About the Film

Around the Sun

Bernard, a film location scout, is shown a repossessed and crumbling French chateau. Over the course of the afternoon, he slowly falls for both the place and its owner’s flirtatious representative, Maggie, who recounts the story of an influential popular-science book written and set there.

But is their present-tense connection for real, or just a projection of the book’s 17th-century characters?

Where to see it - Cinemas

Cast:

CARA THEOBOLD - Maggie

GETHIN ANTHONY - Bernard

Where to View:

Film Details

Completed : March 2019

Theatrical Release : April 2019

Budget : $1M GBP

Running Time : 78m

Country of Origin : UK

Screener : Screener Link (Password required)

Genre: Romance / Drama / Science Fiction

Festivals, awards and other info - IMDb

Director’s Statement

It all started with a château: 400 years old and crumbling, set in an overgrown garden, its majesty still shining through the neglect. Its new owners, friends of mine, invited me to make a film there. That was an easy choice – I’d fallen in love with the place.

Diving into the chateau’s history I found out about a famous book that had been written there in 1686: Conversations on the Plurality of Worlds, by Bernard Le Bovier de Fontenelle. Using this a starting point, and blending it with ideas he’d had for stories we could set at the château, the seed of a story began to reveal itself to Jon Kiefer, which eventually coalesced into Around the Sun.

The script is all Jon’s work but its themes are deeply personal to me: the loss of identity as someone who spans two different cultures; hope and imagination as the kickstarter of broken dreams; and the all-powerful need to connect with someone at the deepest level, whilst sharing a mutual thirst for knowledge. As a kid, spending summer nights gazing up at the crystal-clear night sky in Greece, I was captivated by the limitlessness possibility of the universe. Making this film connected me back to that feeling.

The elements of the script that might give someone pause – a single location, only two characters, and reams of geeky dialogue – are just the things that drove me to make it.

I loved the idea of making an intimate film about really big ideas. And our film at its heart explores one of the simplest and biggest: the connection of two souls. As our lead character Maggie reminds us: there are infinite universes, and so infinite possibilities for connection, but by that definition, there are also infinite ways to miss out. In that sense, true connection is both a miracle and an inevitability.

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Reviews

“★★★★ This confident feature debut by British-Greek director Oliver Krimpas, elegantly written by Jonathan Kiefer, is unique, its own special, weird thing that leaves a long, pleasant, earthy aftertaste, like vintage calvados.”

Leslie Felperin - The Guardian | , Read full review

“Clever and genial”

Edward Porter, Sunday Times | Read full review

"★★★★  The sheer originality of this film makes it remarkable, but it is all the more extraordinary for being a debut feature.”

Mansel Stimpson, Film Review Daily | Read full review

“A lot of time and resources get channelled into big movies that feel intrinsically empty; here's a small film - 79 minutes, two actors, one location which contains multitudes.”

Mike McCahill, Cinésthesia | Read full review 

“★★★★, FILM OF THE WEEK: A truly unique and beautiful enigma of love, belonging, and science-fiction...Around the Sun is nothing short of magical."

Neil Baker, Cinerama | Read full review

“Around the Sun is a witty, humorous, thoughtful take about science, cosmology and romance. Its 85-minutes runtime seem to drift by effortlessly, and right after it ends you pine for more. Although movies that are generally dependant on conversations tend to drag after a bit, this one does an excellent job at keeping the story tight and interesting. The leads’ brilliant acting is also a plus. The movie makes you think and fall in love – with the people, the surrounding and the music that binds everything together.”

Leisurebyte | Read full review

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About the Film

When Melanie’s mother Dawn begins to fear her neighbour, she is forced to make tough choices to keep them both safe, all while navigating her life, love and her own mistakes.

Starring New Zealander Stefania LaVie Owen (Sweet Tooth); Lili Taylor (The Conjuring) and Peyton List (Cobra Kai), the film premiered at the Boston Film Festival, where it won awards for Best Film, Best Actress (Taylor), Best Screenplay and Best Ensemble Cast.

Cast:

STEFANIA LAVIE OWEN - Melanie

LILI TAYLOR - Dawn

PEYTON LIST - Lacy

IAN NELSON - Daniel

All Cast & Crew

Where to View:

Film Details

Completed : 2020

Theatrical Release : USA - September 2020, Canada - March 2021, NZ - April 2023

Budget : $3M USD

Running Time : 109m

Country of Origin : USA

Screener Link : Click here (password required)

Classification : PG, Mild themes, violence and coarse language

New Zealand Theatrical Classification : M - Drug use and offensive language.

Genre: Drama

Festivals/Awards - Gotham Awards (Nominated for Outstanding Lead Performance), Boston Film Festival (Won - Best Screenplay, Won - Best Ensemble Cast, Won - Best Film, Won - Best Actress).

Director’s Statement

'Paper Spiders' is a bittersweet story about coming of age in the shadow of mental illness. The film is a journey from comedy to tragedy — much like the life of its main characters, and the personal lives of my co-writer and wife Natalie, her mother, and myself, over the past decade.

In telling a story inspired by our experiences, we wish to shed light on the unexplored subject of delusional disorder, and the pain mental illness inflicts on individuals and family members. The tonal shift from comedy to tragedy reflects the manner in which quirky neurosis can develop into full-fledged psychosis, and a loving relationship can deteriorate into catastrophe and heartbreak.

