Text Messages from the Universe
The Ritz Cinemas, April 29, 2023
Adapted from the recently published book of the same title, Text Messages from the Universe is a feature length screendance work written, choreographed, and directed by Richard James Allen for The Physical TV Company. Many years in the making, beginning as a commission from the Video Dance Center of Burgundy as part of its 13 hour international omnibus screendance work Ballet de la Nuit , it features 25 extraordinary NSW dancers, navigating the complex choreography of the afterlife. The project has screened, in various forms, at festivals in France, Spain, Ireland, Sweden, Poland, Russia, Italy, India, Australia, Nepal and Turkey, winning six awards, including Best ScreenWriter of the Year Award at the Mumbai International Film Awards, and being nominated for Best Narrative Feature Film at the ATOM Awards in Melbourne.
Part-poetry, part-dancefilm, part-afterlife encounter, Text Messages from the Universe makes its Sydney premiere at this year’s Fantastic Film Festival Australia at the Ritz Cinemas in Randwick. In a unique gala screening event, Richard will narrate the film live, with all ticket-holders receiving a free copy of the same-titled poetry book. Audience members will also be welcome to join the cast and crew at the Afterparty in the Ritz Bar, where Richard will be signing books and chatting about his work.
Richard James Allen
Richard James Allen is a multi-award-winning filmmaker, poet and choreographer with The Physical TV Company, and a performer in a range of media. His work has been screened, broadcast, published and
performed widely across six continents.
Text Messages from the Universe is Richard’s thirteenth book and reflects a lifelong engagement with Buddhist and Yogic philosophies. Hard copies and e-books are available now at: Flying Islands Books
ISBN: 978-0-6455503-1-3
