Matilda Candidate, The (ATOM Study Guide)

One candidate in the 2008 Australian Federal election who may well have escaped your attention, as he did everyone else's, was a man on a mission, a Don Quixote of our time. His platform was to change the National Anthem to 'Waltzing Matilda' when Australia becomes a republic. Curtis Levy, the filmmaker who brought you Hephzibah (1998) and The President versus David Hicks (2004) turns the camera on himself as he stands for election to the Australian Senate and explores Australia's suitability to become a republic. The surprising history of the song reveals several obstacles to its acceptance as the national anthem.

Curtis Levy is revealed as the candidate least likely, but in a sense that's fitting, because Waltzing Matilda is all about the struggle of the underdog. The Matilda Candidate is an insightful and hilarious exploration of the intersection between a seminal period in Australian history – the great shearers' strike and the beginnings of the White Australia policy – and Australia's future. As Levy and his long suffering campaign manager, Jo Smith, struggle to make an impact on the electorate, it becomes painfully obvious why Australians have been so slow to take the bit between their teeth and demand complete independence as a republic.

In the past many Australians have been reluctant to choose 'Waltzing Matilda', a song which appears to be about a tramp and a thief who committed suicide, as their anthem. But Curtis Levy uncovers evidence that convinces him at least, that 'Waltzing Matilda' should be the battle hymn of the republic.

Curriculum links

This study guide is mainly aimed at middle and upper secondary school levels, with relevance to English and Literature, Media Studies, History, SOSE/HSIE, Civics, Politics, Indigenous Studies.