Sara West in ‘Don’t Tell’.
Tori Garrett’s Don’t Tell will make its world premiere at Newport Beach Film Festival in California.
The film, shot in Queensland, boasts a strong cast, including Sara West, Rachel Griffiths, Jack Thompson, Aden Young, Jacqueline McKenzie, Susie Porter, Kim Knuckley, Robert Taylor and Gyton Grantley.
Based on the book by lawyer Stephen Roche, Don’t Tell follows a young woman, Lyndal (West), who fights back after enduring sexual abuse at a prestigious private school. With a local lawyer by her side, Lyndal takes on the church who denied her abuse for over a decade. The film is based on true events and a 2001 case that helped changed Australian child protection laws.
The film’s producer, Scott Corfield, said he was thrilled for the film to have its world premiere at the festival.
“When you produce a film like Don’t Tell the important thing is that it resonates with audiences,” he said.
“The film received an overwhelming response by exhibitors at the 71st International Movie Convention recently. It is a story of courage, and a story with a big heart.”
Don’t Tell will get a theatrical release in Australia in May.
Richard Guardian from Guardian Entertainment is repping international sales.
Newport Beach Film Festival runs 20 – 27 April. Don’t Tell will screen April 24.