Warwick Thornton and Sam Neill on the set of ‘Sweet Country.’
While movie sequels are relatively rare in Australia, the producers of Warwick Thornton’s Sweet Country are convinced they have a new, compelling story which is worth telling.
Currently being scripted, the follow-up will look at events from the perspective of the mother of scrappy child labourer Philomac, played in the original by twins Tremayne and Trevon Doolan.
Philomac and old Aboriginal hand Archie (Gibson John) are sent by farmer Mick Kennedy (Thomas M. Wright) to work for Harry March (Ewen Leslie), who chains the boy to a rock on suspicion of stealing his watch. Philomac frees himself and March heads in pursuit, leading to a violent confrontation.
“Sweet Country was really the story of Sam (Hamilton Morris) and Philomac,” Bunya Productions’ David Jowsey, who produced with Greer Simpkin, tells If. “Philomac has a sister and a mother, which...
While movie sequels are relatively rare in Australia, the producers of Warwick Thornton’s Sweet Country are convinced they have a new, compelling story which is worth telling.
Currently being scripted, the follow-up will look at events from the perspective of the mother of scrappy child labourer Philomac, played in the original by twins Tremayne and Trevon Doolan.
Philomac and old Aboriginal hand Archie (Gibson John) are sent by farmer Mick Kennedy (Thomas M. Wright) to work for Harry March (Ewen Leslie), who chains the boy to a rock on suspicion of stealing his watch. Philomac frees himself and March heads in pursuit, leading to a violent confrontation.
“Sweet Country was really the story of Sam (Hamilton Morris) and Philomac,” Bunya Productions’ David Jowsey, who produced with Greer Simpkin, tells If. “Philomac has a sister and a mother, which...
- 2/5/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Warwick Thornton’s acclaimed western Sweet Country won six awards at the Australian Academy of Cinema And Television Awards (Aacta) yesterday in Sydney.
The haunting tale of an Aboriginal man who is hunted after shooting a white man in self defense scooped best film, best direction, best original screenplay, best cinematography, best editing, and best lead actor for Hamilton Morris.
Other significant winners were Nicole Kidman as best supporting actress in Boy Erased and Joel Egerton for the same film’s adapted screenplay. Simon Baker won best supporting actor for his role in Breath while Ladies In Black earned four awards.
Multi-award winner Mystery Road took home the prize for best drama series and Riot won best mini-series. Veteran actor Bryan Brown was honored with the Oz industry’s highest accolade, the Longford Lyell Award.
Many stars attending the event wore blue ribbons to protest against Australia’s treatment of...
The haunting tale of an Aboriginal man who is hunted after shooting a white man in self defense scooped best film, best direction, best original screenplay, best cinematography, best editing, and best lead actor for Hamilton Morris.
Other significant winners were Nicole Kidman as best supporting actress in Boy Erased and Joel Egerton for the same film’s adapted screenplay. Simon Baker won best supporting actor for his role in Breath while Ladies In Black earned four awards.
Multi-award winner Mystery Road took home the prize for best drama series and Riot won best mini-series. Veteran actor Bryan Brown was honored with the Oz industry’s highest accolade, the Longford Lyell Award.
Many stars attending the event wore blue ribbons to protest against Australia’s treatment of...
- 12/6/2018
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
‘Sweet Country,” the tale of an Aboriginal man who shoots a white man in self defense, swept the major awards at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (Aacta) Awards.
The film collected the best film award, and the best director award for Warwick Thornton. In other major categories, it won best original screenplay, best cinematography, best editing, and best lead actor for Hamilton Morris.
The film debuted some 15 months ago at the Venice festival where it won the jury prize. In Toronto the same year it won the Platform section prize. And at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards last year it was named best film.
The Aacta prizes were presented at a ceremony on Wednesday in Sydney. Other significant winners were Nicole Kidman as best supporting actress in “Boy Erased” and Joel Egerton as its screenwriter. Simon Baker won for his on-screen role in “Breath.” “Ladies in Black” earned four awards.
The film collected the best film award, and the best director award for Warwick Thornton. In other major categories, it won best original screenplay, best cinematography, best editing, and best lead actor for Hamilton Morris.
