2015 was a spectacle for Australian films, securing our biggest year ever in the box office, as well as performing in the Oscars at levels not seen since Peter Weir. And the light looks to continue shining through 2016, with a selection of Australian and Australian-associated films determined to prove the worth of Australian cinema to international audiences. Have a gander at some of the most promising Australian films for the year.
Broke
Broke is preparing for a festival tour through America, before returning for premiere screenings through Australia’s east coast in Early April. The film stars Steve Le Marquand as a local football star, fallen into the throws of gambling addiction and suburban failures. Looks like Heath Davis and Steve Le Marquand could be channelling Andrew Dominik and Ben Mendhelson with this quintessential Australian film, see website for screening details.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdY2RvDsqO4
Spinout
Yet to receive a trailer, Spinout rallies together a strong Australian cast cast featuring Xavier Samuel, Morgan Griffin and Lincoln Lewis. Spinout is an unrecognized love story between two mates in a rural Australian town, taking place over one weekend of Ute’n and spin-outs. The film has received support from Sony and is on track to be released in September 2016.
Read our previous article for more information,
http://iris.theaureview.com/xavier-samuel-and-morgan-griffin-to-commence-shooting-sonys-spin-out-in-shepparton-this-week/
Jasper Jones
Jasper Jones is the first film adaption for the novel of the same title, from Australian writer Craig Silvey. Described as an outback To Kill a Mockingbird, Jasper Jones is a story about racial tensions in rural Australia and will feature performances from acting heavyweights Hugo Weaving and Toni Collette.
Red Dog: True Blue
Australia’s favourite Kelpie, Red Dog is back with another adventure in the red plains of Western Australia. Five-years on since the original, Red Dog: True Blue will tell the story of Pilbara’s most enigmatic pup, and will feature outback champion John Jarrett and Bryan Brown. The star of the film however, will be chosen from a shelter in Perth; such is the true underdog story.
Here’s the trailer for the original film to keep you busy until the sequels release, boxing day 2016
Downunder
An ode to the narrow mindedness of the Cronulla Riots, a decade down the track, Downunder is a satirical comedy about a forgettable moment in Australian history. The plot centres on rising performers Lincoln Younnes, Alexander England, Rahel Romahn and their destiny to clash with another in hate-fuelled violence. The film is looking to be Abe Forsythe’s best contribution to Australian cinema.
Lion
Lion is forming to be one of our biggest films this year, with names like Nicole Kidman and Rooney Mara attached to the project and Gareth Davis at the reigns, there’s an air of optimism to the project. The story is based on the memoirs of Saroo Brierley, A Long Way Home; about one man’s trial to find his birth parents with little else than Google Maps.
Listen to farmer Matt Dunbabin talk about the film’s production, taking place by his property in Bangor,
https://soundcloud.com/936-abc-hobart/lion-films-at-bangor-matt-dunbabin-on-modesty
Sherpa
Sherpa looks to be everything Everest was not. A visual essay on the hardships, controversy and tragedies faced everyday by Sherpas, the guardians to the holy Mount Everest. Turning the Western modus operandi on its head, Jennifer Peedom tells the story not of the climbers, but their guides and the significance of the mountain as something more than ‘a challenge’.
Goldstone
A powerful indigenous film is coming together in regional Queensland, as Ivan Sen begins working on the sequel to his 2013 thriller Mystery Road. Described as outback noir, Goldstone will take place in Middleton Queensland, and has some big names attached to the film, including Oscar nominee Jacki Weaver and Aaron Pederson.
Follow the film’s Facebook for any updates on the production, https://www.facebook.com/MysteryRoadMovie/
Looking for Grace
Looking for Grace takes place across the great roads and plains of Western Australia. The film will see the return of writer-director Sue Brooks, bringing with her a story of reflection and scenic wonder, as young Odessa Young plays runaway teen Grace, taking a journey through land and self. The film is touring through Eastern Australia early March and April.
Blonde
It’s speculation at this point, but Andrew Dominik’s Blonde has been blinking on and off his IMBD page for the past year. After losing Naomi Watts as his leading lady, Dominik found Jessica Chastain as a promising replacement in late 2014, and has since been relatively quiet. The film is to be an adaption of Joyce Carol Oate’s Blonde, and considering reports that production began in August last year, we may finally be seeing new work from the master director in the following year(s).
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