BENEDICTION, a new film by Terence Davies, explores the turbulent life of First World War poet, Siegfried Sassoon, through the eyes of the revered filmmaker Terence Davies.  Sassoon was a complex man who survived the horrors of fighting in the First World War and was decorated for his bravery but who became a vocal critic of the government’s continuation of the war when he returned from service. His poetry was inspired by his experiences on the Western Front and he became one of the leading war poets of the era.

Adored by members of the aristocracy as well as stars of London’s literary and stage world, he embarked on affairs with several men as he attempted to come to terms with his homosexuality.  At the same time, broken by the horror of war, he made his life’s journey a quest for salvation, trying to find it within the conformity of marriage and religion.  His story is one of a troubled man in a fractured world searching for peace and self-acceptance, something which speaks as meaningfully to the modern world as it did then. 

BENEDICTION will release in cinemas nationally on Thursday June 9 2022.

https://rialtodistribution.com/film/benediction/

Courtesy of Rialto Distribution Sydney Arts Guide has ten in season double passes to give away to see the film. Email the Editor on  editor.sydneyartsguide@gmail.com with BENEDICTION PROMOTION in the subject heading and your postal address in the body of your email. Also include what you most like about poetry.Winners will be advised by email.