Samson & Delilah - Australia
Produced by Kath Shelper



Samson and Delilah live in an isolated world - a remote Aboriginal community in the Australian desert. In amongst a tiny collection of houses, everything here happens in a cycle.  Day in and day out, nothing changes, everything stays the same and no one seems to care. Except for Samson, a cheeky 15-year-old who yearns for the horizon. Even though boredom set in long ago, Samson attempts to occupy himself with his offbeat humour. Unable to express his desire for something more, Samson’s private escape comes in a tin - he’s a petrol sniffer. Sixteen-year-old Delilah is the sole carer of her artist grandmother, who fancies the hopeless Samson for her son-in-law. When Nana passes away Delilah is held responsible and the traditional punishment is harsh. Battered and bruised, an unlikely young man comes to Delilah’s rescue. Samson. In a stolen car with no food, money or idea where they are headed they turn their backs on the community and head towards the desert horizon. Lost, unwanted and alone, Samson and Delilah embark on a journey of survival.

2009 INTERNATIONAL JURY STATEMENTS

“For me, Samson & Delilah was a real highlight. I was so moved and touched by it. There are so many extraordinary films in this competition but Samson & Delilah has a very special something. The integrity of the filmmaker and the passion and the sincerity of it was really beyond comparison.” – Gina Kim

“I think a film like Samson & Delilah really shows all of us as filmmakers, a unique approach to story and a subtle and honest approach that surprises us and inspires us and enlightens us to the filmmakers vision and to the people who the film represents” – Aden Young