The film debuted some 15 months ago at the Venice festival where it won the jury prize. In Toronto the same year it won the Platform section prize. And at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards last year it was named best film.
The Aacta prizes were presented at a ceremony on Wednesday in Sydney. Other significant winners were Nicole Kidman as best supporting actress in “Boy Erased” and Joel Egerton as its screenwriter. Simon Baker won for his on-screen role in “Breath.” “Ladies in Black” earned four awards.
- 12/6/2018
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
‘Sweet Country’.
Sweet Country was named Best Film at last night’s Aacta Award Ceremony, with the period Western also taking home Best Direction for Warwick Thornton and Best Lead Actor for Hamilton Morris.
Produced by Bunya Productions, Sweet Country beat out Boy Erased, Cargo, Ladies in Black and Breath. Based on real events, the 1929-set film follows an Aboriginal stockman (Morris) who a kills white station owner in self-defence and goes on the run. It was Morris’ first film role – he previously had only a small part in ABC series 8Mmm Aboriginal Radio.
Accepting the award for best film, producer David Jowsey said: “Sweet Country is a Trojan horse. We drive through your gate, and there in our belly is a story about our history, a story about the birth of our nation. Sweet Country is really about our identity.”
Last night’s accolades join the three awards Sweet Country...
Sweet Country was named Best Film at last night’s Aacta Award Ceremony, with the period Western also taking home Best Direction for Warwick Thornton and Best Lead Actor for Hamilton Morris.
Produced by Bunya Productions, Sweet Country beat out Boy Erased, Cargo, Ladies in Black and Breath. Based on real events, the 1929-set film follows an Aboriginal stockman (Morris) who a kills white station owner in self-defence and goes on the run. It was Morris’ first film role – he previously had only a small part in ABC series 8Mmm Aboriginal Radio.
Accepting the award for best film, producer David Jowsey said: “Sweet Country is a Trojan horse. We drive through your gate, and there in our belly is a story about our history, a story about the birth of our nation. Sweet Country is really about our identity.”
Last night’s accolades join the three awards Sweet Country...
- 12/5/2018
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
‘Jirga’ won the Aacta for Best Indie Film.
Director Benjamin Gilmour’s Jirga took home the inaugural Aacta Award for Best Indie Film – designed to honour films made under $2 million – at the Aacta Industry Luncheon in Sydney yesterday.
The film, produced by John Maynard, beat out Strange Colours, Brothers’ Nest, West of Sunshine and The Second. Starring Sam Smith as a former Australian soldier who returns to Afghanistan seeking forgiveness, Jirga is also Australia’s submission for Best Foreign Language Film at the upcoming Academy Awards.
Some 35 awards were given away at yesterday’s Aacta event, hosted by actress Kat Stewart and comedian Nazeem Hussain. Other key feature film winners were Sweet Country and Ladies in Black, which each took home three gongs.
David Tranter and Steven McGregor won Best Original Screenplay for Sweet Country, while film’s director and Dop Warwick Thornton was honoured with the award for Best...
Director Benjamin Gilmour’s Jirga took home the inaugural Aacta Award for Best Indie Film – designed to honour films made under $2 million – at the Aacta Industry Luncheon in Sydney yesterday.
The film, produced by John Maynard, beat out Strange Colours, Brothers’ Nest, West of Sunshine and The Second. Starring Sam Smith as a former Australian soldier who returns to Afghanistan seeking forgiveness, Jirga is also Australia’s submission for Best Foreign Language Film at the upcoming Academy Awards.
Some 35 awards were given away at yesterday’s Aacta event, hosted by actress Kat Stewart and comedian Nazeem Hussain. Other key feature film winners were Sweet Country and Ladies in Black, which each took home three gongs.
David Tranter and Steven McGregor won Best Original Screenplay for Sweet Country, while film’s director and Dop Warwick Thornton was honoured with the award for Best...
- 12/3/2018
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
To mark the release of Sweet Country on 9th July, we’ve been given 3 copies to give away.
