The South Australian Film Corporation and Umbrella Entertainment have just announced their exciting partnership to give iconic South Australian film and television productions from the 1970s, 80s and 90s, a new life for audiences worldwide.
Sunday Too Far Away (1975), Breaker Morant (1979), The Club (1980), Storm Boy (1976), Money Movers (1978) and The Shiralee (1986) are among 25 SAFC-produced titles to be re-launched into the marketplace across multiple platforms by Umbrella Entertainment, in some cases with special features.
The announcement was made from the Cannes Film Festival by SAFC CEO Annabelle Sheehan who said these key heritage titles, representing South Australia’s unique cinematic voice, would sit perfectly within Umbrella Entertainment’s slate.
Umbrella Entertainment is an Australian film distribution company headed by Jeff Harrison which specialises in content for theatrical exhibition, home entertainment, TV broadcasting, online download platforms and all ancillary. The catalogue of over 200 titles features includes many rare, classic and cult titles. Umbrella’s recent restoration includes: The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, Road Games, Long Weekend, The Man From Hong Kong, Dark Age, Cosi, Body Melt, Malcolm and Angel Baby to name just a few.
The first wave of SAFC film re-releases will include:
Ken Hannam’s Australian new wave classic SUNDAY TOO FAR AWAY (1975) starring the young Jack Thompson in his AFI-Award winning performance as a hard-drinking but hard-working sheep shearer. Winner of 3 AFI Awards including Best Feature Film.
One of the most iconic South Australian films of all time, STORM BOY (1976), celebrated its 30th anniversary in November. Directed by Henri Safran, based on the novel by Colin Thiele and starring a young David Gulpilil, Storm Boy won the AFI & AWG Awards for Best Film, and Cinematographer of the Year from the ACS for Geoff Burton.
Bruce Beresford’s bank heist caper MONEY MOVERS (1978) starring Terence Donovan, Bud Tingwell, Jeanie Drynan and a young Bryan Brown in only his second year on screen.
THE SHIRALEE (1986) starring Bryan Brown, Rebecca Smart and Noni Hazlehurst, is now celebrating the 30th anniversary since it was first broadcast as a mini-series on the Seven Network. Directed by George Ogilvie, the film was based on the novel by Australian writer and farm labourer D’Arcy Niland about a swagman and his young daughter. The film won the LOGIE Award for Most Popular Miniseries, Actor (Brown) and Actress (Smart).
CEO of the SAFC Annabelle Sheehan said “It is wonderful to see these iconic films given a new life with audiences able to download, buy, rent and stream these films. These films represent a golden period in the Australian film landscape and are punctuated by remarkable performances from young actors who are now legends in the industry.”
“Many of the SAFC-produced titles to be re-released feature in Australian feature documentary David Stratton: A Cinematic Life premiering here at Cannes this year. The film highlights the history of Australian cinema on the world stage and is sure to reinvigorate interest in these iconic films across the globe,” she said.
Managing Director of Umbrella Entertainment Jeff Harrison said “We are truly excited to restore and manage this wonderful library throughout the world in conjunction with SAFC. Umbrella was established on the belief and passion that classic Australian films must be seen by Australians and people around the world. I couldn’t be more proud to continue that passion with Annabelle and her team at SAFC.”
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