Daniel Radcliffe in 'Jungle'.
Jungle, the latest film from Wolf Creek director Greg McLean, is set to open this year’s Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF).
The 80s-set thriller stars Daniel Radcliffe as 22-year-old Israeli backpacker Yossi Ghinsberg, whose ‘adventure of a lifetime’ goes awry when he treks into the Amazon with a fraudulent guide. It also stars by Alex Russell (Cut Snake), Joel Jackson (Peter Allen: Not the Boy Next Door) and Thomas Kretschmann (Avengers: Age of Ultron, Dracula).
Jungle is based on the real-life Ghinsberg’s memoir 'Lost In The Jungle', adapted for screen by Justin Monjo (Storm Boy, INXS: Never Tear Us Apart). The film was produced by McLean along with Dana Lustig, Gary Hamilton, Mike Gabrawy and Todd Fellman.
“Back in 2005 my first film Wolf Creek screened at the festival and it was incredibly exciting to have the movie presented in my home town,” said McLean.
“Now, some years later, having this amazing story about survival and the power of the human spirit launched in Melbourne is just as much of an honour. I truly can't wait to share this film with audiences.”
So excited my new movie JUNGLE is opening night film at Melbourne International Film Festival! @ScreenAustralia @Screen_QLD #BackFromTuichi
— Greg McLean (@GregECP) June 13, 2017
Jungle joins a host of Aussie fare already announced for MIFF, including the Australian premiere of Jane Campion’s Top of the Lake: China Girl, Ali’s Wedding, Australia Day, That’s Not Me and documentaries Mountain and The Silent Eye. The festival's full program is set to be announced July 11.
MIFF runs August 3 – 20.