Warwick Thornton to Direct Epic Australian Film First Warrior with Sam Worthington and Jason Clarke Joining Cast

Warwick Thornton. Photo by Ben King.

Camera d’Or award-winning director Warwick Thornton, known for Samson & Delilah and The New Boy, has signed on to direct the upcoming feature film First Warrior, an epic tale about the Aboriginal resistance fighter Pemulwuy.

Pemulwuy, a Bidjigal man from the Sydney tribes, led a 12-year resistance against British settlers during the late 1700s, defending his people’s traditional lands as Australia was colonised. First Warrior will bring this powerful story to the big screen, supported by the Bidjigal, Dharawal, and Dharug Elders, ensuring the cultural significance and authenticity of the film.

The all-Indigenous core creative team is led by Thornton, with Jon Bell (The Moogai, Cleverman) as writer and Andrew Dillon, a Dharug and Gomeroi descendent, as writer-producer through his Indigenous-owned production company, That’s-A-Wrap Productions.

Joining the team are notable Australian actors Sam Worthington (Avatar, Hacksaw Ridge) and Jason Clarke (Oppenheimer, Zero Dark Thirty), with a search underway for actors to portray Pemulwuy and Bennelong, the latter of whom was famously kidnapped by Governor Arthur Phillip to start a dialogue with Indigenous Australians.

The film also has the backing of renowned screenwriters Stuart Beattie (Collateral, Pirates of the Caribbean) and Phillip Noyce (Rabbit-Proof Fence, Salt), ensuring First Warrior is set to be an epic and culturally resonant production.

Thornton said, “I am so honoured to be a part of this amazing film. It’s an important story with an awesome script and legendary actors”.

Andrew Dillon said: “It has been a lifelong goal of mine to have our Indigenous warriors celebrated on the silver screen. I can’t wait for audiences to not only experience Warwick’s vision for this story but to leave the cinema with a newfound appreciation of Australia’s shared history”.

This article was sourced from a media release sent by Harriet Dixon-Smith of Nixco

Award-Winning Thriller ‘THE MOOGAI’ Set for Australian Release on 31 October 2024

Maslow Entertainment has announced that the highly anticipated First Nations psychological horror film, THE MOOGAI, will be released in Australian cinemas on 31 October 2024. The film had its World Premiere earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival and its Australian Premiere at the 2024 Sydney Film Festival, where it won the GIO Audience Award for Best Australian Feature. It was also recently screened at the 2024 Melbourne International Film Festival and is currently a finalist for the film prize at this month’s 2024 CinefestOZ Film Festival in Western Australia.

THE MOOGAI stars a stellar cast, including Shari Sebbens (The Sapphires, Thor: Love and Thunder), Meyne Wyatt (We Are Still Here), Tessa Rose (Top End Wedding), Clarence Ryan (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga), Toby Leonard Moore (Mank), and Bella Heathcote (Relic, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies). The film is produced by Kristina Ceyton and Samantha Jennings of Causeway Films (The Babadook, Talk To Me) and Mitchell Stanley of No Coincidence Media (We Are Still Here).

Directed by Jon Bell in his feature film debut, THE MOOGAI is based on his acclaimed short film of the same name. This psychological horror intertwines the harrowing history of the Stolen Generations with First Nations storytelling. For Indigenous Australians, the term “Moogai” can mean “boogeyman,” among other things.

The film follows Sarah and Fergus, a young Aboriginal couple celebrating the birth of their second child. However, their joy quickly turns to dread when Sarah begins to see a malevolent spirit she believes is trying to steal her baby. While Fergus, who cannot see the spirit, wants to trust her, he grows increasingly concerned as Sarah becomes more unhinged. The central question becomes: is the child-stealing spirit real, or is Sarah herself the greatest threat to her family?

THE MOOGAI received significant production investment from Screen Australia’s First Nations Department in collaboration with Screen NSW through the Made in NSW Fund and Regional Filming Fund. Additional financing was provided by Spectrum Films, Kojo Studios, Anahat Films, Salmira Productions, and Head Gear Films, with post-production, digital, and visual effects supported by Screen NSW.

This article was sourced from a media release sent by Nixco

Australian Animation Shines in 200% Wolf – A Heartwarming, Hilarious Ride

200% Wolf, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2020 hit 100% Wolf, is a vibrant, fun-filled adventure that will have kids and adults alike howling with laughter. This Australian animated film takes everything we loved about the original and cranks it up to a whole new level, delivering a story that’s both heartwarming and hilariously entertaining.

