A Very Short War (2010)

"A VERY SHORT WAR" is a deeply personal story, exploring the ramifications of loss. It follows the short life of early Australian aviator, Cliff Carpenter, using his narrative as a template... See full summary »

Directors:

Myles Conti, Bill Young

Writer:

Susan Young

Stars:

Bill Young, Matthew Dyktynski, Deborah Kennedy

Cast

Credited cast:
Bill Young	...	Narrator
Matthew Dyktynski	...	Cliff Carpenter
Deborah Kennedy	...	Gwen Carpenter
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Kevin Golsby	...	Announcer
Linal Haft	...	Ogwyn George
Jim Pike	...	Tommy McDonald
Stephen Shanahan	...	Harry Purvis

Storyline

"A VERY SHORT WAR" is a deeply personal story, exploring the ramifications of loss. It follows the short life of early Australian aviator, Cliff Carpenter, using his narrative as a template to speak for all lives senselessly lost in wartime conflict. The documentary climaxes in the skies over Oslo, Norway as two Messerschmitt Bf110's attack a RAF Sunderland Flying Boat. Nine airmen perish and one miraculously survives. The story is told through the eyes of Bill Young, the nephew Cliff would never know.

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Genres:

Documentary | History | War

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 April 2010 (Australia)

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

AUD 200,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Conti Bros Films, Screen Australia

Technical Specs

Runtime:

55 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1 / (high definition)

User Reviews

Truly exceptional

This is a wonderful and unique documentary. It gives a rare insight into how war can affect families over generations. I was moved as I watched the story unfold. As someone whose own family was affected by the war I was really able to connect with the story.

A Very Short War is interesting because it examines the impact on families, friends and communities not just during the war, but in the years afterwards right up until the present day.

This is a must see documentary for both those who remember and those younger generations who are yet to learn of the sacrifice so many made for us...