News

Stan Grant.

As a proud Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi and Dharawal man, Stan Grant learned from the earliest age about the exploits of Pemulwuy, Australia’s first Indigenous resistance fighter who led a 12-year war against British Colonial oppression.

So the former broadcaster, author and writer of The Australian Dream was delighted when Phillip Noyce, who has wanted to tell Pemulwuy’s story for more than 50 years, asked him to serve as a co-executive producer on the biopic.

Catriona McKenzie is attached to direct the drama scripted by Jon Bell.

Andrew Dillon and Ian Sutherland will produce Pemulwuy for That’s-a-Wrap Productions with Noyce, Mathew Walker and James Robinson serving as executive producers alongside Grant.

A member of the Bidjigal clan, Pemulwuy led the opposition to British forces’ attempts to take over traditional hunting grounds from the early years of the colony until he was shot dead in 1802.

Bennelong, who helped establish a...

‘Butch’.

Screen Australia has announced almost $750,000 of story development funding for nine feature films, 11 television series and two online projects.

The slate includes an Imogen Banks-produced musical dramedy, composed by Kate Miller-Heidke; a television adaptation of Melanie Cheng book Australia Day; and a feature film from Helpmann Award-winning playwright S. Shakthidharan.

Screen Australia’s head of development Nerida Moore said, “We are looking for projects that are distinctive in the market, have a very specific audience in mind and reflect a range of Australian experiences. As such, it’s fantastic to be able to support the development of these 22 productions, which give an exciting glimpse into the diversity of stories, formats and genres we will hopefully see on our screens in the coming years.”

“I’m particularly pleased Screen Australia is able to support creators to expand their skill sets and take creative risks, including actors Lucy Durack and...

Watch the talented Awkwafina deliver a powerful performance in this summer’s tear-jerking story, The Farewell, arriving on Digital September 24 from A24, on Blu-ray (plus Digital) and DVD from Lionsgate and On Demand from A24 on November 12.

A heartfelt, moving film based on an actual lie comes home when The Farewell arrives on Digital October 29 from A24, and on Blu-ray (plus Digital) and DVD from Lionsgate and On Demand from A24 on November 12. Written and directed by Lulu Wang (Posthumous), based on her real-life experiences, the film is “extraordinary on every level”. Featuring an excellent ensemble cast, The Farewell stars Awkwafina, Tzi Ma, and Diana Lin. The special features include two featurettes, deleted scenes, and an audio commentary with writer-director Lulu Wang and cinematographer Anna Franquesa-Solano. The Farewell will be available on Blu-ray and DVD for the suggested retail price of $24.99 and $19.98, respectively.

After learning that her family’s beloved matriarch,...

A heartfelt, moving film based on an actual lie comes home when The Farewell arrives on Digital October 29 from A24, and on Blu-ray (plus Digital) and DVD from Lionsgate and On Demand from A24 on November 12. Written and directed by Lulu Wang (Posthumous), based on her real-life experiences, the film is "extraordinary on every level". Featuring an excellent ensemble cast, The Farewell stars Awkwafina, Tzi Ma, and Diana Lin. The special features include two featurettes, deleted scenes, and an audio commentary with writer-director Lulu Wang and cinematographer Anna Franquesa-Solano. The Farewell will be available on Blu-ray and DVD for the suggested retail price of $24.99 and $19.98, respectively.

After learning that her family's beloved matriarch, Nai Nai, has been given mere weeks to live, Chinese-born, U.S.-raised Billi returns to Changchun to &#64257nd that her family has decided to keep the news from Nai Nai. While the family gathers under the...

Sam Neill and Bryan Brown.

Bryan Brown will receive this year’s Longford Lyell Award, the highest honour bestowed by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (Aacta).

Director Ian Dunlop was the first recipient of the honour named after film pioneers Raymond Longford and Lottie Lyell at the 1968 AFI Awards.

The roll call of honorees includes Peter Weir, Geoffrey Rush, Fred Schepisi, Jan Chapman, David Stratton, Don McAlpine, Al Clark, Jacki Weaver, Andrew Knight, Cate Blanchett and, last year, Phillip Noyce.

