Phoenix Raei and Hugo Weaving in 'The Rooster'.

‘The hero moment is continuing to survive’: Mark Leonard Winter draws from darkness to create ‘The Rooster’

How do you capture meaning from a seemingly meaningless time? Do projects that attempt this have any value beyond vanity?

These were among the questions pondered by actor-turned-filmmaker Mark Leonard Winter as he penned his directorial feature debut and 2023 Melbourne International Film Festival selection The Rooster back in 2019.

The story centres on small-town cop Dan, played by Phoenix Raei, whose childhood friend is found buried in a shallow grave. His quest for answers leads him to a volatile hermit (Hugo ...