By Deanna Corrieri | posted on February 17, 2021
THE Great Southern and Ningaloo Coast are set to hit the big screen with Tim Winton’s best-selling novel, Blueback, coming to life.
Director Robert Connolly, who’s recent film The Dry grossed $20 million at the Australian box-office, will work alongside an all-star cast including Mia Wasikowska, Radha Mitchell, Liz Alexander, Clarence Ryan, Pedrea Jackson, Erik Thomson and Eric Bana.
Newcomers to the big screen include Ariel Donoghue and Ilsa Fogg.
Blueback follows the life of a young girl who befriends a groper while diving, and upon realising the fish is under threat, she takes on poachers to try and save her friend.
The Arenamedia production will use a specialised team of under-water camera operators to showcase the best of Western Australia’s marine and coastal world, with recent filming taking place in Bremer Bay.
“It’s fantastic to be working with Tim Winton again on an iconic Australian story, with such a talented cast of actors, and filming in an extraordinary part of the world,” Connolly said.
“The story of Blueback is a beautiful tale of life, love, belonging and with the fragility of our oceans and sea life as an underlying thread, it couldn’t be more timely.”
Blueback’ s major production investment comes from Screen Australia in association with Screenwest.
Screenwest CEO Willie Rowe said the film will not only showcase the best of the Great Southern region but will also create jobs and boost the local economy.
“Blueback will not only be an exquisite postcard for the Great Southern region of Western Australia, taking its stunning coastal landscapes to the world, but it has also generated a significant number of local jobs and investment into the local economy,” he said.
“Screenwest is pleased to support the project with the State Government and Lotterywest and can’t wait to see the amazing Australian talent to showcase one of Tim Winton’s cherished novellas on screen,” Mr Rowe said.