We hope that the film will be able to contribute to personal and public conversations about supporting individuals with mental illness and overcoming the shame that is attached to discussing the topic.

The film features outstanding performances from Lili Taylor and Stefania Owen as well as our terrific supporting cast, including Peyton List, Ian Nelson, David Rasche, Max Casella, Michael Cyril Creighton and Tom Papa. It was a true labor of love for the cast and crew, the supportive community of Syracuse NY where the film was shot, and for our wonderful producers Anne Clements, and Ash Christian - who sadly just passed away at the age of 35. He was a real champion of indie cinema, and will be missed by everyone who collaborated with him on the making of this film.

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Reviews

"Taylor plays Dawn’s slide into this mental health crisis beautifully, and Owen is stunning... brings a rare honesty and authenticity to this film about mental illness."

LA Times | Read full review

"Excellent performances by Lili Taylor and Stefania LaVie Owen ground this compassionate drama"

Variety | Read full review

“Touching, impactful, meaningful and sincere... Taylor is terrific”

Times Herald | Read full review

“A message film spiked with welcome humor, its excellent cast is led by the reliably compelling Lili Taylor”

The Hollywood Reporter | Read full review

“In Inon Shampanier’s masterful “Paper Spiders”, the anguish of mental illness is in the details... The storytelling, acting and cinematography is sheer perfection.”

Film Critic.co | Read full review

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About the Film

An Australian Mockumentary following three hunters as they each try to catch the Jolly Man himself, Santa Claus.

Cast:

Chris Slater - Kristopher Hunt

Janelle Bailey - Dr. Evelyn Kaur

Andrew Lowe - Nicholas ‘Nick’ Saint

Tom Macpherson - Andy Wiseman

Full Cast & Crew

Film Details

Completed : March 2024

Budget : $50,000

Running Time : 97m

Country of Origin : Australia

Screener Link : CLICK HERE (password required)

Genre : Comedy

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About the Film

A gifted archer must rescue her husband and daughter after they are abducted during a vicious home invasion.

Cast:

Gillian Alexy - Kate Matthews

Luke Ford - Ash Matthews

Tom O’Sullivan - Ryker

Priscilla-Anne Jacob - Susan

Alex Fleri - Jim

All Cast & Crew

Where to View

Film Details

Completed : 2022

Theatrical Release : December, 2022 (Reading Cinemas)

Budget : $1.5m

Running Time : 88m

Country of Origin : Australia

Screener Link : Upon Request

Classification : M

Genre : Action Thriller

Festivals/Awards : Selected for the Montreal Independent Film Festival (2022) -- won "Best Thriller", Selected for CinefestOz (2022).

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Review

“A fast-paced thriller that has enough surprises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats."

Stephen Romei - The Australian

“Soto effectively ratchets up the tension from scene to gripping scene, and makes Kate such a strong, sympathetic figure – and the bad guys such reprehensible shit-heels – that audiences will likely let out a cheer when she gets out her bow and arrows and sets about using the villains for target practice. Smartly put together and entertaining, Avarice is a rock-solid homegrown thriller."

Film Ink | Read full review

“The moments that Soto and his pro team of contributors make work - solid character acting, pacy action moments and arrow-on-antagonist payback make Avarice another mid-budget milestone for the filmmaker”

Simon Foster - Screen Space | Read full review

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About the Film

Cherry is a coming-of-age story about a young woman who finds out she is 10 weeks pregnant and has 24 hours to decide if she should keep the baby. 

Cast:

Alexander Trewhitt - Cherry

Hannah Alline - Anna

Angela Nicholas - Carla

All Cast & Crew

Where to View

Film Details

Completed : 2022

Theatrical Release : USA - April 21, 2023. Australia/NZ - TBA

Budget : $1m USD

Running Time : 76m

Country of Origin : USA

Screener Link : Click here (password required)

Classification : M

Genre : Drama

Festivals/Awards : Tribeca Audience Award Winner

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Reviews

“Finding its way to the big screen less than one year following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and in the middle of Texas’ legal battle to outlaw a long-turned-to abortion pill, Cherry is an intimate and very real depiction of the people that these laws are affecting."

Collider.com | Read full review

“But what really makes Cherry an absorbing dramedy is the brilliant casting of Alex Trewhitt, who previously appeared in a few TV series including last year’s From Scratch on Netflix.."

CaseyMovieMania | Read full review

“A wonderfully life-affirming film with a superb performance by Trewhitt, Cherry packs a tremendous amount of story into a small package."

EyeForFilm | Read full review

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About the Film

A gay bachelor party turns spooky when sinister spirits are suddenly summoned.

Larry has been kidnapped by his three best friends for a bachelor weekend getaway at a haunted house. As they sashay through the dusty corridors, the comrades recount the house's legend from a hundred years ago: a murderous woman named Sylvia slaughtered her son and buried him beneath the house's floorboards. But then Larry remembers that he was supposed to spend the weekend bonding with Harrison, his mysterious future brother-in-law. Horrified at his oversight, Larry invites the army-uniformed, hetero Harrison to join his gaggle's gaycation, neglecting to run it by his friends. Later, as they hold a high-spirited séance to summon the sinister Sylvia, the group ends up welcoming more houseguests than they bargained for.

