Principal photography has commenced this week on Gregor Jordan’s (Two Hands, Buffalo Soldiers) Dirt Music, adapted from Tim Winton’s award-winning and Man Booker-shortlisted novel by Jack Thorne (The Aeronauts, Wonder). Golden Globe and BAFTA Award nominee Kelly Macdonald (Puzzle, No Country for Old Men, Boardwalk Empire) and Garrett Hedlund (Mudbound, Tron: Legacy) have been joined by acclaimed actor David Wenham (Lion, Top of the Lake, The Lord of the Rings). Filming begins on Bardi Jawi country in the Kimberley, Western Australia and will continue on Noongar country in Perth and Esperance, Western Australia. Complementing the musical backbone of the film, award-winning singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Julia Stone (of internationally acclaimed Australian sibling duo Angus & Julia Stone) will bring her collaborative talents in her role as Sal. Other cast includes Aaron Pedersen (Mystery Road), Chris Haywood (Muriel’s Wedding), George Mason (Home and Away) and Dan Wyllie (Animal Kingdom).
“We’re honoured to bring Tim Winton’s iconic novel to screen, masterfully adapted by Jack Thorne, and with the vision of Gregor Jordan who has assembled the perfect cast; Aquarius are our ideal partners along with Film4 who developed with us from the start.” Producers Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey commented.
Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford from Aquarius Films said “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Wildgaze Films in bringing Jack Thorne’s stunning adaptation of this much-loved Australian love story to the big screen. Winton is an Australian literary legend with a dedicated fan base, and Dirt Music is a globally acclaimed book. With accomplished director Gregor Jordan at the helm, along with our brilliantly talented cast and creative team, we feel the alchemy is there for a fantastic movie.”
“We’re so happy to see Dirt Music reach the start line. It’s been a wonderful process developing this unique film with Wildgaze, who together with Gregor and Aquarius have assembled a formidable cast and crew to tackle Jack Thorne’s pitch perfect adaptation of this classic novel. We can’t wait to see the results.” Director of Film4 Daniel Battsek commented.
Cornerstone Films’ Alison Thompson and Mark Gooder also noted “We’re proud and delighted to be part of this wonderful adventure. Never has there been a better time to bring this beautiful, bold love story to the big screen for worldwide audiences to enjoy.”
“Dirt Music is a classic Australian story set in a fictional small West Australian fishing village, and it’s exciting to have a second Tim Winton film adaptation showcasing this beautiful part of Australia to the rest of the world. I’m sure this talented creative team and cast will do a brilliant job at bringing this popular and iconic Australian story to life.” Head of Content at Screen Australia, Sally Caplan commented