Stars come out for premiere of Aussie film How To Make Gravy

Almost 30 years in the making, the cast of How to Make Gravy walked the red carpet to herald the movie based on Australia’s unofficial Christmas anthem.

The highly anticipated film adaptation of Paul Kelly’s beloved Christmas song How To Make Gravy premiered in Sydney on Thursday night.

Almost 30 years in the making, the cast walked the red carpet to herald the movie based on Australia’s unofficial Christmas anthem.

Hugo Weaving was first on the red carpet.

Fayssai Bazzi. Pictures: Getty Images

Nick Waterman (l to r), Paul Kelly and Megan Washington on Thursday night. Picture: Getty Images

For 11-year-old Jonah Wren Phillips, working on the film was an unforgettable experience, but it was the time spent with Paul Kelly that truly made it special.

“He visited one day on set and it was really great, we even had a kick of the footy,” Wren Phillips told Confidential.

At the heart of the film is Daniel Henshall, 42, who stars as Joe, a man trying to keep his head down in prison while grappling life as father to Angus, played by Wren Phillips.

Singer-songwriter Paul Kelly attends the premiere. Picture: Getty Images

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 21: Megan Washington and Nick Waterman attend the Sydney premiere of "How To Make Gravy" at Palace Cinemas Moore Park on November 21, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Saverio Marfia/Getty Images)

Henshall said the movie would hit close to home for many Australians.

“It (the film) resonates with so much of how people grew up, and the feelings they have around their childhood, and what it is to be part of the culture here, and to be a part of that is something very special,” Henshall told Confidential.

“This is very much an adaptation of the song.”

Damon Herriman. Picture: Getty Images

Megan Washington. Picture: Getty Images

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 21: Kate Mulvany and Damon Herriman attend the Sydney premiere of "How To Make Gravy" at Palace Cinemas Moore Park on November 21, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Saverio Marfia/Getty Images)

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 21: Julian Maroun and Elise Maroun attends the Sydney premiere of "How To Make Gravy" at Palace Cinemas Moore Park on November 21, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Saverio Marfia/Getty Images)

Although Kelly’s Christmas tune was released in 1996, the film is not anchored to any set time.

“It’s going to speak to people’s experience of growing up in the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s … there are things that call back upon those areas, such as the production design or the low tech or the costume, but there are hints at modern life, like mobile phones.

“I think they’ve done that on purpose, and that’s not an easy thing to pull off,” Henshall said.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 21: Hamish Michael attends the Sydney premiere of "How To Make Gravy" at Palace Cinemas Moore Park on November 21, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Saverio Marfia/Getty Images)

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 21: Brenton Thwaites attends the Sydney premiere of "How To Make Gravy" at Palace Cinemas Moore Park on November 21, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Saverio Marfia/Getty Images)

The BINGE original film, which also stars Kate Mulvany, Agathe Roussell, Brenton Thwaites, and Damon Herriman, will be available for streaming on December 1.

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