From Crackerjack to The Dressmaker, audiences can look back at some of the state’s most iconic movies with the launch of Victoria on Film.
Co-hosted by actor Shane Jacobson and ABC Radio National’s Beverley Wang, the new series reunites the stars and creators of Victorian films to share their memories of the making of. Produced by ACMI and Film Victoria, the fortnightly series begins on the Victoria Together website this Saturday, 26 September at 6.30pm.
The first episode features Mick Molloy and Judith Lucy from the 2002 comedy classic, Crackerjack. The modern day David vs. Goliath battle of a local bowling club took more than $8.5 million at the box office, and brought lawn bowls into the mainstream.
The series continues fortnightly, reuniting Osamah Sami, Don Hany, Helana Sawires and director Jeffrey Walker from 2017 romantic comedy Ali’s Wedding; Eric Bana and director Adam Elliot from 2009 stop-motion animated film Mary and Max; and Essie Davis, Nathan Page and Isabella Yena from the 2020 cinematic adventure of detective-extraordinaire Miss Phryne Fisher, Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears.
Victoria on Film will also feature author Raimond Gaita, Eric Bana and Kodi Smit-McPhee from the 2007 drama Romulus, My Father; Shane Jacobson and Rebecca Gibney from 2015 hit The Dressmaker; and director Rachel Griffiths, Michelle Payne, Stevie Payne and Teresa Palmer from the 2019 Melbourne Cup drama Ride Like a Girl, with further guests and films to be announced.
Victoria on Film showcases the breadth of the state’s screen talent on both sides of the camera and spans its most iconic locations, from Flemington Racecourse to the Great Ocean Road and the Wimmera.
The series is one of a number of new programs on the Victoria Together platform. The digital hub connects Victorians with the best of the state’s online experiences, including health, fitness, music, comedy, kids activities and an array of other offerings.
To experience Victoria on Film, visit together.vic.gov.au
Quote attributable to Katrina Sedgwick OAM, Director & CEO of ACMI: “Going to the cinema may not be possible right now, but being able to watch so many wonderful films and series at home has certainly kept us all going! In this joyful new series we celebrate the amazing talent in our state and a few of the many iconic films that have been made right here in Victoria.”
Quote attributable to Caroline Pitcher, CEO of Film Victoria: “As Victorians, we share a collective pride when we get to enjoy our own local screen stories and see the familiar places where they have been filmed. Victoria on Film gives us the opportunity to get behind Victoria’s acclaimed screen industry and offers exclusive interviews with the talented Victorians who were integral in bringing these stories to life.”