September, the first film produced through the Tropfest Feature Program, has been invited to screen in the prestigious ‘Discovery’ programme at the Toronto International Film Festival 2007.
September is directed by Peter Carstairs, written by Ant Horn and Peter Carstairs, and produced by John Polson with co-producers Serena Paull and Lynda House. It stars Xavier Samuel as Ed, Clarence John Ryan as Paddy and Mia Wasikowska as Amelia.
‘It was always our hope that the first Tropfest Feature Program film would enjoy festival success prior to its theatrical release in Australia. We couldn’t be happier that Melbourne and now Toronto International Film Festivals have embraced the film’ – Producer, John Polson.
September is a humane, cinematic and intricately drawn coming-of-age story – a visually stunning character film about two 16 year old boys, one black, one white, whose pure and unaffected friendship begins to fall apart against the backdrop of a turbulent and pivotal moment in Australia’s past.
The festival’s website states, ‘Discovery’ offers a unique window on contemporary international cinema – an introduction to gifted and innovative new directors who are sure to become a household name.
‘It’s such an honour for my first feature film, September, to have its international premiere at one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world – especially to be in the Discovery programme’ – Director, Peter Carstairs.
Director Peter Carstairs’ past credits include Gate, which won awards at film festivals around the world and was nominated for an AFI Award, a Film Critics Circle of Australia Award and received a cinema release with director, Rachel Perkins’, One Night For The Moon. On graduating from the AFTRS Peter was awarded the school’s highest honours: the ASDA Award for Best Director, the ScreenSound Australia Award for Best Drama Director, and the Film Australia Special Award for Most Outstanding Documentary. Peter’s last short film, Pacific, was a finalist at Sony Tropfest 2006 winning best Young Talent (Harry Greenwood) and made Peter eligible to submit a feature film script to the inaugural Tropfest Feature Program.
Hopscotch Films is planning on releasing September in cinemas across Australia on October 25 and are delighted that the Toronto International Film Festival will be showcasing what is set to be a seminal Australian film.