900 Neighbours

Synopsis

In February 2006 Australia’s media was rocked by headlines, SKELETON MAN FOUND IN HOUSING COMMISSION FLAT. The man had died 6 months ago, but when finally found, all that remained of the man was a skeleton. Just what sort of place could such a thing could occur in? That place is Northcott Housing Estate. 900 Neighbours explores the history and character of Sydney’s ‘infamous’ Northcott building, as residents prepare to host a performance for the 2006 Sydney Festival. This is a film about a building … a city … a community and 900 Neighbours.

Impact

900 Neighbours is the culmination of four years of work by the not-for-profit arts organization Big hART. Filmmaker Brendan Fletcher first worked with the tenants of Northcott in 2003 running film making workshops for the tenants of the estate. This relationship was crucial in allowing the access and intimacy that 900 Neighbours was privileged to receive.

The film evolved into a film that had as its main character the actual buildings that constitute the Northcott Estate. This was a departure from the original concept of documenting an Arts event featuring both tenants and professional actors telling the Northcott story. Through the prism of the building itself tenants were able to share their dreams and nightmares, triumphs and despairs in a way that is unique. When the tenants talk of Northcott they talk of themselves and their 900 Neighbours.

In November 2006 the Northcott estate was the recepient of accreditation from the World Health Organisation as a Safe Community. Northcott is the first public housing estate in the world to be acknowledged in this way. This acknowledgement is a reflection of the triumph of the spirit that 900 Neighbours so clearly captures.

The film has screened at the following festivals:2006 Sydney Film Festival, Winner Best Social & Political Documentary 2006 ATOM Awards Tenterfield FilmFestival.

For more information please contact Frank Haines by E-mail at: frapen@optusnet.com.au