Last Cab To Darwin To Premiere In Sydney
Icon Film Distribution is proud to announce that the official world premiere of the new Australian feature, LAST CAB TO DARWIN will be held at Sydney’s State Theatre on Saturday June 6, 2015.
The Sydney Film Festival today announced the inclusion of LAST CAB TO DARWIN in its 2015 programme and the first festival screening of the film will also be the premiere event ahead of its release in cinemas across Australia on August 6.
Cast and crew from the film will be in attendance to walk the red carpet and witness the audience falling in love with the film first hand.
Jeremy Sims (Beneath Hill 60 and Last Train to Freo) skilfully directs Australian acting legends, Michael Caton and Jacki Weaver against the backdrop of the stunning Australian outback. Sims began working on the project with co-writer, Reg Cribb over 10 years ago and commented about this labour of love.
“I’m so proud of this film. After 3000 kms, 18 flat tyres, three bogged vans on the Oodnadatta Track and 4 billion flies; with the help of entire communities at Oodnadatta and Daly waters, an indomitable crew, brave and supportive investors and our brilliant cast, we have made what I hope is a truly ‘Australian’ film, with a big heart and a bigger story to tell. Caton is of course the centre of it all, and I hope people give themselves the chance to watch a true legend of Australian screen give the performance of his career…”
With so many iconic characters already to his name (Uncle Harry in TV’s The Sullivans, Ted Taylor in TV’s Packed To The Rafters, and of course, Daryl Kerrigan in The Castle) Michael Caton gives the performance of a lifetime in LAST CAB TO DARWIN. Caton is Rex, a Broken Hill cab driver who, when told he doesn’t have long to live, sets out on an epic journey to Darwin in a bid to die on his own terms. Along the way he is forced to expand his once limited horizons and open himself up to new people and new experiences; teaching us all that it’s never too late to start living.
In her first Australian feature film performance since the meteoric international rise that has included two Academy Award® nominations and back to back Hollywood projects; Jacki Weaver appears as audiences have never seen her before. As the controversial Dr Farmer, she provides a multi-layered portrayal of a doctor struggling between her ability to help one patient or the many more to follow.
In fact, Michael Caton’s tour de force portrayal is in great company with so many standout turns from the cast, including up and coming actor, Mark Coles Smith (Beneath Hill 60 and TV’s The Gods of Wheat Street) who plays incorrigible larrikin, Tilly. Coles Smith’s enigmatic Tilly wheedles his way into Rex’s cab and inevitably into his life, guiding him along his journey through the heart of the country and providing his unique perspective on life as an Indigenous Australian living in outback communities. This breakout performance will see Coles Smith feature on many one-to-watch lists.
Australian-born actress, Emma Hamilton who plays British backpacker Julie has built a career in the UK including TV’s The Tudors. Another standout, she not only nails the accent, but gives Julie both the no-nonsense attitude of a seasoned nurse and the tender understanding of a natural healer.
As Rex heads off on his Darwin-bound adventure, he leaves behind his neighbour and sometime lover, Polly. In yet another dynamic portrayal, Ningali Lawford-Wolf brings Polly’s strength and vulnerability to life in a combination of comic timing and chutzpah. In addition to her work on screen in Rabbit Proof Fence and Bran Nue Dae, Ningali was also recognised for her services to Indigenous performing arts with the Australian Centenary Medal in 2001.
Also waiting back at the pub in Broken Hill are Rex’s mates played by Australian acting stalwarts, John Howard, Alan Dukes and David Field. Other highly familiar faces rounding out the support cast include Brendan Cowell, Leah Purcell and Jeremy Cumpston.
Director Sims and Cinematographer Steve Arnold have captured the incredible Australian landscape in all its glory and to the point that it serves much like its own character in the film. From the desert landscapes to the lush tropical locales, Rex’s journey along the Oodnadatta Track and up through central Australia serves as a love letter to the outback.
As quintessentially Australian as the red earth itself, the sport of AFL and its deep connection with Indigenous communities also features as a key theme in the film. AFL legend, Brian Taylor also stars in the film, playing the Darwin coach who gives Tilly his big break.
2015 is shaping up as a great year for Australian film and LAST CAB TO DARWIN will continue the trend with a touching and life-affirming story that is sure to resonate with everyone from coast to country town. An extensive talent tour across Australia is planned for the months between the world premiere at the Sydney Film Festival and film’s actual release.
Icon Film Distribution CEO, Greg Hughes commented, “We are greatly excited by the opportunity to showcase this extraordinary film as part of the Sydney Film Festival and to be able to align the world premiere event inside of the festival’s timelines. Icon has enjoyed working closely with the LAST CAB TO DARWIN team throughout the film’s journey from script to screen and we are very proud to be associated with the final product and to be able to share this moving story with Australian audiences.”
Filled with hope, humour and heart, LAST CAB TO DARWIN takes us on a journey in cinemas from August 6.