Plot and Characters

Our hero, Freddy Lupin, returns in this new chapter, but he’s not just the cute pink poodle we remember. Freddy is determined to prove himself as the leader of his werewolf pack, but there’s one small hitch—he still struggles to earn their respect. His journey takes a wild turn when a wayward wish transforms him into a full-fledged werewolf. But that’s not all—this wish also brings a mischievous moon sprite to Earth, creating chaos that could lead to the collision of the Earth and the moon!

As Freddy embarks on a mission to restore cosmic order, he’s joined by his loyal dog pals, including the ever-reliable Batty, voiced by Samara Weaving. Their journey is filled with wild escapades, including avoiding a dangerous sorceress with a serious grudge against the wolf pack. The stakes are high, especially as Freddy’s new moon sprite friend is running out of life energy, threatening to fade away forever.

Voice Acting and Performances

The voice acting in 200% Wolf is nothing short of spectacular. Ilai Swindells, who voices Freddy, brings just the right amount of charm and wit to the role, making Freddy a lovable hero for whom audiences will undoubtedly root. Samara Weaving’s Batty is the perfect mix of sass and sweetness, while Akmal Saleh’s Hamish adds plenty of laughs. The standout performance, however, comes from Jennifer Saunders, who absolutely shines as the witchy Max. Saunders relishes every moment of screen time, bringing a delightful energy to the character that’s impossible to resist.

Visuals and Animation

Visually, 200% Wolf is a treat. The animation is lush and expressive, with every scene bursting with colour and creativity. It’s clear that the filmmakers have poured their hearts into making this film a visual feast, and the result is an experience that rivals the best in animated cinema, even Pixar. The vibrant world of 200% Wolf is a place where imagination knows no bounds, and every frame is packed with detail that’s sure to delight viewers of all ages.

Story and Themes

But what really makes 200% Wolf special is its story. At its core, this is a film about friendship, teamwork, and believing in yourself. Freddy’s journey to lead his pack isn’t just about proving his strength—it’s about realising that true leadership comes from the heart. The film’s themes are beautifully woven into the narrative, making it not just an entertaining watch but also a meaningful one. The humour is spot-on, with plenty of jokes that will appeal to both kids and adults, but the film also balances the laughs with tender moments that are genuinely touching.

One of our favourite characters was Moopoo, whose antics had us laughing out loud. The humour in 200% Wolf is spot-on, with plenty of jokes that will appeal to both kids and adults. But the film also has its tender moments, balancing the laughs with scenes that are genuinely touching.

Final Thoughts

200% Wolf is an absolute joy from start to finish. It’s the kind of film that leaves you with a big smile on your face, feeling like you’ve just been on a wild, wonderful ride. In a time when many family films lean towards darker themes, 200% Wolf is a refreshing burst of joy and colour. It’s a must-see at the cinema, and trust me—you’ll want to see this one on the biggest screen possible.

So, if you’re looking for a movie that’s bursting with energy, packed with laughs, and full of heart, 200% Wolf is the one to watch.

Rating:3.5/5 Stars

The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand Announces the Return of Thrilling Ocean Adventure with “Shipwreck Hunters Australia” Season 2

The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand is excited to announce that the highly popular Australian Original documentary series, “Shipwreck Hunters Australia,” will return for a second season on Disney+. The new six-part instalment promises more thrilling adventures as the team of fearless ocean explorers dive deep into Western Australia’s ruggedly beautiful ‘Treasure Coast’ to uncover incredible stories of survival and tragic shipwrecks.

Returning Crew and New Adventures

Season 2 reunites the skilled divers and underwater filmmakers, including Captain Ash Sutton, Andre Rerekura, Nush Freedman, Johnny Debnam, and Ryan Chatfield. They will continue to be supported by expert maritime archaeologists from the Western Australian Museum. Together, they will embark on adrenaline-pumping expeditions to investigate maritime mysteries, explore stunning ocean wildlife, and uncover the secrets of Western Australia’s coastline, home to over 1,600 shipwrecks.

Season 1 Highlights and Anticipation for Season 2

The first season of “Shipwreck Hunters Australia” captivated audiences with the historic discovery of the 111-year-old sunken Finnish-owned sailing ship Glenbank and a 1942 Flying Boat sunk during World War II in Broome. Filming for Season 2 has commenced and will take place across several locations over the coming year.

