A new exhibition opening at the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery [BRAG] today will offer audiences an insight into the iconic history of Australian film.
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The exhibition, entitled Starstruck: Australian Movie Portraits, will feature still photography of some of the most famous films and movie stars Australia has ever produced.
In addition, the exhibition will feature original costumes from iconic Australian films such as The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Picnic at Hanging Rock and Moulin Rouge.
BRAG has been selected as the exclusive NSW venue to host the exhibition and director Sarah Gurich said it's a real coup for the Bathurst region.
"Everyone will be able to walk into the gallery and resonate with the actors they see in the photographs," Ms Gurich said.
"BRAG was selected on the basis of our reputation for facilitating quality exhibitions that enhance the profile of the arts in the region."
The exhibition has been developed as a joint venture between the National Portrait Gallery [NPG] and the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia [NFSA].
NPG travelling exhibition coordinator Louise Cummins said the collection provides a diverse overview of Australia's film history.
"This is the first time such a collection of historic Australian film resources has been put together for an exhibition of this capacity," Ms Cummins said.
"The exhibition brings together original casting books, on-set sketches and photographs from some of the earliest Australian productions."
Ms Cummins said the exhibition doubles as a story of Australia's coming-of-age as a nation.
"There's a whole range of personalities, ideas and eras expressed through the works on these walls," she said.
"A lot of these stories offer a firm insight into Australia's identity and how it has been expressed through film over time."
Starstruck will be open in conjunction with Lamplight, an exhibition from Sydney-based photographer Peter Solness featuring an illuminated look at the history and culture of Hill End.
The launch event for the two exhibitions will get under way at BRAG from 6pm.