Far North Film Industry Gains Momentum with Debut Feature

Strategic Insights -

A Far North actor and director is hoping his debut feature film will elevate the region's profile in the film industry. James Ivor, a NIDA-trained actor from Cairns, is co-directing and writing the comedy/drama Storm Bird, which is currently being filmed in the region with a mostly local cast and crew. The film, which stars Anthony Phelan, Serena van Sandalwood, and Ivor, is about three people from different social classes who are forced to spend a weekend together discussing life and the future.

Key Takeaways:

  • Storm Bird, a comedy/drama film, is currently being filmed in the Far North region of Queensland with a mostly local cast and crew.
  • The film, written and co-directed by James Ivor, aims to showcase the region's unique landscapes and culture on a major scale.
  • Key filming locations include the Babinda State Hotel, Peries IGA in Manoora, and Saint Michael's Church in Gordonvale.
  • The film stars acclaimed Australian stage actor Anthony Phelan, Canadian artist Serena van Sandalwood, and James Ivor as leads.
  • The production team hopes to debut the film at a major international film festival, such as Sundance.

Statistics:

  • The film will be shot for a total of three weeks in the region.
  • The production team consists of a mostly local cast and crew.
  • The film will be starring three people with a life-changing event about to take place.
  • The film's production team hopes to release it in 2026.

Sources:

  • Cairns Post, "Far North actor and director hopes debut film will elevate region's profile"