Press release from the WA Govt
‘Bran Nue Dae’ has been selected to screen at the Toronto International Film Festival, one of the world’s biggest and most influential film festivals.
Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said this was a fantastic achievement and opportunity for the Western Australian production, which was aided by $650,000 funding from the State Government, through ScreenWest.
“Only the best films from around the world get selected for Toronto,” Mr Day said.
“’Bran Nue Dae’ will screen in the Contemporary World Cinema program, showcasing the best of current international filmmaking.
“This opportunity for the film is more than just a screening. The festival attracts more than 1,000 international media and thousands of international industry delegates.
“Not only is the Toronto screening great for the film, it’s also a bonus for WA tourism because ‘Bran Nue Dae’ effectively showcases Broome and the State.”
The Toronto screening follows on from the film’s world premiere at the Melbourne International Film Festival on August 8, where it was enthusiastically received as the gala closing event.
“As another feather in the cap for this outstanding film, the Melbourne International Film Festival has just announced today that ‘Bran Nue Dae’ has won the
Audience Award for most popular feature film,” the Minister said.
This is an outstanding achievement for what is now an award-winning film.”
Producer Robyn Kershaw, of Robyn Kershaw Productions, said being selected for Toronto was crucial to the film’s international success.
“We hope the screening of ‘Bran Nue Dae’ at this world-class event will build on the momentum the film has already gained in the global marketplace and ignite a huge amount of passion and enthusiasm from international distributors and audiences,”
Ms Kershaw said.
The 34th Toronto International Film Festival will be held from September 10-19, 2009.
‘Bran Nue Dae’ will have five screenings – three for the public and two reserved for media and industry.
Set in 1967, the film follows the adventures of Willie, a boarding school escapee, who tries to make his way back home to Broome, some 2,500km away.
Based on the stage musical by Jimmy Chi and Kuckles; directed by Rachel Perkins; produced by Robyn Kershaw and Graeme Isaac; and written by Reg Cribb,
Rachel Perkins and Jimmy Chi; the film stars Rocky McKenzie, Jessica Mauboy,
Ernie Dingo, Ningali Lawford-Wolf, Stephen Baamba Albert, with Missy Higgins and Geoffrey Rush.
“This WA film’s selection at these prestigious film festivals is a testament to its great story and quality production,” Mr Day said.
“ScreenWest is working with the producers to arrange premiere events later this year for Broome and Perth.”
Media contact: Regina Titelius – 9213 6600 or 0412 009 173
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