Jonathan Ogilvie’s semi-autobiographical music drama Head South picks up in 1979 with schoolboy fantasist Angus (Ed Oxenbould), who after being drawn to Christchurch’s underground post-punk music scene, plans a gig for his (not yet existing) post-punk band at the local rock music venue.
Alone for a fortnight with his world-weary father who is going through his own crisis of identity, Angus navigates self-doubt, derision, harmful behaviour, and a family tragedy to take the stage for the first time.
Starring alongside Oxenbould is Márton Csókás as Angus’s father, singer-songwriter Stella Bennett, also known by her stage name Benee, and Roxie Mohebbi.
Antje Kulpe and Ogilvie produced the film, with Emma Slade, Lee Hubber, Gary Phillips, Mark Vennis, and Mat Govoni as executive producers. Heads of department include editor Julie-Anne De Ruvo, production designer Chris Bruce, DOP John Chrisstoffels, costume designer Lesley Burkes-Harding, and makeup/hair designer Verity Griffiths.
The original Head South soundtrack by Shayne Carter, featuring Benee, is now available on Leatherjacket Records through Flying Nun.
Having opened last year’s International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), Head South will be released in independent Australian cinemas on April 3 via Forum Films.