Highly political two-person art collective Soda_Jerk will help launch the Screenwave International Film Festival’s fourth edition with their hilarious and radical film, Terror Nullius, the Opening Night film of the festival on Thursday January 10.

The Australian, New York-based video art duo made headlines recently when one of the films funding bodies, the Ian Potter Cultural Trust withdrew its support for this “very controversial piece of art”. Self-described by the artists as a rogue remapping of Australian national mythology and a political revenge fable, Soda_Jerk replied “if ‘very controversial’ is another way of saying that the work is willing to start uncomfortable conversations, then we’ll happily wear it.”

Terror Nullius is pure fun; a part political satire and road movie where animals and minorities conspire, and not-so-nice guys finish last. Where Russell Crowe’s Romper Stomper ‘Hando’ collides with a vengeful seagull, and Mel Gibson’s ‘Mad Max’ is set upon by feminist bike gangs, including a young Nicole Kidman with BMX in tow.

“Soda_Jerk’s Terror Nullius sets the tone perfectly for SWIFF 2019. It’s at once a fun and powerful re-imagining of Australian cinema and politics but also a liberating outlet for enacting change. Having the New York-based artists, Soda_Jerk, here on the night, audiences will get to join in the wider conversation about what being Australian really means”, remarks SWIFF’s artistic director, Kate Howat.

Soda_Jerk are special guests of the festival for Opening Night on Thursday January 10 at the Jetty Theatre, presenting the film followed by audience Q&A and opening night party. Secure your spot by purchasing a ticket here.

And check out some of Soda_Jerk’s previous work, such as After The Rainbow, a reimagining of the Wizard of Oz, or their short film made in collaboration with their musical mash-up equivalent, The Avalanches, The Was.