Cast:

Travis Coles - Larry

Frankie Grande - Nico

Troy Iwata - Reggie

Noah J. Ricketts - Kevin

Nicholas Logan - Harrison

All Cast & Crew

Where to View

Film Details

Completed : 2023

Theatrical Release : 2023

Budget : $1m

Running Time : 74m

Country of Origin : USA

Screener Link : Click here (password required)

Classification : M

Genre : Comedy / Horror / Thriller

Festivals/Awards : Selected for the Montreal Independent Film Festival (2022) -- won "Best Thriller", Selected for CinefestOz (2022).

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Reviews

“We just need more queer characters and films.

We agree, Frankie, and can't wait to catch Summoning Sylvia”

Fangoria | Read full review

Grande’s brother, Frankie who stars in Summoning Sylvia says “the decision to join the cast of the upcoming LGBTQ horror-comedy Summoning Sylvia was definitely an easy one for Frankie, who said he's wanted to star in a genre film since watching classic scary movies such as Pet Sematary and Child's Play with his mother when he was growing up."

E! News | Read full review

"Ultimately a celebration of queer friendship, the film explores the assumptions we make about each other, which can lead to some super silly scary spooky s---,"

People | Read full review

“Grande says the leads, directors, writers, and producers are all LGBTQ+ and they even filmed it during WorldPride in New York City, which made a special impact on him. "It felt like I was the proudest I've ever been, shooting that kind of film, with those cast members, everyone."

EW.com | Read full review

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About the Film

'A raucous black comedy about a gang of Grimsby Trawler-men who carry out the heist of a lifetime'.

Cast:

Colm Meaney - Mr Barr

Jonas Armstrong - Mr Graham

James Burrows - Curly Dean

All Cast & Crew

Where to View

Film Details

Completed : 2022

Theatrical Release : December, 2022 (Reading Cinemas) - Australia/NZ - TBA

Budget : $2M GBP

Running Time : 92m

Country of Origin : UK

Screener Link : Click here (password required)

Classification : M

Genre : Comedy

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Press

“Three Day Millionaire channels the energies of Trainspotting (1996) and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)."

CM Agency UK | Read full review

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About the Film

The last man on Earth undertakes a long, perilous journey in search of redemption while trying to stay one step ahead of a malevolent alien invasion.

Cast:

Dan Ewing - Darren

Ellie Popov - Bartender

John Reynolds - Policeman

Kylie Riddle - Misha

All cast and crew

Where to View

Film Details

Completed : 25 October 2022

Budget : $80,000

Running Time : 95m

Country of Origin : Australia (Queensland)

Screener Link : Click here (password required)

Genre : Science Fiction

Festivals/Awards : '1' has won the Best Sci-Fi Film category award at the 2023 Cannes Independent Film Festival in France.

Director’s Statement

In my teens I saw a movie on TV called ‘The Quiet Earth’. A New Zealand movie, it was billed as being about the last person on earth and I thought, what a great concept! The first half of the movie was brilliant; a man going gradually insane as he came to realise that he was alone. But then something happened about half way through - a woman showed up. And then a little later a guy showed up...

I reasoned, if there were at least three people in New Zealand, then by the law of averages there must be hundreds of people still about in other parts of the world. So much for a movie about the last person on earth. Despite my disappointment, the idea stuck with me and over time I saw plenty of other films that were in some ways thought of as being about the last person on earth, ‘The World, The Flesh and the Devil’ (1959), ‘The Last Woman on Earth’ (1960) and ‘I Am Legend’ (2007) all were wonderful films but all ended up not being about the last person on earth.

So that’s where the beginning of ‘1’ came from, my desire to see a movie that literally was about the very last person. And if nobody else was going to make it, then I would! There was also something else I wanted to do - or more accurately didn’t want to do. I didn’t want to have a montage of global icons in ruins: The Statue of Liberty titled to one side, the Eiffel Tower broken in half, Big Ben a smouldering wreck. ‘1’ is about one man’s journey and so we see only his part of the world.

Put simply, I wanted to get rid of the cliches and approach this genre from a fresh perspective. To give the audience something they have never yet experienced - what it’s like to be truly the last person left on earth...

Robert Braiden

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Press

“Excited for his upcoming project, which seems to be a very human look into the ideas of loss and loneliness AND promise some pretty terrifying aliens, Braiden said of the film, “1 is unique in that it truly shows the very last person on earth – literally no one else is left. Films such as The Quiet Earth, I Am Legend, and The World, The Flesh and The Devil all hint that they are last-person-on-earth films, yet all end up introducing other characters. 1 is different. From the action and dangerous excitement of high-speed racing to the quiet and solitude of the natural world, 1 will be a profoundly moving and powerful look at life, love, destiny and being able to let go of the material world in order to find new truths.”

Film Ink | Read full review

“Robert won the Best Director award at the 2012 Shorts in Paradise Film Festival on the Gold Coast. True Love won the Best Film award at the same festival. True Love was paired with the 2013 Academy Award winning short film 'Curfew' for broadcast on KQED Television in California.

