Production is underway on “Kangaroo Island,” the feature film debut from Australian director Tim Piper and screenwriter Sally Gifford.
The family relationship drama-comedy centers around a struggling Hollywood actress forced to reunite with her sister as part of her father’s last wishes. It stars Rebecca Breeds (“Clarice,” “CAUGH*T”), Erik Thomson (“Aftertaste,” “Black Snow”), Adelaide Clemens (“Justified: City Primeval,” “Under The Banner of Heaven”) and Joel Jackson (“Mystery Road,” “Safe Harbour”).
Lou Wells (portrayed by Breeds) was set to become Hollywood’s next big thing – but a few years later, she’s hit rock bottom. Broke and aimless, she reluctantly accepts a ticket from her estranged father (Thomson), home to Kangaroo Island for a “family reunion.” When her father’s real agenda unfolds, years of tension resurface, and Lou struggles between continuing to run away from her past or working to repair the damage done.
“Kangaroo Island” is a Pouch Potato Productions production, in conjunction with Piro Inc. Ot has financial support from the South Australian Film Corporation and the Adelaide Film Festival. It is produced by Daniel Rosenberg, Piper, Peter Hanlon (“The Angels: Kickin’ Down The Door”) and Bettina Hamilton (“Monolith”).
Production has been underway across Adelaide and Kangaroo Island, reputed to be one of the most beautiful places in the country, and concludes this month. The completed film will have its Australian premiere at the Adelaide Film Festival in October 2024. Distribution in Australia and New Zealand is to be handled by Maslow Entertainment. No overseas sales agent is currently attached.
The project is being made with financial support from the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) and is one of the recipients of the 2024 Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund (AFFIF).
Piper and Rosenberg (“Inside Man,” “Righteous Kill,” “Odd Mom Out”), are partners in Piro, a New York-based advertising agency and production company.
“I’m thrilled to be back in my hometown and to be working with such a talented cast and crew. Sally has written an incredible script and to be shooting on a spiritual and magical place as Kangaroo Island has been amazing. The Island has becomes more character than location and plays an integral part of the family portrayal,” said Piper.
“Kangaroo Island’s astonishing beauty, amidst its formidable landscapes, is exciting and humbling. Humans are merely visitors here. We have the privilege of observing the local animals at home. Observing animals in the wild is why I was inspired to write a story about the human animal, what makes us who we are and how we make our lives meaningful,” said screenwriter Gifford.
