This special AACTA Festival event looks back to celebrate the late-20th-century resurgence of Australian cinema, and a film that arrived unexpectedly and went on to reshape how Australian stories were seen around the world. Shine remains a landmark achievement - a bold, emotionally driven work that connected with audiences globally and marked a defining moment in Australian screen history.

Honoured with more than 45 international awards, including nine AFI | AACTA Awards, led by Best Film (1996), two BAFTA wins, and seven Oscar nominations, with Geoffrey Rush receiving the Oscar for Best Actor, Shine captured a moment that continues to resonate three decades on.

Hosted by Margaret Pomeranz, this exclusive 30th-anniversary event brings together the creative team behind the film, reflecting on its journey from page to screen and its lasting cultural impact. Joining the conversation are director Scott Hicks, creative consultant Kerry Heysen, actor Geoffrey Rush, and the film’s subject David Helfgott.

The is the first time ever that the 4K restoration of the film will have been presented to the public.