An Australian film,
from an Australian book – if you live in Australia, that’s something to be
celebrated.
In fact, I think the
birth of every book and film should be the occasion for a party.
 |
| thanks to Meredith Costain for photo |
What a lovely night.
My only regret is that, thanks to Readings Books, I was so busy signing copies
of The Nim Stories that I didn’t get a picture of the crowd in the lobby. (Just
to be clear – I’d never regret signing books! Just wish I’d got a picture too.)
Friends came from as far as Ballarat and Bendigo, Ocean Grove and Gippsland;
friends from different periods in my life. My editor, Sue, whom I’ve worked
with since 2000, and the editor for The Nim Stories, were both there. Editors
are never honoured enough; it was lovely to sit with Sue as to watch the movie
that she’s been nearly as excited about as I have.
Seeing the film in the
darkness of a big cinema was a different experience from the fun of watching it
outdoors on the inflatable screen at the Australia Zoo’s Crocoseum. Seeing it
for the second time also meant I was less emotional and could watch it more
logically - and liked it even more And so did the audience. The buzz going out was much stronger than going
in, when people were simply happy to be celebrating with a friend.
Then some of the girls
realised that Toby Wallace was in the audience. I don’t know what the word is
for buzz to the power of 10, so I’ll share a text I received on the way home from
a 13 year old friend.  |
| Relaxing afterwards with my lovely editor Sue |
'The movie was terrific. I loved everything. It was such an experience
to meet Toby!!!!!!! All the girls loved it and there is non stop talk about
Toby and Bindi.’