Airdate: Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line

Music documentary Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line screens next week on ABC as part of AusMusic month.

This 2024 film traces the singular journey of Australia’s quintessential rock band and features unheard interviews with every band member, unseen live and studio footage.

Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line chronicles the extraordinary journey of the iconic Australian rock band from their humble beginnings on the northern beaches of Sydney to becoming global advocates for social and environmental change.

Midnight Oil were famous for the raw energy of their live performances and the film captures the transcendent power of their music as it inspires fans to embrace passion and activism. Through electrifying concert footage, personal archive and intimate audio interviews, viewers are immersed in the band’s uncompromising ethos and their relentless pursuit to break new ground.

As Midnight Oil’s fame spreads beyond Australia, the film delves into their tireless advocacy for environmental and social justice causes, from performing guerrilla concerts outside corporate offices to supporting Indigenous reconciliation efforts.

However, their journey is not without its challenges, including internal tensions and the departure of Peter Garrett to pursue a political career. Yet, the band’s spirit remains unbroken as they reunite for monumental performances and continue to champion their causes.

Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line culminates with the band’s final album and tour, Resist, which serves as a defiant statement against injustice. Through their music and activism, Midnight Oil leaves an indelible mark on the world, inspiring generations to stand up and make a difference.

Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line is a Blink TV and Beyond Entertainment feature documentary. Principal production funding from Screen Australia and Australian Broadcasting Corporation in association with Screen NSW. Produced with support from Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Music Publishing. Australian theatrical distribution by Roadshow Films. Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line is written and directed by Paul Clarke, produced by Carolina Sorensen, and executive produced by Mikael Borglund, Paul Clarke and Martin Fabinyi.

Tuesday 12 November at 8.30pm on ABC.