“In the 38 years since Bryan received his first AFI Award we have seen him firmly established as one of Australia’s most respected actors. As one of our earliest performance winners it is fitting that we honour Bryan this year as AFI | Aacta celebrates its 60th anniversary,” said AFI | Aacta CEO Damian Trewhella.

“We are full of admiration for Bryan’s commitment to his craft, his role...

Nick Nolte and Luke Bracey are pairing for the action thriller Poacher.

Kriv Stenders (Red Dog, Australia Day) will helm the heist pic from a script by Thomas Martin (All That Way for Love). Arclight Films has launched international sales outside of North America at the American Film Market.

Inspired by true events, Poacher tells the cautionary tale of a young man (Bracey), motivated by vengeance, who goes to war with a fishing baron (Nolte) who rules the town, sending him on a journey which transforms him from a small-time abalone poacher into a criminal gang boss.

Ashley McLeod, Teresa Ticehurst and...

Sneak Peek more new footage from Marvel's "Inhumans" TV series, plus take a look @ Marvel Comics' "Inhumans: Once and Future Kings" #1 written by Christopher Priest and Ryan North, with illustrations by Phil Noto, Gustavo Duarte and covers by Nick Bradshaw, Duarte and Noto:

"...a king in training. A brother destined for madness. These are the early days of the 'Boltagon' legacy. When the king of the 'Inhumans' is attacked, 'Black Bolt' and 'Maximus' spring into action to save their leader!

"But when Black Bolt loses control, what are the consequences for his future kingdom - or his own family?

"Plus: A two-page backup starring 'Lockjaw', as told by North and Duarte..."

"Inhumans" stars Anson Mount ("Hell on Wheels") as 'Black Bolt', Serinda Swan ("Smallville") as 'Medusa', Iwan Rhoen ("Game of Thrones") as 'Maximus the Mad', Ken Leung ("Lost") as 'Karnak', Eme Ikwuakor ("Concussion") as 'Gorgon'...

,,,Isabelle Cornish ("Australia Day") as 'Crystal',...

Marvel Comics' "Inhumans: Once and Future Kings" #1, supporting the new "Inhumans" TV series, is written by Christopher Priest, Ryan North and illustrated by Phil Noto, Gustavo Duarte, with covers by Nick Bradshaw, Duarte and Noto, available August 9, 2017:

"...a king in training. A brother destined for madness. These are the early days of the 'Boltagon' legacy. When the king of the 'Inhumans' is attacked, 'Black Bolt' and 'Maximus' spring into action to save their leader!

"But when Black Bolt loses control, what are the consequences for his future kingdom - or his own family?

"Plus: A two-page backup starring 'Lockjaw', as told by North and Duarte..."

"Inhumans" stars Anson Mount ("Hell on Wheels") as 'Black Bolt', Serinda Swan ("Smallville") as 'Medusa', Iwan Rhoen ("Game of Thrones") as 'Maximus the Mad', Ken Leung ("Lost") as 'Karnak', Eme Ikwuakor ("Concussion") as 'Gorgon'...

,,,Isabelle Cornish ("Australia Day") as 'Crystal', Mike Moh...

Welsh actor Ioan Gruffudd (Horatio Hornblower, Forever, San Andreas) will head back Down Under to play the lead in Hoodlum Entertainment.s new crime drama, Harrow..

The 10-part ABC TV series, set to shoot in Queensland in August, will see Gruffudd star as titular character Dr. Harrow: a brilliant yet unorthodox forensic pathologist who solves cases while harbouring a dark secret..

Gruffudd has previously worked in Australia on international films Sanctum and San Andreas. .

The actor said: .I am so excited to be bringing the complex and brilliant Dr. Dan Harrow to life! Looking forward to coming back to Queensland to work on this ambitious and exciting series!.

Harrow has been co-created by writer Stephen M. Irwin (Australia Day, Wake in Fright, Secrets & Lies) and producer Leigh McGrath (Australia Day, Secrets & Lie, Strange Calls), who will produce with Hoodlum Entertainment.s Tracey Robertson and Nathan Mayfield. . .

