Ed Oxenbould in The Butterfly Tree.
Writer-director Priscilla Cameron’s debut feature, The Butterfly Tree, has commenced filming around Tamborine Mountain, Queensland.
The Butterfly Tree, formerly titled Bloom, stars Melissa George (Heartbeat, The Slap), Ewen Leslie (Top of the Lake, The Daughter), Ed Oxenbould (Paper Planes, Puberty Blues), and Sophie Lowe (The Beautiful Lie, The Returned).
The film tells the story of Evelyn, an ex-burlesque queen, who bewitches single dad Al and his teenage son Fin with her zest for life.
When father and son discover they are competing for the affections of the same woman, it reopens old wounds over the death of Fin’s mother.
The Butterfly Tree is being produced by Bridget Callow-Wright from Cowlick Entertainment.
"We are excited to see cameras rolling on The Butterfly Tree and congratulate Priscilla and Bridget for their original story going into production," said Screen Queensland CEO Tracey Vieira.
"SQ has been a passionate supporter of this project, investing in its development and production, and has backed Priscilla Cameron in growing her career as a writer-director. It is such a thrill to see talented creatives such as Priscilla making their debut feature film, as this is not only an achievement for the individual but also a win for the growth and cultural footprint of our local industry."
Cameron said the calibre of the cast and crew was incredible. "After so many years pulling this project together it’s an almost surreal experience when it finally happens," she said.
The Butterfly Tree forms one of six Premiere Fund films that will premiere at 2017’s Melbourne International Film Festival.
“I clearly remember some years ago reading an early draft of this distinctive script which, delightfully, has developed into a fine, warm and moving quality project with something to say,” said MIFF premiere fund executive producer Mark Woods.
"Film Victoria is delighted The Butterfly Tree is moving into production, having supported Victorian producer Bridget Callow-Wright and the project since its early development. Bridget and Priscilla are an impressive team and have attached a terrific cast. This evocative story is set to have stunning performances, visuals and post design, and is sure to delight cinema audiences," said Film Victoria CEO, Jenni Tosi.
The Butterfly Tree will be distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Vendetta Films.