Foxtel greenlights Australia Day film

Foxtel has invested in Australia Day, a film from Brisbane-based Hoodlum productions.

Directed by Kriv Stenders (Red Dog, Kill Me Three Times, The Principal) it will be released in 2017 and have its Australian television premiere on Foxtel.

Exploring diverse Australians whose worlds collide on our national holiday it stars Bryan Brown, Shari Sebbens, Sean Keenan and Matthew Le Nevez.

Written by Stephen M. Irwin (Secrets & Lies) it also features Jenny Wu, Daniel Webber, Elias Anton, Isabelle Cornish and Phoenix Raei and newcomer Miah Madden.

A release indicates, “Set in Brisbane over 12 hours, Australia Day explores the lives of three Australians from diverse backgrounds whose different worlds collide, illuminating contemporary issues that simmer beneath the surface of modern Australia. The heartfelt drama interweaves these three stories and highlights the aspirations of everyday Australians on the most controversial national holiday, Australia Day.”

Foxtel’s Director of Movies Ross Crowley said: “As we expand Foxtel’s ongoing commitment to original drama and telling Australian stories it is natural that we work directly within the feature film format. We’re excited to work with Hoodlum, the acclaimed Kriv Stenders and the entire creative team to tell this compelling and contemporary Australian story.”

Hoodlum’s Executive Producer Nathan Mayfield said: “This powerful story is one that every Australian will connect with. We are constantly questioning what it means to be Australian and what it means for both our newest and oldest Australians. Working closely with local communities, Australia Day offers a rare insight into our current hopes and fears at a grass roots level. We are so excited by the ensemble of cast who bring their own unique perspective to the project. Australia Day is bold storytelling we could only make with Foxtel and with Kriv at the helm we are destined to see a drama that will provoke conversation and give hope to audiences.”

Executive Producers are Nathan Mayfield, Tracey Robertson, Leigh McGrath and Foxtel’s Head of Drama Penny Win and Producer Edward Herbert.

Production commences in and around Brisbane from August 22.