Of Grufford.s casting,...

Australia Day..

Four Aussie films are in contention for CinefestOZ.s $100,000 Film Prize..

Jeffrey Walker.s Ali.s Wedding, Kriv Stenders. Australia Day, Greg McLean.s Jungle and Ben Elton.s Three Summers will compete for the cash prize at the August festival..

The year marks 10 years of CinefestOZ film festival and will be the fourth at which the $100,000 award is given out. Recent winners include Girl Asleep, Putuparri and the Rainmakers and Paper Planes.

CinefestOZ festival chair Helen Shervington said that given the high calibre of finalists, there was a difficult task ahead for the five-member jury — this year headed by Shine director Scott Hicks. .

.We are delighted with the variety and number of entries in this year.s film prize and the finalists are representative of the strength and quality of the Australian film industry today,. Shervington said.

It is rewarding to see the Australian film industry recognising...

Kate Dennis..

Kate Dennis, one of the large band of Australian directors who have been forging successful careers in the Us, is coming home to direct Harrow, Hoodlum Entertainment.s 10-part crime drama.

Hoodlum.s Los Angeles-based CEO Tracey Robertson will produce the series commissioned by the ABC and the international distributor, Disney.s ABC Studios International, with Hoodlum co-founder Nathan Mayfield and Leigh McGrath.

Co-created by writer Stephen M. Irwin (Australia Day, Wake in Fright, Secrets & Lies) and. McGrath (Australia Day, Secrets & Lies, Strange Calls), the drama centers on a brilliant forensic pathologist who solves cases while harbouring a dark secret. The lead is yet to be announced. Shooting is due to start in Brisbane on August 7, supported by Screen Queensland.

Dennis moved to L.A. in 2014 to direct Hoodlum.s Us remake of Secrets and Lies for the ABC network, followed by episodes of CSI: Cyber for CBS and AMC.s Turn.

Sneak Peek new footage from Marvel's live-action "Inhumans", based on the Marvel Comics' characters, premiering exclusively on IMAX movie screens September 1, 2017, before debuting as a TV series September 29:

"...after the 'Royal Family of Inhumans' is splintered by a military coup, they barely escape to Hawaii where their surprising interactions with the lush world and humanity around them may prove to not only save them, but Earth itself..."

"Inhumans" stars Anson Mount ("Hell on Wheels") as 'Black Bolt', Serinda Swan ("Smallville") as 'Medusa', Iwan Rhoen ("Game of Thrones") as 'Maximus the Mad', Ken Leung ("Lost") as 'Karnak', Eme Ikwuakor ("Concussion") as Gorgon, Isabelle Cornish ("Australia Day") as 'Crystal', Mike Moh ("Empire") as 'Triton' amd Sonya Balmores ("Beyond the Break") as 'Auran'.

Roel Reiné is currently directing the first two episodes of "The Inhumans", to be released on IMAX screens before extended versions air on ABC, shooting in Chicago,...

Hoodlum CEO and co-founder Tracey Robertson..

In a rare if not unique arrangement for an Australian-based production company, Hoodlum Entertainment has signed a worldwide first-look deal with Disney.s ABC Studios International.

.The global nature of the deal may well be the first for an Australian company although NBCUniversal and Sony both have footprints in Australia,. Hoodlum CEO Tracey Robertson told If, referring to NBCUniversal.s Matchbox Pictures and Sony.s Playmaker Media.

.The deal allows us to be a lot more flexible about a project and place it where we think it may fit and have a partner who is interested working with us to exploit it across international territories..

The two companies first collaborated on the Us version of the Australian ratings hit Secrets and Lies, which ran for two seasons on the ABC network.

That is followed by the co-production Harrow, which marks the first move into...

"Brown skin can do just as much damage as white," says one of the many angry young men in Australia Day, a crudely sketched drama about race relations making its debut at the Sydney Film Festival. The line’s delivered in the middle of a beating, and the victim isn't the only one being bludgeoned.

