Welcome to the Matt's Movie Review Saturday Conversation Show, where entertainment personalities, content creators, and filmmakers share their insights and passions regarding films. Today, Jonathan Squera joins the conversation. An award-winning filmmaker and founder of Living Eyes, Squera's mission is to create compelling documentaries about Australian musicians.
Squera recently produced "Harder and Harder," his second documentary on the legendary Aussie punk rock band, The Hard Ons. This film is touring across Australia, taking audiences through the band's storied career. Interested viewers can find screening details on livingeyes.co, with upcoming shows in locations like Wollongong, Coffs Harbour, Bathurst, and Adelaide.
Squera's journey with The Hard Ons began in 2018, sparked by mutual contacts and a shelved documentary project by another filmmaker. Fascinated by the band's extensive four-decade history, Squera divided the narrative into two films: "The Most Australian Band Ever," depicting their rise, and "Harder and Harder," focusing on their present. Influenced by his work on Radio Birdman, Squera endeavored to explore the band's evolving story.
Throughout the documentaries, Squera emphasizes personal stories and the musicians' experiences rather than just chronicling their discography. He aims to portray musicians as people first, showcasing their challenges and triumphs. Squera's editing philosophy involves highlighting emotional authenticity and creating a narrative that resonates with viewers, inspired by his time at ABC and insights from the music industry.
Despite challenges in documentary filmmaking, including financial constraints, Squera remains dedicated to his craft by promoting independent storytelling. His approach to creative freedom and authenticity has been praised, such as when Quentin Tarantino labeled his previous work one of the best from Australia.
Join the journey through Australian rock history by catching "Harder and Harder" at your local cinema, where Squera continues to let music inspire cinematic narratives.