AustLit

'Following the atomic destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, internationally acclaimed novelist Nevil Shute prophetically and emotively predicted the devastating impact of nuclear proliferation in one of the most important anti-war novels of the 20th century, On The Beach, in which he depicts the end of the world caused by nuclear war. Fallout explores the writing and impulses of Shute's career and novel, and its adaptation into the famous film shot in Melbourne by Hollywood message director Stanley Kramer. Fallout investigates the ambience surrounding Shute’s prophesy of ‘man and machine out of control’ and the mismanagement of nuclear energy and the importance for all of us to be ever vigilant in the post Fukushima age.' (Publisher's blurb)

'Johnston's debut feature following on from his award winning shorts 'Night Out' and 'Eternity', is a dynamic re-visioning of actor/playwright John Brumpton's theatre piece "Containment" that focused on the situation of inmates in the segregated HIV positive section of an Australian prison. To describe Johnston's beautifully composed, movingly rendered, emotionally shattering film as 'an AIDS prison drama' denies it the full range and reach of its compelling grip on any number of wider issues and universal concerns. Brumpton forcefully fleshes out the lead role of quick-tempered hardened Des, a crim who tests positive and is sent to T2 division. His relationship with his cell-mate Ralph is vividly evoked via subliminal flashbacks and interaction between themselves and amongst the other inmates of T2.' (ACMI)