New Australian independent film company Wintergarden Pictures has secured a selection as one of six filmmaking teams chosen to create fully funded short films that will air on broadcaster SBS’s coverage of the 40th anniversary celebration of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival, taking place in 2018.
As the recipients of this year’s Create NSW Generator: Emerging Filmmakers Fund, Wintergarden Pictures chosen script, Cherry Season, explores themes of sexual orientation and identity, touching on rural Australian communities. Directed by Joshua Longhurst, Cherry Season follows the story of a young woman who is faced with the challenges of isolation, conformity and responsibility.
Sophia Zachariou, Director Sector Investment at Create NSW commented saying, “The pitch from Wintergarden Pictures was well presented and delivered an original and beautifully conceived LGBTQIA story calling on semi-autobiographical accounts of bigotry and the decisions young people make to find their tribe. We were really impressed by the focus and ambition of the team and feel that Cherry Season will be a fantastic stepping stone for all three key creatives to solidify their talents.”
Cherry Season is Wintergarden Pictures’ first project, with several other projects currently in development. Upcoming projects include Ding Dong I’m Gay, a comedy series exploring the crazy world of modern gay relationships, and is being directed by Skit Box’s Sarah Bishop (Wham Bam Thank You Ma’am) and written by Tim Spencer and Zoe Norton Lodge (The Checkout).
Cherry Season will air on SBS and online streaming service SBS On Demand during Mardi Gras in 2018.
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