Talkback

A talkback radio operator Jonah (Lucy Sheehan, from film The Lounge Bar) is forced to stand in for the regular host when he suddenly leaves the building. In-between trying to answer calls, organise a replacement and discuss topics with a succession of increasingly bizarre callers, the flustered operator makes a surprising connection with another lost soul calling in. Auckland's urban soul is captured with distinctive assurance in this 48-minute award-winner from Crush director Alison Maclean — who wrote the script with Geoff Chapple. Costa Botes writes about Maclean's "wonderfully assured drama" here. 

On-screen for most of the film, Lucy Sheehan turns in a warm, convincing performance as the newly-nominated talkback host who has her own dramas to live through and her own story to tell.

– The Listener, 11 June 1988

Key Cast & Crew

Alison Maclean

Director, Writer

Lucy Sheehan

As: Jonah

Bridget Ikin

Producer

Peter Tait

As: Jim

Geoff Chapple

Writer

Marie Staples

As: Liz