Steve Martin joins Central Australia film project ahead of Screen Territory summit

An iconic US actor and comedian is set to work on a feature film highlighting the ‘ancient and current’ story of First Nations artwork.

Minister for Industry Nicole Manison grants $450,000 to Honey Ant Dreamers co-writer and co-producer Anyupa Butcher. Pictured also is her daughter, producer Maggie Miles and Screen Territory’s Jennie Hughes.

A highlighly accoladed actor and comedian is set to help bring the Territory to the big screen.

Steve Martin brings a history of film experience to the set of feature film Honey Ant Dreamers.

Martin is a co-executive producer for the film, which has received $450,000 from the NT government as part of its Screen Territory Production Attraction Incentive Program.

“I am honoured to be a part of this exciting and valuable project,” the five-time Grammy winner said.

“It presents a little known yet powerful story to a waiting world.”

Actor, musician, comedian and writer Steve Martin. Picture: Chris Pizzello

Co-written and co-directed by Pitjantjara and Warlpiri woman Anyupa Emily Napangarti Butcher, the film focuses on the Western Desert Art Movement.

Ms Butcher said the “ancient and current” story was part of the nation’s formation.

“Contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art was pioneered because of the innovative, radical, and entrepreneurial thinking of the Painting Men in Papunya who wanted to keep their culture alive in the era of assimilation.

“These painters shared a vision of maintaining cultural laws while sharing our unique collectives of cultures from Papunya to the world.”

Honey Ant Dreamers will be filmed in Papunya, the MacDonnell Ranges (pictured) and Alice Springs. Picture: Tourism NT

It comes as the NT Screen Summit launches on Saturday.

The free two-day event is an opportunity for screen professionals to upskill and develop their creativity and innovation.

The weekend’s event will also host representatives from major studios for emerging players in the industry to interact with.

Industry Minister Nicole Manison said Honey Ant Dreamers – and other films like it – would boost the NT economy.

“It is fantastic to see more major productions happening right here in the Northern Territory, we have an abundance of talent and we are keen to grow the sector further,” she said.