Nine Miles Beautiful won several awards including the People's Choice Award at the Mudfest Film Festival and the Audience Favourite Award at the Brisbane International Film Festival, as well as the People's Choice Award at the Bondi Film Festival. In 2017 he directed his first feature film 1, a contemporary drama science fiction about the very last person on Earth.”

Girl.com.au | Read full review

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About the Film

In the outer suburbs of Melbourne seventeen-year-old Leo leads a seemingly typical life. Amidst hanging out with friends, bickering with his Italian family at the dinner table, going to school, and making out with his girlfriend Monique, Leo guards a secret he’s afraid to confront - a hidden truth buried deep within.

As Leo grapples with his inner turmoil, he finds himself unexpectedly drawn to his best friend Boof, and the quiet introverted boy at school named Tom. These newfound feelings force Leo to confront his true desires and come to terms with his identity.

However, everything changes after a high school gathering when rumours about Leo’s sexuality begin to circulate shattering his once stable world. Faced with the fear of rejection from those closest to him, Leo must navigate the uncertain waters of acceptance and love.

Cast:

Liam Mollica - Leo

Luke J Morgan - Boof

Olivia Fildes - Monique

Elias Anton - Derek

All Cast & Crew

Film Details

Completed : 15 June 2023

Theatrical Release : July 4th 2024

Budget : $1m

Running Time : 84m

Country of Origin : Australia

Screener Link : Click here (password required)

Genre : Drama

Classification: MA 15+

Festivals/Awards : CinfestOZ (2023), Adelaide Film Festival (2023), The Sydney Film Festival (2023), Melbourne International Film Festival (2023), Brisbane International Film Festival (2023)

Director’s Statement

SUNFLOWER is a semi-biographical take on the tender years of my youth. The youth that was stripped from me. The youth that I spent with my heart in my mouth. Growing up, I felt alone and isolated, as if I was the only teenage boy struggling with my thoughts and feelings. I spent countless nights crying myself to sleep, wishing that one day I’d wake up cured of my gayness. Society made me feel like I was a monster. I saw no future, only darkness at the end of what I assumed to be a very short tunnel. I made this film to work through my own trauma, and in doing so I hope to give queer teenagers hope— to show them that they are not alone, that they are perfectly fine just the way they are. I also made this film for queer adults— to give them a chance to reflect on their stunted adolescence, and allow them to heal from their trauma and pain. My experience does not stand alone. My experience is the experience of many. This one is for all the kids who learned to love themselves despite the shame. Had I seen a film like SUNFLOWER as a teenager, perhaps I wouldn’t have felt so isolated.

Gabriel Carrubba

Director

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Reviews

“Carrubba’s feature debut has been stunning audiences as it takes on the festival circuit, selling out sessions at MIFF and appearing in articles everywhere -  a hype train well and truly worthy of the film.”

Lily McMillan-Merahi - RMITV | Read full review

"Writer-director Gabriel Carrubba does an excellent job of balancing the sweet and sour moments of teen life. Moments of teenage cruelty are juxtaposed with scenes of beauty and joy. Martine Wolff’s cinematography adds a dream-like layer to much of the film, especially the romantic moments. It invitingly and warmly holds the audience’s hand as if to let us know that we are looking back at events that have been lived through already, and everything will turn out alright. "

Chad Armstrong - The Queer Review | Read full review

"If the coming-out-of-age story told here is familiar ... it’s leant a rewarding authenticity by Carrubba’s generosity, drawing deep from his not-too-distant school dramas to paint a beautiful portrait of a young man edging past adversity towards hope."

Stephen A Russell - Rotten Tomatoes | Read full review

"Ultimately, the film acts as a perfect touchstone for, and a masterful hallmark of, modern queer film. This gay love story brings endless heartfelt candour to the big screen, the blend of truly sincere characters and an endlessly human story meld together to create a stunning debut film for Gabriel Carrubba."

Nathan Phillis - Pulp | Read full review

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About the Film

A gifted young songwriter finds fame but loses herself along the way. With the help of her parents and friends, will she find her way back to what truly matters?

Cast:

Leigh-Allyn Baker - Kim Banks

Victoria Jackson - Principal

Karen Abercrombie - Character

Kevin Sizemore - Character

Kate Larson - Character

All cast and crew

Film Details

Completed : July, 2023

Theatrical Release : Sept, 2023

Running Time : 93m

Country of Origin : USA

Genre : Drama

Festivals/Awards : International Christian Film Festival (Best Actor), Canadian International Faith and Family Film Festival (Best Family Film), Toronto International Women Film Festival (Best Female Director), Halo Film Festival (Best Feature Film, Best Original Sound Track, Best Young Actress, Best Original Score - Honourable Mention), Paris Film Awards (Best Actress, Best Original Song, Feature Film (Silver Award)

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Reviews

“Into the Spotlight follows a teenage girl from a musical family that becomes an overnight sensation. However, the new spotlight comes at a cost, and she must decide what she wants from her future. This is a musical high school drama that gets to show the modern troubles high school brings. All while showing how quickly someone can become the next big thing. It highlights how social media views can decide who a star is. There are some catchy songs and the overall good feeling and message being told throughout the movie keeps us enjoying it. The lead Kate Larson also wrote the screenplay and is going to be a name to watch out for in the future."

