Taylor, Lynne Redgrave, Armin Mueller-Stahl & Googie Withers
Music
David Hirschfelder
Film Source
Roadshow
Genre
Biographical, Drama & Music