Four writers from Down Under
Four renowned Australian critics have joined the International Catholic Film Critics Association. Peter Malone, Richard Leonard, Peter Sheehan, and Callum Ryan have announced that they will take part in establishing the association.
Each writes for the Australian Catholic Office for Film and Broadcasting, directed by Father Leonard. Their criticism is also published internationally by SIGNIS.
“Catholics are all over the world, and everywhere they have thought-provoking things to say about film,” ICFCA founder Michael Augsberger said. “So naturally we always envisioned Catholic Film Critics as a worldwide organization and wanted to invite Australia’s best from the start. Their accomplishments are too many even to list here. We’re thrilled they’re with us.”
Peter Malone, MSC led the OCIC as its president and continued on as it became SIGNIS. In fifty years as a critic, he has published upwards of 16,000 reviews. His criticism has influenced generations of leading Australian critics like The Sydney Morning Herald’s Paul Byrnes, and he’s penned several books that examine morality in film.
“Father Malone’s work is legendary, and we couldn’t be prouder that he’s accepted our invitation,” Augsberger said. “His influence on our circle will be profound.”
Richard Leonard, SJ directs the ACOFB and has served on juries at Cannes, Venice, Berlin, and many others. “I’m also excited to read his book on Peter Weir,” Augsberger noted. It is one of ten books he’s authored, including Movies that Matter and Where the Hell is God?
Peter Sheehan was named an Officer of the Order of Australia for his career in psychology, during which he became president of Australian Catholic University.
“I would see value in thinking about how Catholic identity is expressed or implied in the film reviews that [our members] write,” he said. “Every film implies a moral stance on the issues it takes up. How do we handle that?
“All of us, also, have our own definitions of what makes for a quality movie and what are the defining features of good movie criticism. A group such as ours should share that, and maybe, in the sharing, we come to alter what we do.”
“I was particularly impressed with some of Professor Sheehan’s reviews like Pain and Glory,” Augsberger said. “And of course so many members recommended him.”
Like Sheehan, Callum Ryan is also an associate for the ACOFB. He’s served on juries at Venice and Berlin and is a member of the Film Critics’ Circle of Australia. “[The] plan to found the International Catholic Film Critics Association is a terrific one,” he said, “and I am honoured to have been considered as a potential voting and founding member. What an exciting idea in these challenging times.”
While for now the focus remains on the English-speaking world, Augsberger could see no reason why Catholic Film Critics should shy away from eventually including critics who write in different languages.
“For one thing, their views on what films deserve to be awarded each year would be invaluable,” he said. “And votes are a universal language. Our mission includes promoting their work and their professional development, connecting them with other writers and driving readership for them. And all that can be done. I’ll be working on my German.”