Slim Dusty holds a special place in the heart of Kempsey locals and we will be the first audiences to see the new documentary film Slim & I.
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The world premiere of the documentary will be held on Thursday, September 3 at Majestic Cinemas Kempsey.
Members of Slim's family, including Joy McKean, and film makers, will be in attendance.
Slim & I tells the incredible story of a partnership between Slim Dusty and the brilliant woman who lived beside, rather than behind, the legend, Australia's own 'Queen of Country Music', Joy McKean.
For over 50 years country music legend Slim Dusty and his wife Joy McKean trail-blazed their way across Australia performing, writing and collecting songs of the bush and its people.
They created a musical legacy that to this day continues to entertain and inspire, a catalogue of plain speaking yet profoundly insightful music documenting the rural Australian experience.
Joy McKean said she is looking forward to seeing the finished film for the first time in Kempsey.
"I am incredibly proud that Kempsey is to host the Premier of Slim & I. As it's Slim's hometown and my adopted one, it is like having a long journey finally come home," she said.
"I have found many good friends in the Macleay, and it is good to say our family belongs to the beautiful place where 'that kid from up the Nulla' went out and made his name a byword in Australia and further."
Kempsey Shire Council has partnered with Universal Pictures Australia and Majestic Cinemas to make this event possible and mayor Liz Campbell believes that it will be a huge boost for the community in a difficult year.
"We are so glad to be able to celebrate Slim and Joy's legacy within the Australian Music industry and their connection to our proud Kempsey Shire through this event," she said.
"Unfortunately the Slim Dusty Kempsey Festival had to be cancelled for 2020, but being able to have the Australian and world premiere of this film in Kempsey means we can still celebrate the music, the man and the partnership between two legends of Australian music."
Joy and her son David will be on hand to introduce the film, as well as director Kriv Stenders (Red Dog, Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan). They will all then participate in a Q&A with the audience after the screening hosted by ABC film critic Giles Hardie.
The event will be conducted to ensure maintenance with public health standards, meaning seating will be limited.
CEO of Majestic Cinemas, Kieren Dell, said it will be great to host an event that will bring entertainment for the community.
"It's been a difficult year for our regional communities with bushfires then coronavirus. We feel incredibly privileged to bring some light to the end of the tunnel," he said.
"Cinema is a great form of escape and what better way to celebrate the release of this film, than at our Kempsey Cinema with its walls that feature pictures of the man himself."
Locals can attend the screening, with tickets on sale now. Each ticket includes a choc top or popcorn, and drink.
Slim & I officially hits cinemas from September 10.