Darren Lucas - Movie Reviews 101 | Read full review

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About the Film

Filmed in Gianni Versace's mansion in Miami where every object is a separate work of art, the documentary attempts to bring the genius of the Italian fashion giant to life. Through archival material and the confessions of friends and former colleagues, a portrait of a Renaissance designer emerges, a man who never stopped being inspired by his time to create a strictly personal universe of high aesthetics. The director drags us into his vortex and referring to his work underlines that Versace was not only one of the greatest and most influential contemporary designers, but walking on the sharp intersection between classic and modern, he redefined the way we perceive fashion and clothing.

Cast

As themselves:

Elton John

Cindy Crawford

Naomi Campbell

Jon Bon Jovi

Full Cast & Crew

Film Details

Completed : 2022

Theatrical Release : USA - January 10, 2023

Running Time : 92m

Country of Origin : USA

Screener Link : Click here

Genre : Documentary

Festivals/Awards : Ft Lauderdale International Film Festival (Spirit of the Independent Award)

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Reviews

“A vivid portrait of a Renaissance designer emerges, a man who never stopped being inspired by his time to create a strictly personal universe of high aesthetics. The film allows the viewer to enter a cultural vortex. The documentary illustrates and explains that Versace was not only one of the greatest and most influential contemporary designers, but also, while walking the sharp intersection between classic and modern, redefined the way we perceive fashion, film and clothing.”

James Cubby - MiamiArtZine | Read full review

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About the Film

The world has loved movies for centuries, but it is the collective experience of watching a film on the big screen that transcends audiences and creates long lasting memories. Cinemas, in particular The Piccadilly Cinema first established in 1940 North Adelaide, South Australia, have touched the hearts of many movie goers. With more and more video on demand services becoming available, many cinemas have found a decrease in attendance. Restoring "the grand old lady" The Piccadilly Cinema, has been essential to make it accessible to everyone and ensure audiences do come back. The owners of the cinema, the Wallis Family, Premier Building Solutions, the trades, theatre patrons, staff, film makers and performers, take us on a journey of love, dedication and passion to "Restoring her former glory" to bring back the ultimate experience of watching films on the big screen.

Cast (all as themselves) :

Tilda Cobham-Hervey

Sophie Hyde

Scott Hicks

Deanna Wallis

All Cast & Crew

Film Details

Completed : April 2023

Budget : $100,000

Running Time : 45m

Country of Origin : Australia

Screener Link : Click Here (Password Required)

Genre : Documentary

Festivals & Awards: Accepted into the New Media Film Festival 2024

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About the Film

After a charismatic college dropout lies his way into a job at an insurance juggernaut, he recruits his two best friends for a plot to steal thousands. In the process, they uncover a much darker scheme that tests the limits of their greed.

Cast:

Laquan Copeland - Ricky Pryce

Preet Kaur - Sunita Gia Arora

Federico Parra - Victor Rojas

All Cast and Crew

Film Details

Completed : 2023

Budget :

Running Time : 90m

Country of Origin : USA

Screener Link : Click here (password required)

Genre : Crime, Comedy, Thriller, Drama

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About the Film

Obsessed with living up to her dead father's legacy a young sheriff finds her mettle tested when locals are found ripped to shreds. ‘The Red’ is in post production phase.

Cast:

Micheal Biehn

Tess Haubrich

Aaron Pederson

Angie Milliken

All Cast & Crew

Film Details

Completed : January 2024

Budget : $7.5m AUD

Running Time : 83m

Country of Origin : Australia

Screener Link: Click Here (password required)

Genre: Drama/Thriller

Directors Statement

‘The Red’ is a story about understanding one's true worth. It explores the conflict between obligation and freedom of choice, the grief of losing a loved one and the lies we tell ourselves, and each other, to protect the memories of those that have passed. It is also about a 7ft tall undead kangaroo, and the start of the apocalypse. ‘The Red’ is a horror comedy film influenced by classic creature features such as ‘The Thing’, ‘An American Werewolf in London’, ‘Jaws’ and ‘Razorback’. This story builds on my short film ‘Waterborne’ and my own experiences growing up in a small rural town, where my father was the local cop. The feature film allows us to see much more of Rippy; the iconic undead kangaroo that made the short a viral success. Even bigger and deadlier than before, we will be using the success of Rippy to bring even more thrills and kills to what ultimately is a fun piece that also deals with some dramatically weighty themes. The film delivers moments of suspense and enough blood and guts to keep the promise of what the short film established. Set in outback Queensland, the sonic landscape will exploit the isolated locations and feature some of the naturally horrific bush and animal sounds that exist in the remote outback. Ultimately, the audience will be drawn into this allegorical world of outback Australia and experience alongside Maddy, the thrills and scares that only a remote setting at night can deliver. Thanks to the authentic small town characters that inhabit this world, ‘The Red’ will deliver genuine horror, punctuated by real moments of pathos, and levity.

- Ryan Coonan

Articles

“Filming is officially underway on the survival horror film The Red, a feature expansion of director Ryan Coonan’s 2014 short film Waterborne.”

Jo Blo | Read more

“Ryan Coonan directs from a script he wrote with Richard Barcaricchio based on their short film Waterborne. Produced in 2014, Waterborne played at more than 70 festivals including Fantasia, Fantastic Fest and Sitges.”

