Josephine Mackerras Discusses Her Debut Feature Film Alice – SXSW Filmmaker In Focus

The 2019 SXSW Film Festival is almost upon us and we can’t wait to have you here! Before you make your way down to Austin, TX, get to know films from our lineup a little bit better with our Filmmaker In Focus series. Dive into our Q&A with director Josephine Mackerras as she tells us about her film Alice, which will World Premiere in Narrative Feature Competition.

In your own words, what does this film mean to you?

Josephine Mackerras: Alice is about personal revolution. When Alice discovers the double life of her husband, everything she once believed to be true is shattered. She is abandoned with a child to take care of and is pushed beyond her own boundaries. All of her personal limits and beliefs are put to the test. She discovers strength she never knew she had, her sense of self expands, a new personal revolution of self and identity begins.

What motivated you to tell this story?

JM: I've always been fascinated with society’s blind spots and double standards, particularly in regards to gender identities. I also wanted to explore some deep burning questions about intimate relationships and the nature of need versus love. This screenplay came out of those grapplings and melded them together.

What do you want the audience to take away?

JM: I want audiences to connect to Alice’s journey and feel they can identify with Alice exploring the alternate ideas and complexities of her struggle. For myself there is no situation or character in this film that is 100% right or wrong, moral or immoral. I would love audiences to still be thinking about the film after they have watched it. As a filmmaker I feel more inspired by the questions than the answers.

What were you doing when you found out you were coming to SXSW?

JM: After being non-stop for almost 2 years, once the editing was done, I took my 5 year-old to see our family in Australia. I was overcome with exhaustion and stress, going back to Oz meant finding clarity and guidance that Alice was a worthwhile project. It worked, as soon as I landed in Australia, my worries lifted. When I arrived home, we all sat around drinking coffee and chatting. I felt the love and support of family and being home. I checked my phone and read the invitation from SXSW! We all jumped up and down, we were so excited. It was amazing timing, it was such a gift! SXSW came in with the love.

Add Alice to your SXSW Schedule. Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we share more interviews with our SXSW 2019 filmmakers!

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Alice - Photo by Loll Willems