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Contrary. Passionate. Outspoken. Over 45 years Midnight Oil helped shape modern Australia. This is their trailblazing story for the first time on film.

Legendary music and activism are front and centre in this exciting documentary, created with unfettered access to seminal Australian rock band Midnight Oil, who emerged from politically charged 1970s Sydney to become global icons.

Across a 45-year career 'The Oils' helped shape modern Australia with anthems like "US Forces", "Beds Are Burning" and "Redneck Wonderland". Featuring unseen footage and interviews with every band member, alongside signature moments including the outback tour with Warumpi Band, their Exxon protest gig in New York and those famous "Sorry" suits at the Sydney Olympics, Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line traces the journey of Australia's quintessential rock band.

A Blink TV and Beyond Entertainment production, the film is written and directed by Paul Clarke, produced by Carolina Sorensen and executive produced by Mikael Borglund, Paul Clarke and Martin Fabinyi.

“This documentary not only chronicles the formidable journey of one of Australia’s most influential bands, but also captures the spirit of an era that reshaped our cultural and political landscapes.” —Sydney Film Festival director Nashen Moodley.

"When Australia was creaking under the weight of its own myths, they told us the truth. Their songs pinpoint the fault-lines in our culture, they rage against the strange and dangerous times we’ve lived through, and they offer hope." —Executive Producer Paul Clarke

“’Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line’ is a film for our time. Observant of Australian politics and culture, and fearless in calling out environmental and racial issues, ‘The Oils’ maintained their relevance for over 40 years by writing and performing music with global resonance. Featuring timeless anthems, we cannot wait for audiences to witness the power and the passion behind the legend that is Midnight Oil." —Executive Producer Mikael Borglund

SELECTED FOR THE OPENING NIGHT GALA OF THE 2024 SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL

Proceeds of this film fundraiser go towards the Vidwan T.C Yohannan Trust to help pay the fees of three students to attend high school in Pathanapuram Kerala India. This is an initiative of iinji.com a new platform (coming soon !) to help marginalised groups and artisans of Ethiopia, India, Greece and First Nation communities world wide.