Production and Support

“Shipwreck Hunters Australia” Season 2 is a co-production between VAM Media, Terra Australis Productions, and Barking Mad Productions for Disney+. The series has received significant production investment from Screen Australia, with additional support from Screenwest, Lotterywest, the Western Australian Regional Screen Fund, and Tourism Western Australia. The series will be directed and produced by VAM Media’s Brendan Hutchens, alongside series producer Russell Vines and executive producer Steve Bibb.

“We’re thrilled Shipwreck Hunters Australia is returning to Disney+ for another season,” The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Kylie Watson-Wheeler, said.

“The series captivated our audiences worldwide with its mystery, adventure and exploration. We’re excited for this next chapter of shipwreck tales and to see even more breathtaking underwater filmmaking in a place of such rare and true natural beauty.”

Screen Australia COO Grainne Brunsdon said: “We’re excited to support the highly anticipated second season of Shipwreck Hunters Australia. This talented team of ocean adventurers continue to explore enchanting local histories, highlighting First Nations perspectives and captivating wreckage events. Set against Western Australia’s majestic coastline, the series will appeal to adventure enthusiasts worldwide.”

Screenwest CEO Rikki Lea Bestall said: “We’re excited to see Shipwreck Hunters Australia return to Western Australia for another instalment. This series shines a global spotlight on our unique coastal landscape as well as our incredible local creatives and crew – we can’t wait to tune into Disney+ and see what the Shipwreck team discover this time!”

This article was sourced from a media release sent by Disney+ / Image supplied by Disney+

Craig Silvey’s ‘RUNT’ Hits the Big Screen: A Tale of Friendship and Adventure”

Photo supplied by Studio Canal

“RUNT,” adapted from Craig Silvey’s bestselling novel, is a delightful Australian family film that blends heartfelt moments with humour. The story centres around eleven-year-old Annie Shearer and her best mate Runt, a stray dog she adopts.

This live-action feature is brought to life on screen by West Australian author Craig Silvey. It is directed by multi-award-winning Director John Sheedy (known for “H is for Happiness”) and produced by Jamie Hilton from See Pictures (“June Again,” “Breath”).

Runt features an ensemble of top-tier Australian talent, including Jai Courtney, Celeste Barber, Deborah Mailman, Matt Day, and Jack Thompson. Two fresh faces lead the cast: nine-year-old Lily LaTorre, who portrays the courageous Annie Shearer, and rescue dog Squid, who plays Runt (pictured).

On Thursday, Craig Silvey expressed his pride in the film, saying, “I am incredibly proud of this beautiful, uplifting film. Our exceptional cast and talented crew have captured the heart and humour of the book perfectly. I can’t wait for audiences of all ages across Australia to experience RUNT.”

Released in 2022, the novel “RUNT” garnered significant acclaim, winning multiple prestigious Australian literary awards. These include the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Book of the Year for Young Readers, Book of the Year for Younger Children at the Australian Book Industry Awards, and overall Book of the Year at the Australian Indie Book Awards. The book’s success underscores its wide appeal and its resonant themes with readers. Check out the trailer below to catch a glimpse:

Beloved Franchise Continues: ‘Paddington in Peru’ Trailer Debuts with Star-Studded Cast

The beloved bear is back! The first trailer for Paddington in Peru, the eagerly anticipated third installment in the cherished Paddington film series, has just been released. Fans of all ages can now get a glimpse of Paddington’s latest adventure as he returns to Peru to find his beloved Aunt Lucy, who has escaped from the Home for Retired Bears.

Directed by Dougal Wilson, Paddington in Peru features an all-star cast, including Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Antonio Banderas, Olivia Colman, Dame Julie Walters, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, Carla Tous, and Jim Broadbent. Ben Whishaw once again lends his voice to the lovable Paddington Bear, while Aunt Lucy continues to be voiced by the talented Imelda Staunton.

In this heartwarming new chapter, Paddington’s journey takes him back to his roots in Peru, embarking on a quest filled with adventure, discovery, and the enduring themes of family and friendship that have made the franchise a global sensation.

Alongside the trailer, the official poster for Paddington in Peru has also been unveiled, offering fans a first look at the delightful imagery and whimsical charm that await them in the film.