The Friends of the Library event: 'Looking for Alibrandi': in conversation with the Producer

The Friends of the Library proudly presents:

'Looking for Alibrandi': in conversation with the Producer

Please join us for the end-of-year Friends of the Library event, Looking for Alibrandi: in conversation with the producer. This is a rare opportunity to join award-winning producer Robyn Kershaw in conversation with Associate Professor of Film Studies Bruce Isaacs, as they revisit the award-winning movie, and consider why this iconic story is still finding new audiences. 

Released in 2000, Looking for Alibrandi, based on Melina Marchetta’s 1993 novel, won both the Australian Film Institute Award for Best Film and the Award for Best Adapted Screenplay (also written by Marchetta). The movie follows Italian-Australian Josie Alibrandi through her final year of school in Sydney as she navigates family secrets, her cultural identity and the question of where she belongs.

The entire Looking for Alibrandi Film Production archive was donated to the University of Sydney Library by Robyn Kershaw, including shooting scripts, storyboards, the ‘Production Bible’, as well as props and costumes (such as Josie's red lace dress, school uniform and Vice-Captain badge) etc. 
A generous selection will be on display.

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Date: Thursday, 5 November 2026
Time: 5:45 - 7 pm. Film Production Archive preview at 5 pm; in conversation at 5:45 pm
Venue: Eastern Avenue Auditorium and Theatre Complex (F19), Camperdown campus. Please see the map below for further guidance.

Please note that this event will be photographed.

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About the speakers

Robyn Kershaw is an Australian independent film and television producer, best known for her work on the feature drama 'Looking for Alibrandi' (2000), the musical comedy 'Bran Nue Dae' (2009) and the television series 'Kath & Kim' (2002–2005). She has also worked with YouTube creator Mychonny on 'Sucker' (2015), 'Mychonny Moves In' (2015) and 'The China Boy Show' (2017).

Bruce Isaacs is an Associate Professor and Chair of Film Studies at the University of Sydney. His research and teaching focus on film history, aesthetics and style, and he has an abiding interest in Hollywood, the 'New Wave’ and other film movements.