Progress 1984: Abolishing the Death Penalty Pass
In 1984, Western Australia became the last Australian state to abolish capital punishment for ordinary crimes (while capital punishment remained on the books in New South Wales for certain crimes until 1985, the state had first abolished it as a punishment for murder in 1955). To mark this anniversary, we invite audiences to reflect on the continued use of capital punishment internationally with two thought-provoking screenings and an insightful Q&A with academic and death penalty expert Associate Professor Mai Sato.
Difret
THU 5 SEP| 6PM | Arc Cinema | $16/$12
2014 | Unclassified 18+ | 99 mins | DCP | ETH, US | D: Zeresenay Berhane Mehari
Amharic – English subtitles
Kidnapped for marriage, 14-year-old Hirut finds herself facing the death penalty after shooting her intended husband while attempting to escape. Inspired by a true story, Difret follows Hirut’s harrowing journey and lawyer Meaza Ashenafi’s determined efforts to defend her.
Winner of the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival, this powerful Ethiopian film boldly interrogates questions of gender, justice and the death penalty.
‘…painful but profound’ – Village Voice
&
Ballad of a White Cow + Discussion
SAT 7 SEP| 1PM | Arc Cinema | $20/$17
2020 | Unclassified 18+ | 105 mins | DCP | IRN, FRA | D: Maryam Moghadam/Behtash Sanaeeha
Persian – English subtitles
Grieving widow and mother Mina discovers her husband’s innocence a year after his execution. Searching for justice, Mina must grapple with emotional turmoil, strained family relationships, limited financial means – and the arrival of a mysterious stranger.
Ballad of a White Cow offers both an intimate portrait of grief and a compelling exploration of integrity, fairness and the death penalty.
‘…humanism shines through, centred in Moghaddam’s dignified performance’ – Variety
Join us after the screening for a thought-provoking discussion on the contemporary use of capital punishment with Associate Professor Mai Sato, inaugural director of Eleos Justice – an institution working to abolish the death penalty through research, advocacy and education.
Difret
THU 5 SEP| 6PM | Arc Cinema | $16/$12
2014 | Unclassified 18+ | 99 mins | DCP | ETH, US | D: Zeresenay Berhane Mehari
Amharic – English subtitles
Kidnapped for marriage, 14-year-old Hirut finds herself facing the death penalty after shooting her intended husband while attempting to escape. Inspired by a true story, Difret follows Hirut’s harrowing journey and lawyer Meaza Ashenafi’s determined efforts to defend her.
Winner of the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival, this powerful Ethiopian film boldly interrogates questions of gender, justice and the death penalty.
‘…painful but profound’ – Village Voice
&
Ballad of a White Cow + Discussion
SAT 7 SEP| 1PM | Arc Cinema | $20/$17
2020 | Unclassified 18+ | 105 mins | DCP | IRN, FRA | D: Maryam Moghadam/Behtash Sanaeeha
Persian – English subtitles
Grieving widow and mother Mina discovers her husband’s innocence a year after his execution. Searching for justice, Mina must grapple with emotional turmoil, strained family relationships, limited financial means – and the arrival of a mysterious stranger.
Ballad of a White Cow offers both an intimate portrait of grief and a compelling exploration of integrity, fairness and the death penalty.
‘…humanism shines through, centred in Moghaddam’s dignified performance’ – Variety
Join us after the screening for a thought-provoking discussion on the contemporary use of capital punishment with Associate Professor Mai Sato, inaugural director of Eleos Justice – an institution working to abolish the death penalty through research, advocacy and education.
Terms and Conditions
Pass is not transferable and is valid for one entry per session. All sessions must be pre-booked. Passes are not valid for special events. Passes can be scanned at the door for entry.