Celebrating the release of 'Patineur Grotesque'

The NFSA has celebrated the release of Patineur Grotesque and the visit of Marius Sestier’s descendants, Mons. Robert Sestier and his sister, Mme Marie-Dominique Petitbois. Learn about the Australian connection to Patineur Grostesque.

NFSA Chair Mr Chris Puplick opened proceedings at Canberra's Arc Cinema, with special guests including descendants of those Sestier worked with in India and in Australia, as well as Australian and French colleagues who helped with the project.

Mons Pierre Labbe, the Cultural Attaché for the French Embassy then spoke of the close ties between Australia and France particularly in the area of cinema. Mons. Sestier and Mme Petitbois explained their surprise at the significance their great grandfather holds for Australia. Hon. Peter Garrett AM MP then announced the discovery of Patineur Grotesque.

An ‘illustrated lecture’ shown in tribute to the work and life of Sestier preceded the film’s screening. It included a biography of Marius Sestier and was presented with live narration by NFSA presenter Stephen Barker with musical accompaniment by John Shortis.

This was followed by a selection of the frères Lumière films screened by Marius Sestier between 1896 and 1897 in Australia together with the seven remaining films of the 1896 Melbourne Cup Carnival. The event concluded with the first Australian screening of Patineur Grotesque.

At the close of the event: from l to r: Messrs. Phillippe Milloux from Alliance Francaise, Robert Sestier, Pierre Labbe from the French Embassy, NFSA Chair Mr Chris Puplick, Hon. Peter Garrett MP next to Mme Marie-Dominique Petitbois.

Photo: Irene Dowdy

After the event in the NFSA courtyard: Monsieur Sestier and his sister Madame Petitbois show NFSA Chair Mr Chris Puplick some of items from the Marius Sestier Collection.

Photo: Irene Dowdy