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Critics Say Flag Sisters is Fabulous
Western Australian documentary The Fabulous Flag Sisters has received a raft of positive reviews in the national press ahead of its prime time premiere on SBS this Friday, July 4 at 7:30pm.
Directed by Franco di Chiera and produced by Marian Bartsch (Mago Films), the documentary explores the phenomenal popularity of Italy's drag trio Le Sorelle Bandiera ('The Flag Sisters') during the turbulent 1970s and '80s.
One of the Flag Sisters was Perth's Neil Hansen, and the story unfolds through his eyes as he returns to Italy to revisit the people and places associated with his outrageous, glittering and totally unexpected career, as "the redhead with the best legs in Europe".
The Fabulous Flag Sisters was launched by Culture and Arts Minister Sheila McHale and Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi to a packed Perth Town Hall crowd in March, before entertaining audiences at an extended season at the Luna. The success of the film now looks set to continue with numerous positive reviews ahead of its prime-time television premiere:
Pick of the Day: "Fantastically crafted documentary ...an emotional pilgrimage...riveting...will entertain and inform."
DAILY TELEGRAPH Seven Days, Erin McWhirter, (2/7/08)
"It's delightful...a treat...a lovely tale."
THE AUSTRALIAN Review, Michael Sainsbury (June 28-29/6/08)
"An insightful look at a cultural phenomenon that went far beyond the sequins"
THE WEST AUSTRALIAN Seven Days, Ben O'Shea (28/6/08)
Thumbs up: "Illuminating documentary"
THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD TV Guide, Tim Elliott (June 30-July 6, 2008)
"Fabulous...incredibly beautiful."
THE WEST AUSTRALIAN, Pip Christmas (27/3/08)
Highlights: "Delightful and heart-warming fun documentary"
SUNDAY TIMES TV Guide, Helen Ganska, (29/6/08)
Guide to Best on the Box: "Curious...intriguing story".
SUNSHINE COAST SUNDAY TV Week (29/6/08)
Pick of the Day: "Many enjoyable moments"
TV WEEK Magazine (28/6/08)
"Vintage television footage...a time capsule"
MELBOURNE COMMUNITY VOICE, David Knox (24/6/08)
The Fabulous Flag Sisters was commissioned by SBS and Fox Italy, and supported by ScreenWest and Lotterywest.
