Two young local filmmakers are set to bring their “unique” Ned Kelly-inspired movie to Geelong audiences next month.
After premiering feature film Stringybark at Lorne Film Festival last July, Geelong duo Ben Head and Ben Thompson have now landed their first cinema release.
Mr Head said it felt “rewarding” to secure multiple screenings at Pivotonian Cinema from 6 to 12 February.
“It’s an awesome outcome to have what is an entirely local production being screened at Geelong’s own independent cinema,” the Moriac writer and director said.
“It feels great to be supported by other local businesses – and to be able to show the finished product and appreciation to the people that helped us out.”
The 21-year-old’s hope to challenge the perception of Kelly with their film.
Kelly was a “serial pest and thief” rather than a folk hero, according the movie’s take on the bushranger.
“I want to show Australians what this guy was really about,” Mr Head said.
The former Kardinia College students’ movie recreates the moment the Kelly gang murdered three “respected” Victorian police officers in 1878.
“It’s the first time in Australian history the Kelly story has been told from the police perspective,” Mr Head said.
“It’s showing a side to the story people have never seen before.”
With a Kelly historian’s support and the backing from descendants of the policemen, the pair spent two years researching the story behind the murders.
“It’s centred around truth and first-hand evidence including historical accounts, police reports, original documents, hearings and people’s testimonies,” Mr Head said.
A crowd-funding campaign raised $35,000 to support the project, with much of the filming taking place in Bellbrae.
Natalee Kerr
