THE ADVENTURES OF PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT

Comedy / Drama / Musical / Road movie
Australia, 1994, 104 min.

Directed and written by: Stephan Elliott
Cast: Hugo Weaving, Guy Pearce, Terence Stamp, Bill Hunter

Two drag queens and one transsexual embark on a road trip in an old bus they name Priscilla. They travel from Sydney across the desert to the
outback town of Alice Springs, performing their drag show along the way. The trio meet a variety of people, only some of whom accept their difference. More often they meet with rejection and a lack of understanding. They experience various run ins with the locals but also with each other on a journey which eventually sees them find the strength to stay true to themselves. This unique musical road movie with its theme of tolerance towards LGBTQI minorities is full of colourful dance sequences, costumes, wigs and make-up as well as retro dance hits, references to Abba and kitsch Hollywood musicals. The Australian desert also plays an important role in the story as it takes on an almost otherworldly appearance. This movie was not only an instant box office and international hit when it was first released. It has since become an iconic cult film of Australian cinema.

Festivals and Awards:
Academy Awards 1995 – Oscar for Costume Design
BAFTA Awards 1995 – Best Costume Design and Make-up
Australian Film Institute 1995 – Best Production Design and Costumes