Deadline | Read more

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About the Film

A ruthless band of outlaws comes upon a woman held captive by a group of renegades. Upon freeing her, she tells a story of ancient Aztec treasure. Blinded by greed, the cadre agrees to give her freedom but only if she leads them to the ancient treasure.

Traveling deep into unknown lands, the outlaws are about to find out that you can’t outdraw the Devil.

Characters :

Catherine - She is as beautiful as she is mysterious. She was on an expedition with her father when he discovered the fabled treasure of the ancient Aztecs. The outlaws get the feeling that there is something not quite right about Catherine, they are not sure they can trust her but the greed for the gold is stronger than their apprehensions.

Jim – The war made him a leader – rational and calm, it also made him a cold-blooded killer with little remorse for his victims. That is, until his youngest brother arrives to save Jim from the hangman’s noose. Now, he must do everything in his power to save his brother from the outside threats as well as those from within.

Chet – Wars have the winners and losers and despite surviving the war, Chet did not come out unscathed. He has what would be diagnosed today as PTSD. Whether it was under the confederate division he fought or when he rode with Quantrill’s Raiders or in the band of brothers and cousins he rides with now, he has always been the toughest and most violent of the lot; the perfect amoral killer. His idea of shooting Catherine rather than bringing her along is emblematic of his sociopathic tendencies. Chet is a man to steer clear from.

Conny – The youngest and only other living brother of Jim, he is a cherub faced innocent who was too young to fight in the war and has had a pious upbringing. It helps govern his behavior around Catherine. His morality compared t

o the others is noticeable. His sole purpose was to save Jim and bring him back to their ailing mother that is until they find Catherine, he now stands to protect her against the outlaws, he also cannot deny a growing fondness for the girl.

Val – Younger brother to Chet. Devilishly handsome and knows it, he is always on the look out for a pretty woman. Chet comments that Val has more notches on his gun belt for women than for kills he’s made. But there is a dark side to Val, he can be unruly and downright vicious if he doesn’t get what he wants.

Lemuel – Chet and Jim put up with Lemuel because he’s family - second cousin - and lifelong compadre to Val. His real name is Francis but as boys growing up they all started to refer to him as Pecker and the name stuck.

Cliff – Is the oldest of the team, he is an uncle to the outlaws and has been the bedrock and stalwart companion to the group during the war and into their outlawing days, he was Jim’s confident and right hand man. Losing Cliff causes Jim to lose some of his balance in decision making and leadership.

Film Details

Completed : This film is currently in production. More information will be shared about this production as it comes to light.

Country of Origin : Australian

Filmed : Queensland

Genre : Supernatural, Thriller

Production and Writing Team

Dan Mintz is an award-winning American Filmmaker, Entrepreneur, and founder of a global entertainment company, DMG Entertainment. He has developed mega-blockbuster films, television shows, comic publishing, e-sports, virtual reality and live attractions. As a Producer, Dan has made films such as Iron Man 3, Looper, Point Break, and Bloodshot. He has worked on films with talents including Robert Downey Jr., Johnny Depp, Vin Diesel, Bruce Wills, Emily Blunt, Morgan Freeman, Guy Pierce, Sir Ben Kingsley, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Rebecca Hall, Kate Mara, Gwyneth Paltrow, Edgar Ramirez, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and James Cameron and with such major motion picture studios as Marvel, Disney, Warner Bros, Paramount, and SONY/Columbia. His international visionary early roots gave him immense insight and value as he took his company public to a value of seven billion dollars. 

Dan is also the founder of Valiant Entertainment, a subsidiary of DMG Entertainment. Valiant Entertainment is a leading character-based entertainment company that owns and controls the third most extensive library of superheroes behind Marvel and DC. With more than 90 million issues sold and a library of over 2,000 characters, including X-O Manowar, Bloodshot, Harbinger, Shadowman, Archer & Armstrong, and many more, Valiant is one of the most successful publishers in the history of the comic book medium.

Jessica Butland is the owner and founder of Radioactive Pictures, a motion picture production and distribution company at the forefront of independent Australian and New Zealand cinema. Jessica is a producer of feature film, handling development, financing and production through to worldwide sales through her partners.

Radioactive, the distribution side of the business can handle theatrical, physical and digital distribution of films. Radioactive’s latest film in theatres, Ruby’s Choice, starred Jane Seymour and  released Australia wide. In addition to producing films through her company, Jessica is a highly experienced production manager working with other producers to bring their stories to screen.

Mike Burkenbine began his entertainment career at Nielsen Marketing Research where he developed and implemented the first inter-studio, feature film, analytic and tracking system, VideoScan ™. Utilizing his ground-breaking system Mike also devised analytical techniques used to forecast feature film revenue, optimize distribution, improve acquisition selection, as well as create winning marketing tactics and strategies. Mike directly impacted the revenue at The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros., Sony Pictures Entertainment, and NBC/Universal studios for more than 15 years. Also, during this time Mike completed his MBA in Entertainment at the University of Southern California. Currently, is a screenwriter, producer, and consultant to independent filmmakers.

