Exclusive News from the Melbourne International Film Festival
The 37º south market of the Melbourne International Film Festival, which ended on August 10, has announced its winners. A psychological horror project, Haiking (working title), took the top spot. This project was written by Western Australian brothers Nick and Nathan Lacey and will be produced by Salt Water House in collaboration with Brendan Donoghue.
About Haiking
Haiking is based on Nick Lacey’s experiences and delves into the history of a young Irish photographer. The story unfolds as the photographer becomes entangled in family secrets and primal shark-fishing rituals after accompanying a new friend to Australia. Screenwest has provided development financing for this character-based film, which explores themes of toxic masculinity and the compulsion to dominate the wilderness.
Awards and Recognition
The film’s manager, Helena Mackenzie, presented the award, which includes a $3,000 cash prize and a place in the London Production Financing Market (PFM) in October. This is a significant opportunity for the producers to secure further funding and support for their project.
Other Winners
In addition to Haiking, other producers also won places at PFM and cash prizes. Brian Rosen of Six Year Olds and Lizette Atkins from Unicorn Films were among the winners. Rosen’s project, Spinner, is a New Zealand-Australia co-production based on a novel by Anthony McCarten. The story revolves around a teenager who claims to have been impregnated by an alien, and a librarian’s quest to uncover the truth. John Sheedy will direct the film, and Eliza Scanlen will play the lead role.
More Projects in the Pipeline
Lizette Atkins will participate in the PFM with two projects: Modern Lovers and Remember Me. Modern Lovers is an erotic, psychological thriller about a farmer’s boy who falls in love with a middle-class mother of two. The script was written by Vivienne Walshe, based on a story by Atkins and Ben Hackworth. Remember Me is a drama about a British star who unexpectedly reunites with her teenage lover, reopening old wounds and prompting her to search for the daughter she gave up. James Melchior and Susan Yardley wrote the script.
Online Financing Laboratory
Helena Mackenzie also invited filmmakers Tim Dean and Jaimee Peasley to participate in the online financing laboratory from PFM in September. They have set up a horror project, #doomsCroller, written by Richard Hyde and directed by Dean. This project is an exciting addition to the lineup, and the online financing laboratory will provide valuable support and resources to help it move forward.
