Curtin University has congratulated Associate Professor Paul Genoni on co-authoring a book that will be brought to cinematic life in a new film by Cascade Films.
The book, Half the Perfect World: Writers, Dreamers and Drifters on Hydra, 1955 – 1964, was written by Associate Professor Paul Genoni, from Curtin’s School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry, and Associate Professor Tanya Dalziell, from The University of Western Australia.
Published by Monash University Publishing, the book tells the story of the post-war international artist community that formed on the Greek island of Hydra. Most famously, it included renowned singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen and his partner Marianne Ihlen, as well as other artists and writers including the Australian literary couple, Charmian Clift and George Johnston.
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry congratulated both authors on the sale of the film rights to their book.
“Associate Professor Genoni and Associate Professor Dalziell brought this incredible story to life through their book and I am absolutely delighted that their work will now form the basis for a new film to build on this fascinating chapter in history,” Professor Terry said.
“I would like to congratulate both authors for cataloguing the photographic and biographical history of the time and the film rights of this extensive work being purchased by Cascade Films.”
Associate Professor Genoni said he was excited to see the story told by a talented and passionate group of filmmakers including screen writer Andrew Knight (Hacksaw Ridge, Rake, Jack Irish, The Water Diviner), director Nadia Tass (Malcolm, Pure Luck, Amy, Matching Jack) and producers David Parker (Malcolm, The Big Steal, Fatal Honeymoon) and Carmel Meiklejohn (Fatal Honeymoon).
“Both Tanya and I were certainly very pleased to have the opportunity to expand the reach of the book in this way, but we weren’t totally surprised,” Associate Professor Genoni said.
“We were confident the book and the story had cinematic appeal, provided by great characters, a compelling and dramatic story, and a spectacular location. When that story also involves internationally renowned artists such as Leonard Cohen, it is a very enticing mix.
“My hope is for the film version of Half the Perfect World to bring additional attention to the lives and writing of George Johnston and Charmian Clift, because they have a rich and appealing Australian story with ‘big’ themes that continue to resonate after some six decades. Cascade Films have a track record for bringing high-quality films to screens in Australia and overseas, and I look forward to seeing the final result.”
For more information about the book, visit here.
