Director Abe Forsythe and Studiocanal have given us the first look at the new Australian feature film set during the aftermath of the Cronulla riots.
Down Under is a black comedy about two carloads of hotheads from both sides of the fight who are destined to collide.
Sincere, though misguided, intent gives way to farcical ineptitude as this hilarious yet poignant story of ignorance, fear and kebab-cravings unfolds.
What was meant to be a retaliation mission turns into something neither side could have imagined.
Director Abe Forsythe, who is also responsible for writing the film’s screenplay, has taken a balanced look at the ridiculous side of a serious subject.
“There is nothing more satisfying than getting people to laugh at something they feel like they shouldn’t be laughing at. Comedy is the best way to say something meaningful,” he said.
This first-look image introduces characters from both sides of the story.
They are men with much in common, divided by an arbitrary hatred.
Forsythe said: “Obviously if you’re setting a film during the Cronulla riot, racism is one of the major themes you find yourself exploring. However, racism here is a behavioural by-product of these characters wanting to belong to something, to feel like they are in control.”
As we approach the 10th anniversary of the shameful, Down Under is a timely reminder that will provoke wider discussions on identity and acceptance.
It will release in cinemas in 2016, distributed by Studiocanal Australia.
Down Under stars Lincoln Younes (Hiding, Love Child Season 2), Rahel Romahn (Underbelly: The Golden Mile, The Combination), Damon Herriman (The Water Diviner, The Little Death, Justified), Michael Denkha (The Combination, Stealth), Fayssal Bazzi (Crownies, Cedar Boys), Alexander England (Gods Of Egypt, Power Games: The Packer-Murdoch Story), Justin Rosniak (Animal Kingdom), Harriet Dyer (Love Child, Janet King) and introduces Christopher Bunton. It also features Josh McConville, Dylan Young, Christiaan Van Vuuren, Anthony Taufa along with Marshall Napier (The Water Horse, Babe) and David Field (Last Cab To Darwin, The Rover, Chopper).
Presented by Screen Australia, Down Under is a Wild Eddie Production, in association with El Guapo Films and Emu Creek Pictures, produced in conjunction with Studiocanal.
It is written and directed by Abe Forsythe, produced by Jodi Matterson and executive produced by Greg McLean.