Available worldwide from 21st Oct to 21st Nov 2023.
‘Autopsy On A Dream’ is a controversial and provocative BBC film about the building of the Sydney Opera House, directed by John Weiley in 1968 and thought to be lost for 45 years.

Weiley was commissioned to direct and produce the film by the then BBC Two Controller David Attenborough. A dramatic story of the building’s construction and architect Jorn Utzon’s ultimate departure from the project, the film caused controversy from the outset. The ABC tried to stop it being made and after its BBC screening in 1968, Weiley was advised the film had been destroyed on a chopping block in the BBC archive.

Miraculously for John, a mute print of the film was rediscovered in a BBC vault in 2013. As it turned out only the soundtrack was destroyed. Having kept the transcripts and sound, Weiley and his team put the original film back together, with Bob Ellis recreating his original narration.

The film includes a new prologue called ‘The Dream of Perfection’ telling the fascinating story of the lost film and bringing the story up-to- date, featuring interviews with Sir David Attenborough, Jan and Lin Utzon, the sons of Jorn Utzon and architect Richard le Plaistrier, plus many others.

The film had its Australian premiere at the Sydney Opera House in October 2013 in celebration of our 40th anniversary.

‘Autopsy On A Dream’ is directed by John Weiley and the remastered film is produced by John Maynard for Felix Media with the support of the BBC, Screen Australian and ABC Arts. (Stream Premiere)