Dawn O’Donnell was a convent girl who became a professional ice skater travelled the world and then landed up in 1950s Australia a penniless lesbian. By the time of her death in 2007 she was a major player in Sydney’s transformation into one of the gayest cities in the world. O’Donnell built an empire of bars clubs steam rooms sex shops and drag shows inspiring The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert and making a very tidy profit. This fascinating documentary explores the mythology (was she a mobster? an arsonist? a murderer?) and life of this shrewd silver-haired butch businesswoman. - Jason Barker (BFI Flare)
Dawn O’Donnell was a convent girl who became a professional ice skater, travelled the world and then landed up in 1950s Australia, a penniless lesbian. By the time of her death in 2007, she had stormed through Sydney’s gay underworld and built herself an empire of bars, clubs, steam rooms, sex shops and drag shows, inspiring The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. This fascinating documentary explores the mythology (was she a mobster? an arsonist? a murderer?) and life of this shrewd, silver-haired, butch businesswoman. Les Cabotines, Wine, Women and Friends Carole Leblanc and Jo Béfort started their wine adventure six years ago in Collias, France. Their dream was to produce excellent wine. They had no experience, just their passion – and friends. Winemaking is a complex and labour intensive process, and still a very macho affair in France. But as this captivating film reveals, it is possible for two women who are willing to work hard to achieve their dream and live the life they choose – as well as bring an entire village and community into their world. From the vineyards of France to the nightlife of Australia, Fiona Cunningham-Reid’s (Feed Them To The Cannibals, Thin Ice) double documentary set shines a light on stories rarely told.
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