Jeff Ritchie is leading the Writing Team and currently works for DMG Entertainment as the SVP of creative development. He works closely with DMG President and CEO Dan Mintz on building out the film and television universe for Valiant Comics, the third largest connected superhero universe behind Marvel and DC. Jeff began his career in the early 90s as a crew member on independent feature films but quickly rose to producer, producing several features throughout the years. In addition to his creative work at DMG, he has also penned several scripts three of which were produced, with one winning the prestigious best film award at the Venice Film Festival. He has also had several of his scripts optioned: one with Sony Pictures and another with Lionsgate Entertainment. 

About the Film

Blaming himself for the death of his eldest son, a guilt ridden father must build a new relationship with the younger son he abandoned in order to save them both.

Actors

Martin Sacks - Sweet River, Ride Like A Girl, The Second, Don’t Tell, Truth, Wentworth, A Place to Call Home, Rake, Underbelly, Blue Heelers

Susie Porter - Ladies In Black, The Second, Cargo, Don’t Tell, Little Fish, Two Hands, Wentworth, Seven Types of Ambiguity, Puberty Blues

Daniela Farinacci - Lion, Glitch, Lantana, Little Fish, Carla Cametti PD, The Secret Life of Us, Blue Heelers

Ursula Yovich - Top End Wedding, Mystery Road, Wakefield, Goldstone, Jindabyne, Redfern Now, The Gods of Wheat Street Nathaniel Dean- The Nightingale, Alien:Covenant, Wentworth, Secret City, Candy, Somersault, All Saints

We have yet to cast the role of Liam which offers a brilliant opportunity for us to discover a new Australian teen male actor with the depth to play this enormous part who’s not had a chance to shine yet – perhaps we’ll find the next Heath Ledger. That is our hope” Tori Garrett.

Film Details

Completed : This film is currently in production. More information will be shared about this production as it comes to light.

Theatrical Release : Worldwide

Country of Origin : Australia

Producer’s Statement

Producer, Leanne Tonkes says AN ORDINARY DAY is an emotionally searing and heart-warming story about the mutual redemption of a father and son. It is a tender uplifting character driven drama that explores the essence of fatherhood and male vulnerability with the emotional punch and naturalistic style of such films as Nomadland, Manchester by the Sea, and The Rider.

With a combination of realism and elegant poetic lyricism, our film examines how human connection, driven by kindness, is a fundamental need that can drive us to overcome the most profound guilt, fear and mutual self-loathing. It explores the idea that on any ordinary day, a single event can change the course of one’s life forever but through forgiveness and the struggle to overcome, it is possible to come back from the unthinkable.

Masculine norms built on decades of cinema, television and societal expectations have conditioned men that the virtues of masculinity include stoicism, risk-taking, and intelligence-driven decision-making. That focus comes at a cost: studies have shown that male vulnerability is an asset in terms of developing strong leadership, building healthy relationships, promoting positive mental health behaviours, and reinforcing positive fatherly relationships.

About the Film

When a plane from Brisbane to LA is taken over by zombies, an eclectic group of high-profile passengers led by undercover agent Vanilla Ice must fight to save humanity.

90s rapper, turned secret agent, Vanilla Ice has less than 2 hours to take control of the unmanned plane overtaken by Zombies, before it is shot down by the US Air Force. With Zombies munching on unsuspected travellers, and the cockpit locked and overrun by an unknown entity, he gathers a band of unlikely survivors for a Zombie killing mission. Only with his trusted tools will they be able to break open the cockpit door and take control of the plane. On their way, they face harrowing encounters with never-before-seen Zombies, who’s DNA has been infused with different animals - including super fast cheetah like Zombies, strong bear like Zombies, mind controlling ant-like Zombies and even a Zombie Chihuahua!

Meanwhile, in Premium Economy, two well known Australian female celebrities have arrived on the plane after eating gummies in the lounge. They are oblivious to the entire zombie attack going on around them and end up having a fever dream about Australia’s most iconic multi-coloured children’s band. Afraid of the outbreak unfolding, Australia’s sweetheart, John Jarrat hides in the economy class toilet hoping to survive the massacre.

Over 200 people jetting their way to LA have no idea that, on the ground, two Generals are arguing as to whether Vanilla Ice is capable of saving the day. If not, Commander Chuck Norris loses out and the plane will be blown out of the sky.

Zombie Plane is a high-octane undead action-mashup of laughs and screams in equal measure.

Cast:

VANILLA ICE - Vanilla Ice

SOPHIE MONK - Sophie Monk

CHUCK NORRIS - Commander Chuck Norris

TERESSA LIANE - Tonya

DAN EWING - Davies

ANN TROUNG - Dr. Fan

CHRISTINE MILO - Ying

ELLIE GONSALVES Tiffany

JOHN JARRATT - John Jarratt

JOEY VIEIRA - Samson

JOHNNY HUANG - Captain Chen

MATT O’KINE - Waiter

All Cast & Crew

Film Details

Year of Production : 2023

Release Date : end 2023/2024 (negotiable)

Budget : $6.2

Running Time : approximately 85m

Country of Origin : Australia

BTS Video : Teaser (password required)

Classification : TBA

Genre: Action, Comedy

Director’s Statement

‘Zombie Plane’ is one hell of a flight! With its striking colour pallet and clean, polished aesthetic it won’t look like any Zombie film you’ve ever seen before! We’ll craft a perfect mix of comedy and horror - a true homage to the zombie genre, with edge of seat scares, action and non-stop laughs that will take our audience on a cinematic rollercoaster from the moment we take off.

