Victor Harbor’s Victa Cinema is set to host a one-night-only screening of Pete Williams' feature film, Emotion is Dead, on Wednesday 24 July, at 7pm. The event will feature a live introduction by the writer/director, followed by an engaging Q&A session.

Emotion is Dead has been acclaimed as, "the most South Aussie story ever told." This gripping story revolves around the closure of the Holden Elizabeth Plant, Australia's last auto factory.

The film follows the journey of Brock (Jude Turner), a teenage skateboarder who devises a unique money-making scheme in the wake of a personal tragedy linked to the plant’s closure. Brock's desperate venture involves petty crimes, and only his Peter-Brock-obsessed mother, Shazza (Gabby Llewelyn), and his emo ex-girlfriend, Kylie (Tatiana Goode), stand between him and a harrowing fate.

Emotion is Dead delves into themes of a mother’s unconditional love, the chasm between wealth and morality, and the precarious employment landscape for youth amidst de-industrialisation.

Following a successful debut at the Adelaide Film Festival, Pete Williams is excited to bring his film to cinemas across Australia, starting with special event screenings in Adelaide and regional South Australia.

"I wanted Emotion is Dead to be a love letter to Adelaide and its northern suburbs. The closure of the Elizabeth Holden Factory felt like a death in the family and became the catalyst for my screenplay," Pete says. "The story evolved to incorporate my own experiences, where skateboarding, punk rock, and petty crimes were integral parts of our lives."

Williams drew inspiration from his meetings with friends, family, Holden retirees, and academics affected by the factory’s closure, amalgamating their stories into a single protagonist that captures the pain, helplessness, and confusion of the Elizabeth community.

Emerging filmmakers from South Australia’s leading film schools contributed to the production, which spanned over two years and involved more than 100 local crew members and actors. Iconic South Australian locations, such as the Big Rocking Horse at Gumeracha and the old Holden Elizabeth Plant, add authenticity to the film.

The Emotion is Dead Aussie Indie Cinema Tour will showcase the film in over 30 cinemas across Australia from July to October, with 15 special event screenings in metro Adelaide and regional South Australia, each featuring a post-screening cast and crew Q&A.