Stan, in collaboration with the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF), has confirmed the addition of renowned Australian singer, songwriter, and actress Jessica Mauboy to the cast of the Stan Original Film Windcatcher.
This forthcoming family feature marks the inaugural project co-commissioned by both parties, made possible by substantial production investment from Screen Australia, ACTF, and in alliance with VicScreen.
Jessica Mauboy, who was last seen in the critically acclaimed film The Sapphires, will be starring alongside Lennox Monaghan, Max Turner of F.A.N.G (From A Nearby Galaxy), Coco Greenstone from I Am Woman, Kelton Pell known for Mystery Road: Origin, Pia Miranda from Looking for Alibrandi, Ngali Shaw of The Twelve, and Lisa Maza who graced the screens in Wentworth.
This collaboration between Stan and ACTF signifies their first mutual endeavour and aims to produce high-quality, feature-length live action content for Australian families and younger viewers.
Windcatcher is penned by Boyd Quakawoot, known for his work in the Stan Original Series Black Snow and Black Comedy, is directed by the AACTA award-winner, Tanith Glynn-Maloney, who previously helmed Finding Jedda.
Set in the rustic town of Herbertson, it sheds light on an improbable friendship formed amongst Percy Boy, a quick-witted Aboriginal lad, Keithy Cobb, the new kid on the block, and the vivacious Daisy Hawkins.
Together, they strive to snatch the school sports day trophy from the clutches of the notorious “Wolf Pack”, grade five bullies. However, Percy Boy’s journey takes a detour as he unravels his unique ability to perceive Lost Souls, a mystical inheritance from his grandfather.
In such trying times, Percy Boy is dependent on his dear ones and the broader community to confront his apprehensions, display his tenacity, and emerge as a force to be reckoned with. The film succinctly puts it: Percy realises he doesn’t merely run to win but runs to soar.
The production companies, Unless Pictures and Every Cloud Productions, disclosed:
“We did a nationwide call-out for Percy Boy. 160 kids applied and we found the perfect person to play him. When Lennox told his mates he had to run a 100M race in the film they said ‘That’s exactly like you!’
Our lead child actors are thrilled to be trained by dramaturg Greg Saunders; and we’re thrilled to be working with some of the most compassionate and competent crew around, here in Victoria.”
Windcatcher, a project from Unless Pictures and Every Cloud Productions, a subsidiary of the Global City Group Company, is steered by producers Meg O’Connell and Drew Grove. Bernadette O’Mahony for ACTF, along with Cailah Scobie, Donna Chang, and Rachel Okine for Stan, serve as the executive producers.
Notably, the production garnered significant financial backing from Screen Australia and ACTF, in partnership with Stan and VicScreen. Additionally, its development was funded by the Queensland Government via Screen Queensland. Distribution rights on a global scale are vested with ACTF.
Excellent news , love her , Vote NO , Ta