The Australian Film Commission (AFC) today announced that the Big Screen Film Festival will host the world premiere of Rogue as part of the 2007 Darwin Festival in August.
Darwin audiences will be on the edge of their deckchairs when Rogue, the brand new film from director Greg McLean (Wolf Creek) lights up the Darwin night sky at Big Screen’s Opening Night on Saturday 11 August 2007 at Deckchair Cinema.
Greg McLean, award-winning actor John Jarratt, actor Stephen Curry and producers David Lightfoot and Matt Hearn will join acclaimed filmmaker and AFC commissioner, Rachel Perkins at this special event presented in partnership with Roadshow Films.
Rogue explores the terror that lies beneath the surface. With financial backing from world-renowned executive producers Bob and Harvey Weinstein and a $30 million budget, many are predicting Rogue will become the Australian Jaws.
Rogue tells the story of Pete (Michael Vartan) an American travel writer reporting on the booming tourist industry in the Northern Territory. While taking a river-cruise he finds himself stuck with a collection of interesting characters, including Kate (Radha Mitchell) a beautiful local tour guide. There is an immediate attraction between the two but when their boat is rammed by something from below, the tour is interrupted and they become stranded on a tiny mud island. As night falls, the group slowly realises that they are being stalked by a huge saltwater crocodile. Australians Sam Worthington, John Jarratt and Stephen Curry are among those who complete the film’s talented cast.
‘Rogue is so much about the landscape and environment it’s set in – from the incredible backdrop of the Northern Territory to the backwaters of outer Melbourne, the Australian environment is very much a part of the film for us,’ said director Greg McLean. ‘Having Rogue feature as part of Big Screen’s tour to Darwin is amazing.’
‘The AFC is thrilled that Roadshow is partnering with Big Screen to present the world premiere of Rogue,’ said AFC Acting Chief Executive Chris Fitchett. ‘It seems very fitting that the film is premiering to the world in the Northern Territory and it will certainly be a night to remember for all those lucky enough to be there.’
Darwin audiences can join in the Opening Night excitement and meet Greg, John and Stephen for refreshments before the screening in the unique surrounds of the Deckchair Cinema from 6:30pm.
Big Screen is Australia’s most comprehensive traveling film festival, connecting remote and regional audiences with Australia’s rich celluloid history. Since 2001 over 130,000 Australians have enjoyed the Big Screen experience. The 2007 Darwin Festival is the sixth time that AFC’s Big Screen has toured to Darwin.