The acclaimed Australian drama directed by Warwick Thornton (Samson & Delilah) is a sweeping historical epic set against the brutal backdrop of a stunning landscape. The film follows Sam (Hamilton Morris), a middle-aged Aboriginal man who becomes a wanted criminal for the murder of a white man. A hunting party led by local lawman Sergeant Fletcher (Bryan Brown) is formed, but the community soon begins to question whether justice is really being served…
Please note: This competition is open to UK residents only
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The Small Print
Open to UK residents only The competition will close 16th July 2018 at 23.59 GMT The winner will be picked at random from entries received No cash alternative is available To coincide with Gdpr regulations, competition entry information will not be stored once the competition has...
The acclaimed Australian drama directed by Warwick Thornton (Samson & Delilah) is a sweeping historical epic set against the brutal backdrop of a stunning landscape. The film follows Sam (Hamilton Morris), a middle-aged Aboriginal man who becomes a wanted criminal for the murder of a white man. A hunting party led by local lawman Sergeant Fletcher (Bryan Brown) is formed, but the community soon begins to question whether justice is really being served…
Please note: This competition is open to UK residents only
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The Small Print
Open to UK residents only The competition will close 16th July 2018 at 23.59 GMT The winner will be picked at random from entries received No cash alternative is available To coincide with Gdpr regulations, competition entry information will not be stored once the competition has...
- 7/2/2018
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
MaryAnn’s quick take… As harshly beautiful as its landscape, this is a stark corrective to the American western it echoes, and a pragmatic confrontation with the deep, tenacious roots of modern racism. I’m “biast” (pro): nothing
I’m “biast” (con): nothing
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto) women’s participation in this film
(learn more about this)
Australia’s Northern Territory in the 1920s is “sweet country,” drools Sergeant Fletcher, “cattle country.” But it’s not his country to do anything with, and this is not his story, except as the villain… or, rather, as a personification and representation of the villainy of colonialism and racism.
As the title of the story of Sam Kelly (Hamilton Morris), Sweet Country is ironic at best: it’s no longer sweet for him, and its sweetness is what has enticed his invaders. Sam is an Aboriginal...
I’m “biast” (con): nothing
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto) women’s participation in this film
(learn more about this)
Australia’s Northern Territory in the 1920s is “sweet country,” drools Sergeant Fletcher, “cattle country.” But it’s not his country to do anything with, and this is not his story, except as the villain… or, rather, as a personification and representation of the villainy of colonialism and racism.
As the title of the story of Sam Kelly (Hamilton Morris), Sweet Country is ironic at best: it’s no longer sweet for him, and its sweetness is what has enticed his invaders. Sam is an Aboriginal...
- 4/23/2018
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
The vast, open landscape of the Australia outback so closely resembles the Old West that it’s a wonder there aren’t more Australian westerns. “Sweet Country,” Warwick Thortnon’s hypnotic sophomore effort, makes up for missed time. This gorgeous, sprawling tale of early 20th century desert survival and racist villains packs the brutal punch of Sam Peckinpah, but folds the majestic vistas and gunplay into a disquieting statement on persecution with echoes of “12 Years a Slave.” Thortnon’s leisurely approach applies the Dirty Dozen formula to a historic tragedy, and the uncompromising narrative doesn’t always resolve the tension between those two ingredients, but it’s nevertheless a remarkable elevation of the Western trope to poetic heights.
Set in 1929, “Sweet Country” unfolds across the desolation of Alice Springs, a sweaty, red-tinted region of the Eastern Arrente Nation, which may as well be Mars. Aborigine in the Northern region...
Set in 1929, “Sweet Country” unfolds across the desolation of Alice Springs, a sweaty, red-tinted region of the Eastern Arrente Nation, which may as well be Mars. Aborigine in the Northern region...
- 4/5/2018
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
Author: Daniel Goodwin
In his incredible forty year career, legendary Northern Ireland and New Zealand raised actor Sam Neill has starred in a multitude of both mainstream movies and independent films, spanning continents, characters, genres and budget sizes. His latest film, Sweet Country, is an Australian frontier drama inspired by true events that embraces traits from the Western genre.