Ticking off everything from the dark side of Aussie bro-culture to sex trafficking to farmer suicide and the tensions between Indigenous Australians and the police, this tin-eared feature from director Kriv Stenders (Red Dog) and writer Stephen M. Irwin (Secrets & Lies) feels somehow both overstuffed...

The fragmented multicultural drama from the director of Red Dog and Boxing Day is all sparks and no fire

The Red Dog director Kriv Stenders’ new film is the sort of project you can imagine a public broadcaster happily investing in: a button-pushing multicultural drama set on Australia Day, following three groups of people from varying backgrounds. Revolving around the stories of troubled teenagers, Stenders substitutes booze, barbecues and the Hottest 100 for drug addiction, racially motivated violence and the trafficking of sex workers.

This grim subject matter could suggest a high-flown production in the style of an arthouse indie, but Australia Day is a much pacier affair, with a busy, thumping visual style suggestive of a director fearful of losing the audience’s interest – as if they might change the channel at any time. A little like television, in other words, which is where the film is heading. After Sydney...

'Top of the Lake: China Girl' will make its Australian debut at Miff.

The Melbourne International Film Festival (Miff) has unveiled the first 30 films on its line-up ahead of the full program launch in July..

Among the highlights at this year.s festival, to be held August 3-20, is actually a television series: the Australian premiere of Jane Campion.s series Top of the Lake: China Girl, fresh from Cannes..

All six episodes of the show, starring Elisabeth Moss and Nicole Kidman, will play in three concurrent two-hour sessions, before the show goes on to air on Foxtel.s BBC First.

Another Aussie highlight will be documentary The Silent Eye, from director Amiel Courtin-Wilson (Hail, Ruin), which follows free jazz pioneer Cecil Taylor and modern dance artist Min Tanaka..

Many of the Aussie films that are screening at Sydney Film Festival will also head south for Miff, including a double bill froom Kriv Stenders,...

Warwick Thornton.s doco.'We Don't Need A Map' will open the 2017 Sydney Film Festival..

Warwick Thornton.s We Don.t Need A Map will open this year.s Sydney Film Festival, with the event also marking the documentary.s world premiere..

The latest film from the Samson and Delilah director explores Australia.s relationship to the Southern Cross through colonial and indigenous history through to the present day..

We Don't Need A Map will compete in the festival.s Official Competition. Among the 12 films in the running for the $60,000 prize are Aussie theatre director Benedict Andrew.s debut feature Una, which stars Ben Mendelsohn, as well as Sofia Coppola.s Beguiled.and Michael Haneke.s Happy End, both of which will come to the festival from Cannes.

Overall the festival program boasts 288 films from 59 countries, including 37 world premieres. Bookending the fest will be Korean director Bong Joon-ho.s Cannes film.Okja,...

'Harrow' co-creator Stephen M. Irwin.

Brisbane.s Hoodlum Entertainment is teaming up with ABC Studios International to produce Harrow, a new crime drama for ABC TV..

The co-pro marks the first move into series production from ABC Studios International, which is owned by Disney. The shoot is scheduled for August around Brisbane and south-east Queensland.

Harrow.follows Dr. Daniel Harrow, a forensic pathologist described as: .Brilliant. Unorthodox. And a murderer?..

.Harrow.s total disregard for authority and his unfailing empathy for the dead help him solve even the most bizarre of cases. He is driven to give victims a voice, and will bend every rule to get to the truth of what happened to them.

.But when a terrible secret from his own past threatens his family, his career, and himself, Harrow needs all his wit, wile, and forensic genius not to solve a crime, but to keep it buried.

Sean Keenan.

Puberty Blues star Sean Keenan has nabbed the lead role in Ten's Wake in Fright two-parter, which begins shooting today..

Keenan will play John Grant, a young school teacher who descends into his own personal nightmare after being stranded in the small outback mining town of Bundanyabba.—.the role made famous by Gary Bond in Ted Kotcheff's 1971 original.

Keenan just worked with director Kriv Stenders, who's helming both episodes of the TV redo, on Foxtel telemovie Australia Day.

