Geoffrey Rush was among the stars of hit Australian film Shine who visited Canberra on Saturday to celebrate 20 years of the film's release.
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The biographical film, released in 1996, is based on the life of pianist David Helfgott, who also visited Canberra for the festivities.
The National Film and Sound Archive hosted a screening on Saturday night, attended by notable guests including Mr Rush, screenwriter and director Scott Hicks, and Mr and Mrs Helfgott.
Mr Rush said his trips to Canberra always left a mark on him, more so for why he was here rather than the city itself.
"I don't want to name drop, but I've had lunch with Her Majesty at Government House," Mr Rush said.
"But I first came to Canberra when I was in my first year at university," he recalled, to tour the Merchant of Venice.
"I have very strong memories of that time, we would have come in about May and it was freezing."
As for being back in the nation's capital, Mr Rush said he was delighted to be back in the same room with people he hadn't seen for years.
Mr Hicks said it was amazing for interest in the film to remain strong two decades on.
"The wonderful thing is, the film hasn't dated," he said.
"All the performances are as crystalline as they were 20 years ago. There is so much that's still completely valid, and it's lovely to see it back on the big screen."
For Mr Hicks, it has been 30 years since he first met David Helfgott and decided to start writing the film.
"I've made other films that have certainly grossed as much as Shine, but it's certainly the most memorable thing. Seven Oscar nominations, at that time, for an Australian film, it was just unheard of."
While in town, Mr Hicks used the opportunity to discuss passing on his own relics from the film, including the shooting script, production records and various props, to the National Film and Sound Archive.
There are also plans in motion for Mr Hicks and Mr Rush to work together again.
"We've hovered around a number of projects at different points. We will land on something; it will probably involve music," Mr Rush said.
David Helfgott will perform at the NFSA on Sunday, August 14, at 4.30pm. Tickets $95 online.
