An intimate new short film on David Bowie will screen at next month’s Melbourne International Film Festival.

Let’s Dance: Bowie Down Under tells the story behind what is arguably Bowie’s most successful album, released in 1983 and co-produced by Chic’s Nile Rodgers. The film gives viewers a first-time insight into Bowie’s journey into the Australian outback. It will feature previously unseen footage of Bowie during his trip to Australia, exploring his fascination with the country.

Let’s Dance: Bowie Down Under was created by journalists-turned-filmmakers Ed Gibbs and Rubika Shah. Shah revealed that the idea for the film was sparked by watching Bowie’s video for ‘Let’s Dance’.

“We were both startled by its dramatic imagery,” Shah explained. “I had watched it as a kid, living in the UK and Asia, and remember it as one of my first reference points for Australia. Fast-forward a lot of years and I have visited the outback and the dusty town of Carinda (where the video was shot), and absolutely love the space and tranquility out there – as did Bowie. So it all feels very organic.”

“I loved the symbolism with the red shoes, but it was the heartwarming story of assimilation that really hooked me. The values at the core of the music video really resonated with me personally – especially with my mixed heritage, and with own experiences of multiculturalism.”

Let’s Dance: Bowie Down Under will premiere at Melbourne International Film Festival on August 9. Tickets are available here. [via themusic.com.au]