The Australian Film Commission (AFC) today announced a joint development arrangement on a new feature film by Bill Bennett, the first investment by the AFC under its new co-investment and multi-draft funding program (Strand C).
The AFC's investment of $50,000 will be matched by a similar commitment from a private investor, Stewart MacLennan, working with Bennett on the project.
The film, BENNELONG, will be written by Nick Enright, produced by Bill Bennett, Jennifer Bennett and Stewart MacLennan, and directed by Bill Bennett.
The AFC's Director of Film Development and Marketing Chris Warner, in announcing the investment, said: "This is a significant investment for the AFC. We strongly support the project and are very pleased to be assisting such an experienced and talented team."
BENNELONG is an epic tale set in the first years after the arrival of Europeans in Australia. At its heart is the unique relationship between Governor Phillip and Bennelong, an Indigenous Australian captured by Phillip in an attempt to "civilize a black" so he could become an ambassador between the two cultures, and the unusual relationship that developed between the two men. This culminates in Bennelong's decision to accompany Phillip on his return to Britain, where their relationship is dramatically redefined, finally ending with Bennelong's return to his own land.
Bill Bennett has directed a number of feature films including the highly successful Kiss Or Kill. He is presently shooting an American film in New Orleans called Tempted. Bennett said "BENNELONG is an important film for this country, and one which I think will have relevance internationally. It is a complex and epic story, and requires Nick Enright's skill and sensibility to bring this to the world. This investment by the AFC and Stewart MacLennan indicates that they appreciate some stories take time and money to bring to fruition. Jennifer and I are grateful for their support."
Nick Enright is one of Australia's most successful stage, film and television writers. His credits include the television mini series Come In Spinner, the feature film Lorenzo's Oil (co-written with George Miller) for which he received an Academy Award nomination, and the stage adaptation of Cloudstreet (in collaboration with Justin Monjo). |
