Grant Scicluna.
Happening Films’ Chantou is the only Australian project to be selected for this year’s Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum.
Chantou follows a Melbourne-based gay couple who find out their adopted Cambodian daughter is a victim of human trafficking.
Developed by Film Victoria, the screenplay is based on an idea by actor-director Ben Pfeiffer, and will be directed by Grant Scicluna.
The project would be Scicluna's second feature after Downriver, which premiered at MIFF in 2015, before going on to screen at the Toronto International Film Festival.
“Chantou is a very affirming project born out of real human tragedy," said Scicluna. "Bridging Australia with Cambodia, it explores modern ideas of non-traditional families and universal themes of parenting. I am excited to find partners from the Asia Pacific region to work together to bring this lovely story to the screen."
HAF connects filmmakers with international film financiers, producers, bankers, distributors, buyers and funders for potential co-production ventures. This year, 25 projects have been selected for the forum from some 350 submissions.
Scicluna will attend with producer Jannine Barnes, the principal of Happening Films. As well as producing Downriver, Barnes has worked with Sciculuna on seven shorts including the The Wilding.
“I am thrilled that Chantou has been selected to participate in HAF 2017," said Barnes. "It’s a story that is very timely and relevant, and has a real resonance for all of us involved in the project. I am delighted to be taking this to the market place as Grant’s next film."
HAF takes place from March 13-15 at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.