Write a short summary of what happens in the film

‘The Drive’ is a 4-hour long slow TV film that takes viewers on an immersive and relaxing road journey through breathtaking Australian landscapes in an Audi A6, offering an in-the-moment experience to drivers stuck at home during COVID-19 lockdown. The use of multiple cameras, strategically mounted in and around the A6, faithfully captures the car’s journey and replicates the feeling of driving it, whilst the mood of the drive is enhanced by a peaceful and meditative music score by composer John Hassell. The effect is truly hypnotic. This is one long drive in the country where the audience is allowed to relax and switch off, and let Audi do the driving.

Cultural / Context information for the jury

Slow TV is a form of documentary "marathon" coverage of an ordinary event in its complete length. The genre started in Norway in 2009 and has grown in popularity ever since because of its relaxing effect on people. When lockdown started in Australia at the end of March, this trend gave Audi the opportunity to offer Australians some tranquillity and mental wellbeing during uncertain and unsettling times. The full-length film was shot in the NSW Central Tablelands by a crew of 4, in two cars, following the directions of the Australian government on social distancing, at the time. Although made with local drivers in mind, The Drive resonated around the world, drawing both national and international media attention from the likes of GQ, Fast Company, Ad Age and many more, and was viewed for over 10,000 hours.

Explain how the work innovatively used the film medium.

We used this thoroughly immersive film of a scenic drive through the countryside to bring much-needed tranquillity to drivers stuck at home during lockdown, without them breaking any government directives or compromising their social distancing. Part of the appeal for using a long, slow TV-style approach was to tap into the zen nature of the genre at a time when people seemingly craved relaxation more than ever – encouraging a moment of calm in an otherwise frantic climate.