Feature film looks to Blacktown for cast
A NEW feature film called Hearts and Bones set in western Sydney will hold casting calls in Blacktown next month.
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A NEW feature film set in western Sydney will hold casting calls in Blacktown next month.
Hearts and Bones is a story of hope and friendship between a war photographer and a South Sudanese refugee.
Funded by Screen Australia, Create NSW, Curious Film and Spectrum Films, the film explores personal identity, family ties, friendship, masculinity and fatherhood and is set in western Sydney.
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The crew includes writer and director Ben Lawrence, co-writer Beatrix Christian and producer Matt Reeder, who worked with South Sudanese criminal lawyer, refugee and public speaker Deng Adut to develop the story and script.
“Throughout development it was vitally important for the voices of the characters to be as truthful as possible,” Reeder said.
“With the support of Screen Australia we were able to consult directly with members of the South Sudanese community, in particular Deng Adut, who offered invaluable first-hand insight which enabled us to ground our fictional story with the anchor of authenticity.
“It is incredibly exciting to have the opportunity to bring Ben Lawrence and Beatrix Christian’s beautiful screenplay to the cinema and we are all thrilled to have the support of Screen Australia, Curious Film, Spectrum Films and Create NSW in backing this timely story.”
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Create NSW’s Sophia Zachariou said finding “diverse stories that reflect cultural realism” was a key priority.
“As home to a significant refugee population, for a NSW and specifically western Sydney
set story, it’s important that audiences have access to such reflective stories,” she said.
Casting will be held in Blacktown on July 21, with South Sudanese filmmaker Ez Deng.
The team is searching for a male lead and supporting characters across the South Sudanese communities, with the opportunity open to people in Sydney and Melbourne.
Filming is due to begin in western Sydney and the inner west at the end of this year.
To apply, email apply@mcgregorcasting.com