David Bowie 'Down Under' Film To Screen At Melbourne Film Fest

An exclusive and intimate new film about UK pop icon David Bowie is set to premiere at next month's Melbourne International Film Festival.

Let's Dance: Bowie Down Under gives viewers a first-time look into the remarkable story behind arguably Bowie's biggest album released in 1983, as well as an unlikely journey into the Australian outback by the singer which led to its success around the world. 

The film, created by journalists-turned-filmmakers Ed Gibbs and Rubika Shah, will feature never-before-seen footage of Bowie during his trip to Australia and it explores his fascination with the country.

Speaking to theMusic, Shah revealed that the idea for the project when they watched the music video for Let's Dance back in 2013.

"We were both startled by its dramatic imagery," Shah explained.

"I had watched it as a kid, living in the UK and Asia, and remember it as one of my first reference points for Australia. Fast-forward a lot of years and I have visited the outback and the dusty town of Carinda (where the video was shot), and absolutely love the space and tranquility out there - as did Bowie. So it all feels very organic."

During her previous projects in which she created short documentaries, Shah revealed that one of them was actually about the outback pub as seen in the Let's Dance clip — and that's when she knew there was something more here. 

"We continued to work on it, interviewing the key players involved while we continued uncovering more archive. It is a story that just had so much to offer."

The hugely famous film clip still resonates with Shah who sees it as more than just a dance song.

"I loved the symbolism with the red shoes, but it was the heartwarming story of assimilation that really hooked me," Shah said. 

"The values at the core of the music video really resonated with me personally - especially with my mixed heritage, and with own experiences of multiculturalism."

Let's Dance: Bowie Down Under will premiere at MIFF on Sunday, 9 August and tickets can be purchased from the festival website. 

For more details on the film, check out the official Facebook page.