As filmmakers, it is our duty to let the world know the truth - in 1989, Vanilla Ice’s family was killed by Zombies! Ever since, Ice has been fighting to keep us all safe. Vanilla Ice is a pop culture icon and as life-long fans, we’re pumped to manifest his massive nostalgic appeal and persona into a contemporary "cool as ice” action Hero.

Just like the plot - he can’t do it alone - so with a talented and diverse support cast, we’ll craft a modern day “buddy film” that showcases our characters journey, whist trying to stay alive and save the day, amidst the blood splattering carnage. Tonally, let’s play to the amazing tongue-in-cheek setup of Vanilla Ice playing himself - as an undercover CIA Zombie killing agent, all the while keeping our film’s reality grounded and believable. We want to be invested in our hero’s journey and their survival.

The stakes and peril need to feel real. The script plays to our Directorial strengths of comedic performance, visual spectacle and premium VFX. Combining comedy and heart of “Shaun of the Dead” with the suspense and horror of "World War Z” and the look and feel of “The Barbie Movie”, we’ll craft memorable, iconic scenes, that will become part of Zombie genre folklore.

By Lav and Mike

Directors

About the Directors

Lav Bodnaruk and Mike Mier are an award winning co-directing duo renowned for crafting dynamic performance based storytelling, rich in comedy and heart. The multi-skilled Directors are known for their unique approach to filmmaking, with Lav helming the role of cinematographer and the duo also deft in supervising and creating complex, high-end Visual Effects.

Their love for the technical craft of film making and desire to continually innovate the boundaries of technology led Lav and Mike to establish their own boutique post production house in 2011 - “The Chop Shop”, with which they have worked with and delivered high end feature film and TV series to Disney, Paramount +, Universal, Amazon Prime, Discovery ect.

About the Writer

William Strong is the pen name of Bill Hargenrader, an award winning, USA Today Best-Selling author, screenwriter and producer. He writes stories that thrill and inspire (often with a dark or humorous twist), and has written and produced several award-winning indie films, in the horror, comedy, and action genres. He is also a US Army Veteran and a former Fortune 500 cybersecurity professional that leverages his life experiences throughout.

Press

"Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway in Bonnie And Clyde…Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in Titanic…Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga in A Star Is Born…Redford and Newman in Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid…Clint Eastwood and Clyde in Every Which Way But Loose…Hanks and Wilson in Cast Away…Sophie Monk and Vanilla Ice in Zombie Plane.."

FILMINK | Read full article

"When passengers on a jet flying from Sydney to Los Angeles become infected with new strains of zombie viruses, Vanilla Ice and Sophie Monk are forced to team up to contain the contagion before the US Air Force shoots it out of the sky."

VARIETY | Read full article

" Vanilla Ice and Australian TV personality, Sophie Monk star in the homegrown film, teaming up to contain a contagion that breaks out on their flight from Brisbane to LA.  The question is, will they succeed before the US Air Force shoots their plane out of the sky?

The infectious Zombie Plane is sure to thrill fans of the ever-popular zombie genre and is set for release in 2024. "

SCREEN QLD | Read full article

" Currently shooting at  Screen Queensland Studios in Brisbane, ZOMBIE PLANE stars Aussie reality tv royalty Sophie Monk along with popular nineties rapper come COOL AS ICE star Vanilla Ice."

MONSTER FEST | Read full article

Poster

Gallery

About the Film

ROCADA is an Australian and American co-production. It is a 116-minute, edge-of-your-seat action thriller feature film set amongst a tropical locale of gangster aggression. Featuring stunning aesthetics and a thrilling visual style reminiscent of Mel Gibson’s Apocalypto, the film offers audiences a high-intensity adrenaline rush of vengeance and betrayal. With a story and style targeting broad-spectrum international appeal across Western and Asian markets, the film embraces themes of trust, loyalty, greed, and cruelty in a fast-paced, guns and gasoline-fuelled world of island mayhem.

The film is an original concept, planned as an Australian official co- production between Australian and international producers. The producers will seek to utilise an attractive resource of cast, stunt actors, crew, and locations from across the world, including the US for production.

Off Australia’s Pacific coast on Quasi Island, Alba waits in limbo, held captive by an unhinged crime boss. Two young villagers, Kona and Ratu, escape a wedding massacre down on the docks as a transport ship makes its way to shore. Alba and the villagers embark on separate paths of vengeance as their situations grow dire, but, in a fight for survival , end up joining forces and the trust in each other is put to the test. As the devastating trauma of her past catches up, Alba rises to the challenge, drawing on new courage to fight for her freedom.

Film Details

Completed : This film is currently in production. More information will be shared about this production as it comes to light.

Theatrical Release : US, UK. Australia, China, Russia, Africa, India, South East Asia and the Middle East in English and other foreign languages.

Running Time : 116m

Country of Origin : Australia

Classification : M (TBC)

Genre : Action

Demographic : All gender, 15+ action fans that are drawn towards a story based on action and action- thriller movies, fast-paced, with high quality stunts and visuals.