Australian native Warwick Thornton adapts Steven McGregor and David Tranter’s screenplay which tells the tale of Aboriginal farmhand Sam Kelly (Hamilton Morris), who accidentally kills an irate white bigot tormenting his family. Kelly goes on the run from law enforcement which takes the shape of the affable Sergeant Fletcher (Bryan Brown), accompanied by his Good Samaritan employer Fred Smith (Neill) who wishes to guide Kelly home to safety.
Before Sweet Country, Neill featured in critically acclaimed commercial thrillers (Dead Calm, The Hunt For Red October), prestige dramas (A Cry in the Dark,...
In his incredible forty year career, legendary Northern Ireland and New Zealand raised actor Sam Neill has starred in a multitude of both mainstream movies and independent films, spanning continents, characters, genres and budget sizes. His latest film, Sweet Country, is an Australian frontier drama inspired by true events that embraces traits from the Western genre.
Australian native Warwick Thornton adapts Steven McGregor and David Tranter’s screenplay which tells the tale of Aboriginal farmhand Sam Kelly (Hamilton Morris), who accidentally kills an irate white bigot tormenting his family. Kelly goes on the run from law enforcement which takes the shape of the affable Sergeant Fletcher (Bryan Brown), accompanied by his Good Samaritan employer Fred Smith (Neill) who wishes to guide Kelly home to safety.
Before Sweet Country, Neill featured in critically acclaimed commercial thrillers (Dead Calm, The Hunt For Red October), prestige dramas (A Cry in the Dark,...
- 3/5/2018
- by Daniel Goodwin
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The Film Society of Lincoln Center is set to showcase new Australian content in New York next month with the first-ever Australian International Screen Forum.
The event will feature the New York premiere of Simon Baker's directorial debut Breath, the North American premiere of Jennifer Peedom's Willem Dafoe-narrated documentary Mountain and the New York premiere of Warwick Thornton's Sweet Country, starring Bryan Brown, Sam Neill, Hamilton Morris and Matt Day.
The forum also will include a 30th anniversary screening of Steve Jodrell’s Shame, starring Deborra-lee Furness, and the newly restored version of Gillian Armstrong’s 1982 comedy musical Starstruck. Armstrong also...
The event will feature the New York premiere of Simon Baker's directorial debut Breath, the North American premiere of Jennifer Peedom's Willem Dafoe-narrated documentary Mountain and the New York premiere of Warwick Thornton's Sweet Country, starring Bryan Brown, Sam Neill, Hamilton Morris and Matt Day.
The forum also will include a 30th anniversary screening of Steve Jodrell’s Shame, starring Deborra-lee Furness, and the newly restored version of Gillian Armstrong’s 1982 comedy musical Starstruck. Armstrong also...
- 2/11/2018
- by Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Warwick Thornton's Sweet Country opens with Sam Neill's preacher Fred Smith sharing a meal with his Aboriginal farmhands Sam and Lizzie Kelly (exceptional newcomers Hamilton Morris and Natassia Gorey-Furber). "We're all equal in the eyes of the Lord," the preacher sermonizes as he says grace with the couple. This scene serves as a fitting yet ironic prelude to this slow-burning tale on the volatile race relations in 1929 Australia. Rife within these lands are normalized racial tension and double standards, evident in how white outlaws are cheered upon and mythologized on-screen while an indigenous man guilty of only shooting someone in self-defense is clamored to be hung under the rule of law. Based on real accounts, Sweet Country tells the story of Aboriginal stockman Sam Kelly who finds himself on the...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 2/7/2018
- Screen Anarchy
Samuel Goldwyn Films has released the trailer for “Sweet Country,” Warwick Thornton’s Western set in the Outback. Sam Neill stars in the film, whose journey on the festival circuit has now taken it to Sundance. Avail yourself of the trailer below.
Read More:tiff 2017 Awards: ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ Wins the Coveted People’s Choice Award
Here’s the synopsis:
“Sam, a middle-aged Aboriginal man, works for a preacher in the outback of Australia’s Northern Territory. When Harry, a bitter war veteran, moves into a neighbouring outpost, the preacher sends Sam and his family to help Harry renovate his cattle yards. But Sam’s relationship with the cruel and ill-tempered Harry quickly deteriorates, culminating in a violent shootout in which Sam kills Harry in self-defence.