He's joined in the cast by David Wenham (Seachange, Lion), Caren Pistorius (Offspring), Gary Sweet (House Husbands), Alex Dimitriades (The Slap), Robyn Malcolm (Upper Middle Bogan), Lee Jones (The Bastard Executioner), Anna Samson (Winners & Losers), Hannah Frederiksen (Hunters) and Jada Alberts (Wentworth), with filming to take place in Broken Hill and Sydney.

Written by Stephen M. Irwin, the Wake In Fright mini is produced by Helen Bowden (The Slap,...

This past week Marvel has bombarded us with casting new for their ambitious Inhumans series. So far we've got Anson Mount (Hell on Wheels) playing Balck Bolt, Iwan Rheon (Game of Thrones) playing Maximus the Mad, Serinda Swan (Smallville) taking on the role of the queen, Medusa, and Ken Leung playing Karnak, Black Bolt’s cousin and closest advisor.

The studio has now announced the rest of the main cast of the series, which will include the roles of Gorgon, Crystal, Triton, and Auran. Below you'll find a breakdown of each of these characters and who is playing them:

Eme Ikwuakor (“Concussion,” “Extant”) as Gorgon – Cousin of Black Bolt (Anson Mount), member of the Royal family, and leader of Attilan’s military. With super strong legs, complete with hooves, he can generate destructive seismic waves with a single stomp. The yin to his cousin Karnak’s (Ken Leung) yang, Gorgon...

Eme Ikwuakor (Concussion, Extant), Isabelle Cornish (Australia Day, Puberty Blues), Mike Moh (Empire, Street Fighter: Assassin's Fist), Sonya Balmores (Beyond the Break, Soul Surfer ), and Ellen Woglom (Californication, Outlaw) have rounded out the cast of Marvel’s Inhumans, the new ABC series that will get an Imax debut. Marvel's Inhumans will explore the never-before-told epic adventure of the royal family, including Black Bolt (Anson Mount), the enigmatic, commanding…...

(l-r): Jason Isaacs, Zen McGrath and director Kriv Stenders on the set of 'Red Dog: True Blue'.

Kriv Stenders might just be the busiest director in Australia.

The helmer's first sequel, Red Dog: True Blue, comes out on Boxing Day, he's got Foxtel TV movie Australia Day in the can, and he's currently in the thick of making a documentary on The Go-Betweens.

After that Stenders begins production on Ten's two-part adaptation of Kenneth Cook's Wake in Fright, previously the basis for Ted Kotcheff's 1971 film of the same name: considered by many the greatest Australian film of all time.

For now, the director is focused on True Blue, and admits to nerves in the run-up to its release.

"Look, of course, I'm anxious," Stenders told If. "I know I've made a really good film, I'm really proud of this film. My job is to make...

(l-r): Jason Isaacs, Zen McGrath and director Kriv Stenders on the set of 'Red Dog: True Blue'.

Kriv Stenders might just be the busiest director in Australia.

The helmer's first sequel, Red Dog: True Blue, comes out on Boxing Day, he's got Foxtel TV movie Australia Day in the can, and he's currently in the thick of making a documentary on The Go-Betweens.

After that Stenders begins production on Ten's two-part adaptation of Kenneth Cook's Wake in Fright, previously the basis for Ted Kotcheff's 1971 film of the same name: considered by many the greatest Australian film of all time.

For now, the director is focused on True Blue, and admits to nerves in the run-up to its release.

"Look, of course, I'm anxious," Stenders told If. "I know I've made a really good film, I'm really proud of this film. My job is to make...

Penny Win.

As commissioning editor of Drama for Foxtel Networks, Penny Win developed hits like Wentworth, now Foxtel.s longest running drama. Elevated to Head of Drama in 2014, Win now oversees the entire slate, including this year.s much-hyped The Kettering Incident. If catches up with her to talk about the state of Aussie TV and what she.s got in development.

The general quality of Aussie TV drama seems a lot better than it was ten years ago. Why?

First off, television.s cyclical. Ten years ago drama was over and reality was king and people were weeping into their cups. And then comedy was dead a while ago and that came back. The truth of it is that television.s changed so much in the last ten years and even five years. Even the last twelve months. There.s a lot more scripted drama because there.s a...