Mackay film buffs are set to be swept off their feet after viewing this month’s Central Queensland University Library Society film Serenades. Shot on location in South Australian’s outback, the film details the life of an emerald green-eyed girl who is conceived when her Afghan father wins her Aboriginal mother in a card game. The young girl Jila grew up in an Aboriginal tribe and learnt about the magic of dreamtime. The magic of serenade creates a vivid and everlasting sensation in Jila’s heart as each dawn she awakes to the sound of Bach. Twelve-year old Johann plays the music on an organ in a nearby mission.

Later Lila and Johann meet as adults and realise their childhood attraction has grown into love. Living under the influence of Islam, Jila is already betrothed in marriage to the revered holy man of the Ghantown. Jila’s angry father forces Johann to leave. She escapes to the desert, but is rejected from the Lutheran Mission. Jila begins to break from the constraints of her past and faces her future without fear.

The film stars Alice Haines and Aden Young. Producer Sandra Levy and director of photography Russell Boyd have a long list of major films to their credit. .

Serendes is an unusual tale of love, set against an exotic background of cultural and religious conflict.

The film screening begins at 7.30pm on Friday May 2 at the CQU Cook Theatre. A light supper will be served following the film. For further details phone 4940 7578.