“As a result, Sam becomes a wanted criminal for the murder of a white man, and is forced to flee with his wife across the deadly outback,...
Read More:tiff 2017 Awards: ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ Wins the Coveted People’s Choice Award
Here’s the synopsis:
“Sam, a middle-aged Aboriginal man, works for a preacher in the outback of Australia’s Northern Territory. When Harry, a bitter war veteran, moves into a neighbouring outpost, the preacher sends Sam and his family to help Harry renovate his cattle yards. But Sam’s relationship with the cruel and ill-tempered Harry quickly deteriorates, culminating in a violent shootout in which Sam kills Harry in self-defence.
“As a result, Sam becomes a wanted criminal for the murder of a white man, and is forced to flee with his wife across the deadly outback,...
- 1/22/2018
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
Samuel Goldwyn Films acquired North American rights to the Warwick Thornton-directed Sweet Country. Pic stars Bryan Brown, Hamilton Morris, Thomas M. Wright, Ewen Leslie, Natassia Gorey-Furber, Gibson John, Matt Day, Anni Finsterer, Treymayne Doolan, Trevon Doolan and Sam Neill. The film won Special Jury Prize after its world premiere at Venice, and won the Platform competition at the Toronto Film Festival. The plot: Sam, a middle-aged Aboriginal man, works for a preacher…...
- 9/21/2017
- Deadline
Samuel Goldwyn Films acquired the North American rights to director Warwick Thornton’s “Sweet Country,” the company announced Thursday. “Sweet Country” stars Bryan Brown, Hamilton Morris, Thomas M. Wright, Ewen Leslie, Natassia Gorey-Furber, Gibson John, Matt Day, Anni Finsterer, Treymaybe Doolan, Trevon Doolan and Sam Neill. The film is the winner of the Special Jury Prize at this year’s Venice Film Festival, where it also had its world premiere. The film is also the winner of the Platform Competition at this mont’s Toronto International Film Festival. Also Read: The Oscars Race After the Festivals: Are We Still Just Waiting for Spielberg?...
- 9/21/2017
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
It’s been a weekend full of reviews from the Toronto International Film Festival, and along with the premieres, it means producers or (if the film is lucky enough) distributors releasing the first look at footage in an attempt to drum up interest and stand out of the pack of hundreds of others at the festival. Well, it seems to have done the trick as we’re posting a round-up today.
First up, we have the first trailer for Let the Corpses Tan, the latest film from Hélène Cattet and Bruno Forzani, the duo behind Amer and The Strange Colour of Your Body’s Tears. We reviewed it here, and the preview displays some of the visual inventiveness at play. Along with that, there are previews for three other anticipated projects, including the Netflix documentary One of Us, arriving on the platform on October, as well as a pair of...
First up, we have the first trailer for Let the Corpses Tan, the latest film from Hélène Cattet and Bruno Forzani, the duo behind Amer and The Strange Colour of Your Body’s Tears. We reviewed it here, and the preview displays some of the visual inventiveness at play. Along with that, there are previews for three other anticipated projects, including the Netflix documentary One of Us, arriving on the platform on October, as well as a pair of...
- 9/11/2017
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
"You run away, I'll shoot you for desertion!" Memento Films has debuted an official international trailer for the Australian racism drama Sweet Country, from acclaimed director Warwick Thornton (of Samson & Delilah). This just premiered at the Venice Film Festival, and will also play at the Toronto and London Film Festivals next. Sweet Country takes place in the dusty Northern Territory of Australia nearly 100 years ago, telling the story of an Aboriginal stockman who shoots a white man and is taken to trial. Hamilton Morris stars, with Sam Neill, Ewen Leslie, Bryan Brown, Thomas M. Wright, and Matt Day. I saw this in Venice and it's good, but a bit dry. There's more intensity in this trailer than the film, it's a very slow drama. Here's the first international trailer for Warwick Thornton's Sweet Country, direct from YouTube: Accused of murder, an Aboriginal stockman and his wife try to stay...
- 9/10/2017
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
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